Eat Local Challenge

August is the "Eat Local Challenge" month here in Minnesota. We encourage you to take part. Check out the "the Minnesota Project" website (http://mnproject.org/food-whyeatlocal.html) for more details and links. Home gardens, community gardens, farmers markets, community supported agriculture initiatives (CSAs) and natural food co-ops are all great options for local food. Just think of all the wonderful heirloom varieties bursting with flavor and nutrients right around the corner. Eat local, eat happy!

Peas and Thank You

One of our gardeners donated her entire CSA box this week for us to deliver to Lewis House, so most of our Thursday harvest went to the food shelf. Thank you, Pat!

Our peas and lettuce have been producing in abundance! Lettuce has been replanted twice already - so we won't complain about the cool summer. How about lettuce and pea salad? Saute fresh peas in some olive oil, stir in baby lettuce long enough to wilt, add your favorite fresh herbs (we're growing thyme, oregano, dill, chives - but herbs are a matter of taste, aren't they?) and throw a little salt and pepper on.

Can't keep a good Dill down

We are not lacking in dill this year. It has happily rooted itself throughout the annual side of our garden and is flourishing right along side the pumpkins, squash, eggplant, carrots, broccoli... The funny thing is we didn't even plant dill this year. Luckily, it has lovely colorful blossoms and we can eat it, too!

Spot the toad

Can you find Mr. Toad in these photos? Click on the photos for a closer look.

Many people may not know this, but toads are actually good for a garden. They eat an amazing number of pesky insects. Surprisingly, they also eat slugs and snails (yuck). The majority of insects you would normally use chemical insecticide sprays to get rid of are what make up Mr. Toad's normal diet. You're friendly neighorhood toad can save you money and save your health.

Sharing the Harvest

Too many beans, tomatoes, or zucchini? Donate to a local shelter or food shelf.

Apples, plums, or cherries just falling to the ground and rotting in your yard? Join the Fruits of the City - Fruit Gleaning project or again donate to a local shelter or food shelf. The best part about the Fruit Gleaning project is that they coordinate volunteers to harvest the fruit and get the fruit to those in need.

So do you have a tree that needs picking? Sign up a tree

Would you like to volunteer as a gleaner? Sign yourself up

Garden Babies

The babies are here! This Summer has been a bit cooler (which I have to admit I like) but that also means it takes a little bit longer for the garden to mature. But that is okay with us. We love our babies. Check out our beautiful little eggplant, melon, pumpkin, and zucchini. Aren't they adorable!

Happy Bugs

While the primary purpose of the garden is to produce food, it has also proven to be a veritable oasis for happy bugs. What a better way to spend a sunny Sunday afternoon than having a swim and a snooze in the shade?