Urban Farm School

As much as we’d like to think we can control all the aspects of our gardens – heirloom varieties, organic seeds, natural pest control, cold frames, etc, we can not control the weather. It has been a long, cold spring and the garden is reflecting its struggle in the lack of output. Although frustration is high on many garden fronts this year, don’t fret. The garden always seems to rebound when we least expect it.

Keep at it!

Take the time now while the harvest is lean to prepare for the busy season. Erradicate weeds and pests by spending 5 minutes a day in the garden. Get your canning kitchen together by sorting chipped jars, bent/rusted rings out of the mix. Dedicate a shelf or a rolling cart to all the supplies you will need for preservation – undate your pectin supply, vinegars, dried herbs and chile peppers, lemon juice, and recipes. Purchase new canning lids, marking pens, and check your freezer container supply. Clean out the freezer and resort your canning pantry to evaluate what you will need to can more of this year. Check for any jars that have spoiled and dispose of them properly. Thoroughly clean all shelving, your canners, jars, rings, and canning utensils.

The garden will catch up and being prepared for it when it does will enable you to better preserve your bounty. Share your time and harvest with friends by planning a jam, pie filling, or pickling party! One of the greatest things about gardens is their ability to bring gardeners together around a table of delicious food.

The latest Dirty Dozen List has been released and there are some new surprises on it this time ’round, in that there are two items that haven’t been on the list before. The Dirty List are those foods sold commercially that after processing, washing and preparing at home still have large amounts of trace pesticides within the skin and flesh. These are the fruits and vegetables that you want to purchase organic or substiture for something else. As we enter the seasons of bounty in our region keep in mind the dirty list. Below are the the top 12 from most pesticide residue to least of the worst:

#1 Celery
#2 Peaches
#3 Strawberries (especially foreign)
#4 Apples
#5 Blueberries (NEW to the list)
#6 Nectarines
#7 Bell Peppers
#8 Spinach (NEW on the list)
#9 Kale
#10 Cherries
#11 Potatoes
#12 Grapes (especially foreign)

Notice that most of the items listed are things that can be grown in your own backyard or those that are available regionally. When planning your annual trip to the berry patch or your weekly jaunt to the farmstand or farmer’s market keep the dirty list in mind and ask questions. One of the most valuable pieces of local farmers is the ability to have a converstation with them and letting them know what you want.

The 15 rated lowest in pesticide residue (although not petroleum-based fertilizers) in order of least pesticide residue are:
onions, avacado, sweet corn, pineapple, mango, asparagus, sweet peas, kiwi, cabbage, eggplant, papaya, watermelon, broccoli, tomato, and sweet potato.

This is the time of year that all the local plant sales appear. Listed below are a few of the area plant sales in the coming weeks. Keep your eyes out for plant sales in your area, neighbors, garden clubs, elementary schools, and churches often hold plant sales through May.

Columbia River High School Plant Sale
Herbs, Veg, Annuals, Perennials, and more
May 7, 9am to 4pm and May 8, 10am to 3pm

Ridgefield Highschool Plant Sale
Annuals, Perennials, Baskets, and more
May 7, 9am to 5pm and May 8, 9am to 3pm

Camas Mother’s Day Sale
Plant, Garden, and Informational Vendors
May 8, 9am to 4pm, Downtown Camas

Master Gardener’s Plant Sale
Perennials, Trees, Shrubs, Annuals, Veg
KNOW WHAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR BEFORE YOU GO
May 8, 9am to 4pm and May 9, 10am to 3pm
1919 NE 78th Street, Vancouver (the old poor farm)