Spring is finally in full swing and the menu is starting to show it. After what seems like a long thirty day journey from seed, my salad greens are almost ready to venture from garden to table. I planted more variety this year in hopes of not burning everyone out on arugula and purple mustard, literally. I did not leave them out, but we will have some great colorful lettuces, Asian greens and a few bitter greens too. The green onions are ready and will be in a creamy salad dressing or aoli this weekend. It is so exciting having fresh vegetables out of the garden again after such a long cold winter. Spring is well deserved this year.
~
~
We are, again this year, working with other local farmers to procure tasty veggies as well. Tomatoes, believe it or not, are coming in for one of our suppliers already. Food From God has tomatoes that they started very early, then kept plants warm by circulating warm water around the roots. Sounds like a lot of work, but having vine ripened tomatoes this time of the year is such a treat. We will be serving these on salads this weekend and grilling some with asparagus for our Mother's Day Brunch. These are the same folks that make the delicious whole wheat rolls we serve too.
~
Our new comer this year is Purple Maize Farm. Karly and her crew have already been bringing us watercress, salad greens, baby bok choy, green onion and even edible flowers. They are located here in Dekalb County on Dry Creek. Purple Maize is also operating a CSA and might still be taking customers if you are close enough to pick up in Smithville. They are focusing on sustainably grown heirlooms and hard to find species of fruits and vegetables. I have been very impressed with everything they have produced so far. We are grateful to have them in our family of farms.
~
I am still trying to get the Evins Mill garden off and running but have not been aided with the timing of the rain or my lack of knowledge in tractor mechanics. As soon as it drys enough to plant, we will be setting organic tomatoes from The Herb Cottage, as well as lots of cucumbers. Due to popular demand, we are going to have to ramp up production of pickles this year, so as soon as they start coming in we will get to pickling. I am also going to try my hand at a more serious melon production; keep your fingers crossed. It will be worth it! We hope to see you soon to help us enjoy our Spring harvest.
