GREENHOUSE GOES AHEAD!

After a slight delay the crew arrived on Monday to begin the construction of the new gutter connected greenhouse.  The crew of four are specialized workers who just erect greenhouses for CGS, the Ontario company that designed and assembled the greenhouse.  Their local supplier and sales representatives are with Halifax Seed Company in Halifax and we have worked closely with Vincent Dieras to get just what we want and need.  Although the area is closed off there are a number of good vantage points for you to catch a glimpse of the activity.  If you just walk up the hill using the walkway that originally got you to the greenhouse area you can see what they are up to and how things are progressing.  We pray for good weather, and sunny skies!

In This Issue:
A BULB PLANTING WEEKEND?
APPLES
SQUASH
PRODUCE THIS WEEK
WEEKEND HOURS

A BULB PLANTING WEEKEND?

A perfect Thanksgiving weekend activity is gardening – and now is the time to get bulbs in the ground.  There are lots of bulbs available at the Market.  We have selected bulbs that are less tempting to the deer.  You will find our tulip selection is dramatically reduced and we have expanded our offerings of daffodils, alliums, scilla, crocus and hyacinths.  We held a very successful bulb planning workshop with 25 people in attendance.  We are hopeful that everyone will be inspired to plant a few more bulbs to give us that vibrant shot of color in March, April and May!

Remember to use bonemeal when planting your bulbs.  The other very simple rule of thumb is to plant the bulbs 2-3x the height of the bulb.  For example, if the bulb is 1-1/2” in height, then the bulb should be planted 3-4.5” deep or 7.5-11.25cm.  If the bulbs are not planted deeply enough you may find your bulbs scattered on top of the ground as spring approaches.  Sometimes are winters get warm enough for the ground to thaw and refreeze, this forces the bulbs out of the ground during the winter.  Something you want to avoid.

APPLES

The harvest continues to come in.  We have beautiful apples ready for pies or fresh eating.  The best choices for pies right now are the Gravensteins and the Cortlands.  If you are wanting baked apples pick a King.  These are large in size and stay nice and firm once baked with brown sugar, butter and nuts!  Cox Orange is an old favorite for fresh eating and of course the star of fresh eating right now is the Honeycrisp.  This apple is very large in size!  Peter calls it the “sharing apple” because you need to share it with someone because of its size.  The Honeycrisp is very crunchy and crisp, with a sweet taste with a hint of pear.  This apple was introduced several years ago and quickly gained popularity to the point people now specifically ask for the variety by name.  If you haven’t tried it then please do. 

SQUASH

This is a big week for squash sales with Thanksgiving celebrated on the weekend.  We have buttercup, butternut, acorn, and some golden hubbard. Try oven roasting squash brushed with olive oil and seasoned with salt and pepper.  Acorn squash is best roasted for 45 minutes at 425 degrees.  Very sweet and moist!  A little bit of balsamic vinegar mixed with maple syrup drizzled over the top is ‘out of this world’ for flavour.

PRODUCE THIS WEEK

The cauliflower and broccoli are excellent this week.  The cooler fall conditions are ideal for these cole crops!  We have everything for your holiday dinner table – cranberries, squash, carrots, turnip, onions and potatoes.  We have Nova Scotia grown summer savory for the turkey stuffing and sugar pie pumpkins for the pie to top off the feast. 

WEEKEND HOURS

            Friday, October 9                     8:30am-8pm

            Saturday, October 10               8:30am-8pm

            Sunday, October 11                 8:30am-8pm

            Monday, October 12                8:30am-7pm

Our Thanksgiving Wish…

            The colors around the farm are not quite at there peak but by the weekend we expect the colors to be fantastic.  The harvest is almost complete and will be finished up by the weekend.  This is the time we think of the harvest and bounty of our farms but also of the many blessings in our lives.

            We are thankful for the wonderful customers who walk through our door every day.  We have developed many friendships with you over the years and are very appreciative of our “Market family” including our loyal and dedicated staff.  At this time Peter and I have much to be thankful for – our families, our health and our safe, peaceful community.  We offer you our sincere THANKS and wish you a fun and happy long weekend. 

                                                                                                Elspeth