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End of the season?! Strategies for next year

Posted at 2:20 PM on September 26, 2008 by April Luginbuhl (1 Comments)

I'm so disappointed that the farmer's market ends the first of October and the CSA just a couple of weeks after that. I guess I'll have to go back to the grocery for easy access to local apples and squash, if they carry them. I'll try and make the time for longer trips to the markets that are still open, but I know I won't be able to do that every week.

It's been a busy time for me, and in the last couple of weeks I've made a few locavore discoveries. The first, I'm sad to admit, is that I learned in the last two weeks that grapes are in season. I am ashamed to admit I didn't know when grapes were in season since the ones from Chile seem to always be ready to eat. I feel that I should have known given that my grandparents have grapes, but I guess I never paid attention. I like that when you eat local there is always something new to learn about food. I'm spoiled on these grapes though. The flavor is wonderful, and there is something genuine about a grape with seeds.

Oh, and I grew 3 tomatoes between my 5 tomato plants- good thing I found a CSA! All of my plants have been woefully neglected this summer. I'm going to spend the winter planning out a yard full of veggies that I can maintain. I like the idea Autumn had of a fall garden and I might find a way to work that into the plan, especially to make up for the lack of markets within twenty minutes of my house in the fall! It might take a few years to implement the whole plan, but now that I know what to expect from the CSA, the market, and neighbors, I can plan what I need to continue to be a good locavore.

While I'm planning for next year, I have a few other food related projects to work on over the winter. I want to learn to can as well as to set up proper storage for root veggies and others that need to stay cool but not refrigerated. Both will help me stay local longer, and both are just a bit too complicated to work into my life right now. If anyone has tips or suggestions, I'm open to them.

Comments (1)

Our tomato plants produced a minimal amount, too. However, family and friends gave us more than we needed of both ripe and green tomatoes. One daughter gave us two cucumber plants which we kept in pots on our deck. We had an abundance of cukes and are still picking them, though they have slowed down.

Posted by Pat | October 6, 2008 8:43 PM