Produce exchange this weekend

By Bree Rowe

I’m afraid my green thumbs have turned a blue hue. I thought that I would be “clever” in my new garden and follow the planting timetable of Stephanie Alexander. For example plant four leeks every six weeks, three broccoli every four weeks etc, so as you have a constant supply of fresh delicious home veg and no glut.  Sounds plausible.

However … my seedlings haven’t grown an inch. I can understand completely, I’m often too cold to get out of bed in the morning myself, so how can I expect any different as I listen to their chattering little side shoots.  But this isn’t putting veggies on my plate; and I will still be left with the usual glut of everything ripening at the same time. Very profitable for the Produce Exchange though.

The Produce Exchange is on again this Sunday. For those whose green thumbs haven’t been eaten by frost bite, it would be wonderful to see you there. It is very simple and fun. Bring along any excess produce that you may have, be it freshly picked, preserved, wrapped or potted. Place your fare on the Exchanging Tables; grab a black board, jot down your name and what you have donated, and then simply stand back.  Catch up with some Exchanging Mates while you wait for the 11:00am Exchange Off then dig in.

People ask what happens if we don’t have anything to exchange. Easy, once the exchange is completed, help yourself to what you like and make a donation to the SES of what you feel the produce is worth. Win/win for all. Then next time you have an abundance of something, pop in and join the Exchange.

Hope to see you all at the Farmer’s Market, 11 o’clock on Sunday. I have some Bearded Iris tubers to swap. Stay cozy and enjoy the rest of your week.