Garden 2017

With a LED grow light, tomatoes were started indoor several weeks ago with good results. Now set out into the warm sunshine outdoors. Seeds started in Grodan Rock wool grow plugs and placed into the lava rock net pots. A small heating pad was used. Some buds already forming.

Already the need for trellising.

5 sites for tomato and one for greens, at right. Tomatoes are a mix of  Burpee and High Mowing Organic small container sized tomatoes, same as last year.

The PVC pipe constructed tomato tower. Better than the rigging I had in the past. Let’s see if they get to the top , 7 ft height.

Setup is hydroponic DWC , 6 site. Easy to tend to , no watering or weeding required (just the mixing of nutrients and changing periodically).

The small 12 site NFT system also in the works for greens under construction.

hydroponics summer/fall

This year the outdoor  hydroponics consisted mostly  of cherry tomatoes, Burpee and High Mowing organic Bartelly F1, three plantings, though I did not track how many from each variety. Late start as they require warmer temperatures possibly a heat mat to germinate than other varieties of greens I had grown from  seeds. This was the answer though as to a better variety to grow hydroponically compared to last year as they produced grapevine like clusters of tomatoes. Trellising needs to be improved, not tall enough to support the height of the tomatoes, some stems folded and split and leafs became mottled. Late in the season trimmed lower leaves as it’s probably close the end of the growing season (outdoor). the most recent pick some were more sweeter than others but the fact the they are still growing and ripening is a plus. may also benefit from some type of trellis/plastic wrap for cool weather protection.

Overall a big improvement from last year variety of tomato

 

 

Let’s hit the road!

Off the the farmers market we go, not exactly the best choice for a Sunday, the bulk of the Farmer’s Markets locations are set up  Saturday and during the week.

First stop Slater Park Farmers Market. 

Que up to the fresh fruit and veggies, broccoli crowns, cucumbers, zucchini, onions and the like available some priced by each and some by the pound. Didn’t get to note all the prices but the corn is 75 cents per ear. Cauliflower $4 each, carrots $2/lb, cukes $1 ea, green peppers $1 ea.

Specialty items available, Sacred Cow Granola and the Honey Shop. The vendors  there  offer tasting samples and an abundance of information on their products. Items considered pricey compared to store brands, but a farm to table product, a part of the cost is to support the local craft people and farmers. I couldn’t afford to shop these products often but occasionally it’s worth a purchase to taste and use these products in a recipe. The apple cider vinegar for example, will make an excellent vinaigrette dressing for greens by simply adding olive oil.

Next we’re off to the SEMAP,South eastern Massachusetts Agricultural Partnership farmers market Stony Creek Farm in Swansea.

Again for a Sunday not a big gathering but a few booths, here on an actual farm site.

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ…………………

Sunday Drive

The weather isn’t really cold yet.

Apple picking IMHO is better done in sweater weather, but, if the orchids call, fresh pressed cider to confirm the beginning of fall is flowing.

A Rhode trip to the northern part of the state. The foliage is just barely starting to turn not ready for the hard core leaf peepers yet.

If the orchid also has bakery treats, then all the better for the family sweet tooth(s).

Not only do you have your choice of apples, but your choice of the many orchids that have apples/fruits available.

Apple strudels and other pastries.

I had a taste of the apple strudel, very flaky.

one gallon and 1/2 gallon of cider.

one gallon to ferment, the other to drink.

The best apple cider taste, full body and mouth feel, deep red brown color.

As the saying goes, once you taste this cider you’ll have a standard to judge all other ciders.

One of the many other orchids along the way.

Back in the city, a stop a Del’s..

The Mrs. , official pastry taster …

Cider and apple stash..

Rhode Island Greening, Macintosh, Opalescent .

Some “B” grade apples were available, others are full size and top grade.

Pick your own also available.

When the garden gives you peppers…

typical pepper and egg sandwich,

  
Diced fried peppers… With salt and pepper.

  
Open faced on toast..  

With egg and cheddar… Simply rustic..

Labor Day weekend

photos yesterday

Fast food stop

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Candy store

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 Wrights dairy farm and bakery, North Smithfield, RI.

Parking lot at Wright’s farm, bakery was busy at this time.

Bakery purchases …sweets for the sweet tooth

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Farmers market , T. Johnson Farms , MA. and store purchases.   Fruits of labor 🍅🍎🍐🍑    ❤️😎