Cosmo spring garden 2023

[Cosmo spring garden]

If you grow a lot & already have people who know you, give thought to operating as a CSA (community supported agriculture). People subscribe, and pay you in advance for promises of whatever you grow that is in season. That would take some research up front, but would eliminate some of the guesswork inherent in a farmers market - you know that people already want what you are growing. That could even work in conjunction with the farmers market; you could bring CSA boxes with you for your subscribers to pick up there.


I've seen that here too, wholesalers trying to pass off shipped-in fruit & veggies as "local"... with all the chemicals that implies. I've even seen some local gardeners selling produce that was literally still coated with pesticide in questionable amounts. There is enough interest in local, and/or organic, and/or heirloom produce that you could likely find a lot of people interested in what you could offer. If you fill your CSA boxes with the same quality as you would expect from gift boxes, you'll keep people coming back for more.

Thank you!

 

[Cosmo spring garden]

Today we harvested onions. They did well! I'm very happy with the harvest. Some will be sold at farmers market, rest will be for our use.
I have also been preserving veggies. Yesterday I sliced up squash and loaded up the dehydrator. I make flour with it to use for baking bread. I can replace up to 1/4 of the total flour with squash flour and it turns out great.
I also canned garbanzo beans.
Today I am making sweet relish from the ball book. I love this stuff! I could eat it by thr spoonfuls 😂.
I have to collect cucumbers over several days to get enough for a recipe so next will be bread and butter pickles.
Today, I am making an old fashion potato salad to go with our dinner.

Happy 4th everyone!

 

[Cosmo spring garden]

If you grow a lot & already have people who know you, give thought to operating as a CSA (community supported agriculture). People subscribe, and pay you in advance for promises of whatever you grow that is in season. That would take some research up front, but would eliminate some of the guesswork inherent in a farmers market - you know that people already want what you are growing. That could even work in conjunction with the farmers market; you could bring CSA boxes with you for your subscribers to pick up there.


I've seen that here too, wholesalers trying to pass off shipped-in fruit & veggies as "local"... with all the chemicals that implies. I've even seen some local gardeners selling produce that was literally still coated with pesticide in questionable amounts. There is enough interest in local, and/or organic, and/or heirloom produce that you could likely find a lot of people interested in what you could offer. If you fill your CSA boxes with the same quality as you would expect from gift boxes, you'll keep people coming back for more.

I like the idea of CSA pick up at farmers market! I am definitely trying to find my niche .

 

[Cosmo spring garden]

Today was spent cleaning the house and making food! I made vegetarian version of smash burger tacos for lunch that was served with homemade salsa from the garden. Dinner is zucchini fritters, scalloped potatoes and probably garlic toast. And blueberry pie! We went to a local you pick blueberry patch. It was hot but lots of fun.

 

[Cosmo spring garden]

Greenhouse is turning in to a jungle! Clearly I didn't plan well but I am so thankful for the woven fabric! The beans actually have pods!
Our goats are growing and doing well! We have two boys and two girls. I can understand why people love nigerian dwarf goats.

 

[Dahlia]

Thank you, Steve!
So much amazing wisdom and tips in your post.
One of the vendors has 5 "hot houses" and he already had ripe tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, eggplants and squash. My plants just started producing cucs and squash. My tomatoes are still green and eggplant hasn't even flowered yet. He said he plants in March for may harvest (that's when markets open here). He gave us some good info and was very friendly. He does 5 markets a week! I can't imagine doing that many!
How many markets did you do?
I agree that people are used to what's available at the grocery store. I need to shake that up a bit 😂.
I will gladly take any and all tips you can share

Two of the things I like to buy at farmers markets are fermented foods like cortido and kimchi. Flowers are also fun!

 

[Dahlia]

Today was spent cleaning the house and making food! I made vegetarian version of smash burger tacos for lunch that was served with homemade salsa from the garden. Dinner is zucchini fritters, scalloped potatoes and probably garlic toast. And blueberry pie! We went to a local you pick blueberry patch. It was hot but lots of fun.

I love going to local farms to pick blueberries. I especially like the Chandler and Spartan varieties! Oh yum! The farms here allow you to snack on the blueberries while you pick!

 

[flowerbug]

... The farms here allow you to snack on the blueberries while you pick!

do they weigh you before and after?

 

[baymule]

Your garden is absolutely amazing! A greenhouse too! And goats! Oh, when the first kids are born, you will fall in love like never before. Then milking, cheese and all the goodness they bring. You are awesome!

 

[Dahlia]

do they weigh you before and after?

They should! Everyone probably eats at least a couple pounds while picking! Lol!