Vegetable Gardening Part 2

Local resources will be the focus of this blog .  There is a wealth of information out there and searching about vegetable gardening is easier these days on the Internet.  A drawback however is that there is SO much information, where do you start?

The Master Gardeners has a series at the Palm Harbor Library.  There is a plant clinic every Wednesday at 10am.  You can bring any plant samples you might have questions about with you.  They also hold classes with the next one
being about butterfly gardens on May 10’Th at 2pm and 6:15pm.  Class size is limited; you can call to make a reservation at 727-582-2100.  Check the library website for future classes.

A good source for finding various projects, home gardeners and just lots of information is   Eric Stewart has a passion for local permaculture and sustainability.  In fact he started the project I now volunteer on and is always available to answer my questions.  A link to his website is here

Information on community gardens is limited and you have to filter through their websites to get the information.  Below are the links for 3 local community gardens that I know are still up and operating.

• Whinot Garden
• We Grow from here
• Dunedin Community Garden

Food Co-ops have been around for some time and making a come back of sorts.  Buying clubs are also springing up across the country.  There are a number of principles behind the co-op model.  Basically it comes down to a group forming an alliance with farmer to sell that farm's product line. 

Two local co-ops are forming alliances with local growers who have a
surplus from their garden.  You might also find other products beyond produce available for sale, such as honey and cottage industry products.

• Suncoast Co-Op (serves North Pinellas & West Pasco)
• Dunedin Harvest (serves the Dunedin area)

Facebook has a number of groups/pages as well.  Too many to list however.  Do a search and be ready for a flood.

Farmers markets are another source of local grown food and
they seem to be on the rise as well.  Most are on the weekends usually within an easy driving distance.  Do your homework when shopping at the any of the venues listed above. Do you want to buy only organically grown food?  If at a farmers market ask the vendor. 

To get certified as an organic farmer is a long and costly process.  Remember that when you see the price of certified organic produce.  You might also see or hear “practices organic growing”, while not certified you shouldn’t expect to pay the higher price of certified produce, but higher than your local grocery store.

Inspect all of the produce before buying at Farmers markets.  Has it been sitting around in the sun all day (get there early for the best selections obviously)?  Has it been harvested recently (ask if not sure), you can usually tell if the vendor has a canned answer?  

Be an informed consumer and purchase locally, if at all possible. Eat healthy and well.