   Farm Fresh Foods - June 23, 1999 Jeff Schalau, County Director, Agent, Agriculture & Natural Resources Arizona Cooperative Extension, Yavapai County We are fast approaching the peak season for fresh fruits and vegetables. When you grow your own foods, you are taking responsibility for yourself, being productive, getting exercise, and eating well. If you cannot grow your own food, then buy it from a local producer. This ensures fresh, ripe products and supports people that care about the land. For those of you that have been contemplating a summer garden, it's not too late. In the Verde Valley, you can still plant beans, broccoli, carrots, chard, collard, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, melons, mustard, okra, parsley, pumpkins, both winter and summer squash, and you might even try planting some more tomato plants. If you can't get to it now, then start preparing some ground for a fall/winter garden. The mild winters of the Verde Valley are perfect for growing Brussels sprouts, cabbage, more carrots, cauliflower, kale, onions (try Granex 1015 sweet onions), radish spinach, and turnips. Although it is not the ideal time for planting them, fruit trees also grow well in the Verde Valley. Apples, apricots, berries, cherries, grapes, nectarines, peaches, pears, plums, pomegranate, and other deciduous fruits do well here. If you look over your fence into the neighbor's yard, you may see some trees that they need "help" caring for. Many times, fruit trees produce more than one household can use. By offering to assist with the harvest, you may be offered part of the crop. In my neighborhood, we help the neighbors pick their apples, make applesauce and share it between us. I think everyone benefits from learning how to grow their own food, especially youth. Our world has disconnected too many of us from the land and natural systems. By planting a small plot into vegetables, you can experience, first-hand, the trials and rewards of being a farmer. You also begin to realize how important it is to understand soils, water, plant nutrition, insects (destructive and beneficial), and weather. A farmer is an artist, a scientist, and in many cases, a gambler. If you refuse to have your own garden, you can still enjoy many locally grown vegetables grown by your neighbors: the local producers. The Verde Valley has many small farms with roadside stands. Yavapai County also has two Farmer's Markets. Locally produced honey, beef, pork, and poultry are also available directly from producers. Buying these products supports our local economy and helps ensure a future for agriculture in our communities. One of the newest venues for purchasing fresh produce is the Camp Verde Farmer's Market. It will be open on Wednesday and Saturday mornings between 8:00 and 12:00 noon at the Fort Verde Plaza (across from Circle K at the "Y"). All producers are welcome to sell their produce/products for a modest stall fee. This is the first year for this market and I invite you to visit and support it. Each year the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, Yavapai County produces a brochure called Farm Fresh: Where and When to Buy Fresh Produce in Yavapai County. This year's brochure features fifteen Yavapai County farms that you can visit and buy fresh produce as well as the two Farmer's Markets. Also included are phone numbers, information on crop available and a general harvest calendar. You may request your free Farm Fresh brochure by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to Yavapai County Cooperative Extension, 2657 E. Village Dr., Cottonwood, AZ 86326 or by visiting that office and requesting it. The University of Arizona Cooperative Extension has publications and information on crop varieties and planting dates. If you have other gardening questions, call the Master Gardener line in the Cottonwood office at 646-9113 or E-mail us at mgardener@kachina.net and be sure to include your address and phone number. |