"This rutabaga is divine!"
There actually isn't any rutabaga in this post, but that is what Josh said, in order to mock me and my fresh veggies.
I've decided, that for various reasons, some beyond my control, I am a failure at the container gardening. I imagined yummy-fresh delights blossoming on my patio, but that was not to be. I've read two books this summer recommending buying produce at local Farmer's Markets and joining CSAs. The big Farmer's Market is in downtown Phoenix, which is about a 40 minute drive from my house. My sister and I went on a Wednesday (which is apparently 1/8 the size it is on Saturday) and found a few interesting things. I figured that there really couldn't be any CSAs around here, considering the atrocious weather, but my Google search sent me to Desert Roots Farms. I quickly emailed them and soon had my check sent out to them, today I picked up my first bag!
This is what was in my 1/2 share:
1 Cantaloupe
2 ears of corn
4 large tomatoes
7 Roma tomatoes
2 small eggplant
1 bunch of sweet basil
2 garlic
1 large yellow onion
1 large Armenian cucumber
The only thing that worries me right now is that I am on the 'Survivor' diet (aka RICE) and can't eat much of anything. I'm going to figure out how I can cook and freeze/can as much as I can and give the rest away. I think I'll try to pickle the cucumber so I can enjoy it later.
I highly recommend everyone try to go as local as possible, there are SO MANY reasons why it is beneficial (economic, environment, healthy, etc.). My AZ friends should head to the Phoenix Farmer's Market and/or join this great CSA! I pay about $18 a week (for a half share) and pickup down the street. It's easy, fun, and FRESH!
I've decided, that for various reasons, some beyond my control, I am a failure at the container gardening. I imagined yummy-fresh delights blossoming on my patio, but that was not to be. I've read two books this summer recommending buying produce at local Farmer's Markets and joining CSAs. The big Farmer's Market is in downtown Phoenix, which is about a 40 minute drive from my house. My sister and I went on a Wednesday (which is apparently 1/8 the size it is on Saturday) and found a few interesting things. I figured that there really couldn't be any CSAs around here, considering the atrocious weather, but my Google search sent me to Desert Roots Farms. I quickly emailed them and soon had my check sent out to them, today I picked up my first bag!
This is what was in my 1/2 share:
1 Cantaloupe
2 ears of corn
4 large tomatoes
7 Roma tomatoes
2 small eggplant
1 bunch of sweet basil
2 garlic
1 large yellow onion
1 large Armenian cucumber
The only thing that worries me right now is that I am on the 'Survivor' diet (aka RICE) and can't eat much of anything. I'm going to figure out how I can cook and freeze/can as much as I can and give the rest away. I think I'll try to pickle the cucumber so I can enjoy it later.
I highly recommend everyone try to go as local as possible, there are SO MANY reasons why it is beneficial (economic, environment, healthy, etc.). My AZ friends should head to the Phoenix Farmer's Market and/or join this great CSA! I pay about $18 a week (for a half share) and pickup down the street. It's easy, fun, and FRESH!