Friday, November 28, 2008

Another Winter Shopping Option

Although the Oak Park Winter Market is probably more convenient to most of Chicagoland this Saturday, there is also another fine shopping option Saturday and all winter long, the Heritage Prairie Market in Elburn, Illinois.

(NB: No Green City Market this weekend, but a full schedule of Green City Markets all December. And there's always the Geneva superstore on Saturdays all winter.)

On the Heritage Prairie web site, they show what a farmer can do in this winter climate:
The season of Winter
Fall seemed to saunter in and out in a hurry, and we've changed gears into winter farming. Even as snow begins to accumulate on the ground, vegetables keep coming. At this point in winter season, there isn't much light or heat for growing. Beds of spinach and leeks outside won't get bigger but will continue to be harvested through Christmas and after. Inside our four moveable houses are carrots, scallions, kale, and a variety of salad greens. Root crops like beets and storage radishes have all been harvested and will keep for months in cold storage. Raspberries and other fruit trees were planted, along with next year's garlic. This season has also been one of stewardship for the land. Ted, Mike, and Katie have spent time amending the soil with dried leaves (to improve soil structure of heavy clay soil) and gypsum (to provide calcium to balance our heavy magnesium soil). On a side note, the farm team is already choosing side for the HPM Hockey teams. Pre-season training is happening now, as we wait weather cold enough to keep our new ice rink frozen. Look for more details to come as temperatures drop!

A representative from Heritage Prairie was at Green City Market the other day. He had a list of available produce. Pretty good! Here's some highlights:
  • Arugula
  • Cavolo Nero
  • Beets
  • Fennel
  • Chard
  • Lettuces

I have a feeling this winter will be even easier to eat local.

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