It’s hard to believe that our wet summer is over although it appears that the warm and wet conditions will continue through to April. This type of weather creates all sorts of challenges for our farmers. The fact that we don’t always know what fruit & veg will be at the market makes it quite exciting. It’s important to eat what is in season and what is grown in the area. Whilst most of the farms in the northern rivers grow similar produce I have been to one farm in Tyalgum that is able to grown kale successfully for much longer that his counterparts down the road. Each property is unique with its own soil type, positioning and farming methods.
Autumn planting has commenced and the likes of broccoli, cauliflower, snow peas and fennel are being planted for April harvesting. We’re lucky that one of our farmers is able to keep growing carrots, corn and eggplant throughout autumn.
Why not have a go at planting yourself. Kieran our seedling stallholder from One Organic has a nursery specialising in the propagation of organic seedlings, using traditional seed varieties. His stocks are propagated from open pollinated, non hybrid, non treated seed stock. They are a certified organic grower of Vegetables, Herbs, and Flowers using 100% natural and organic methods for the growth support and protection of seedlings. Available at his stall for March planting includes Amaranth, Beans, Cabbage, Carrots, Corn, Cucumbers, Dill, Fennel, Kale, Kohlrabi, Leeks, Lettuce, Mustards Greens, Radish, Rocket, Turnips. Kieran & I will be organising a gardening workshop at the market so watch this space!
Deb Fuller Market Manager
