Tomato Time!

Just came back from a quick summer trip and I now have more tomatoes
than I know what to do with. Kaelyn had fun picking them with me and
she kept saying, "whoa!" as she spotted them. I'll bring a bunch to the next swap!

Todd

Mary's mystery fruit...

Brought from Swapper Mary to Canyonside Park for trading... but what is it? 

Interesting looking fruit, tastes sweet with an almost crunchy skin.

Turns out it's from a tree called Arbutus, aka Strawberry Tree.

Why Organic?

Upon reading recent articles from the Organic Consumers Association, I felt it necessary to express my opinion on the meaning of organics and the importance of CropSwapper.

I learned in a health class that it is best to grow your own foods organically, and that even a little bit is better than nothing. I know we are all busy with our family, work and other events that make it hard to tend to gardens. I don't even have that much space to support my family, only supplement a little bit. But I still believe in it. I look at my kids and the common sense kicks in regarding these "perfect" foods we get at the grocery store. Common sense like, "Why would I want to eat broccoli that a bug won't even eat?".  That makes no sense to me.

I knew ten years ago that the organic movement would create greed in the corporate world and effect the quality of organic foods. I didn't mind paying the high price if it was quality food. However, the government keeps approving things that make it easier for companies to make money, yet compromise the quality of food we are eating. For example, GMO's, new "organic" pesticides, and very minimal visits to organic farms to verify they are truly practicing organic farming techniques.   

My point is that we cannot truly know what is put into our foods unless we do it ourselves. However, our societies norms keep us very busy, which makes it seem impossible to produce your own food, or at least a good quantity of it. This is one of the reasons we created CropSwapper. The only way to make a stand is to get involved and do it yourself. I'm not saying to pick up a picket sign and go to the streets, just be part of the quiet revolution and go to your backyard. Start with one tomato plant in a pot for Pete's sake.

I am not an activist, just a normal guy who demands the best for his family. I simply do what I can and try to teach my kids the best. That is what is happening at the CropSwapper meetings, as we are learning best practices in the garden as we go and doing our best. Come and get educated about organics, and teach me something too.

Anyway, enough ranting; that's just how I feel. I am trying to engage you in a conversation. Leave me a comment so I know what you think. See you at the next CropSwapper. 

 

Todd

CropSwapper

Dinner on the table from the swaps...

Bruschetta : Yellow Pear + Red Heirloom Tomatoes + Fresh Mint + Basil

Grilled Multiplier Onions + Scallions

Lemonade : Large Lemons and Fresh Mint

Grilled Veggies : Texas Gourd Seed Corn + Heirloom Red Carrots + Yellow Squash

Plant your Pumpkins

 With 109 days left until Halloween and 134 days until Thanksgiving, It's not too late to plant your pumpkins. Average time to harvest is 100-120 days depending on the variety. 

Limited Space?

I was flipping through one of my favorite books "Back to Basics" from Readers Digest. Here are some

 simple inexpensive ideas that can be used when space is limited. Using empty household containers is a great way to recycle and save money. I recommend the cardboard egg containers because you can cut up the container and plant the entire cup, which reduces damage to the roots. The cardboard will dissolve in the soil.  

Get creative with the unused "junk" that is just taking up space in your garage or attic. You can also go to your neighbors yard sale, a thrift store or even find some old pallets to reuse.

First meeting success...

A great time was had by all at our first Crop Swapper meetings. We traded some quality fruits, veggies, plants and exchanged ideas for better harvests. Besides bringing home a bounty to supplement our dinners for the week, the best part was getting to know our fellow gardeners. Talk about doing something for the environment and your family at the same time. You can't go any greener than fruits and veggies grown locally. It's fun and simple.  

We'll see you next week. Your goal is to recruit 1 new neighbor to the next meetings. Thanks for supporting! Come and learn something new, we did.

When Life Gives You Lemons...

Hello Everyone,

Just kicking back and enjoying a cold glass of lemonade made from some lemons I got at Monday's Crop Swapper! Here is a recipe from Grandma M. :

1 cup water
2/3 cup sugar
1 cup lemon juice

Add 1/3 cup of mix to 8-12 oz. of water per glass (to taste)
Enjoy!

See You @ the First Crop Swap!

Tonight and tomorrow will be the very first Crop Swap for both the Del Cerro and Rancho Penasquitos locations! We are very excited and hope that you show up to see who we are and what we are all about! Don't worry if you have a little or nothing, just come check us out!! We are counting on you to spread the word in your neighborhoods by picking up some flyers and sharing them with people you think would be interested.

Some Trouble

It appears that we won't be having homemade wine this year. All of my research tells me that the "Black Rot" has infested my grapes. Hopefully I'll be catching it soon enough and I can save the vines. I think so.  It appears that I might be able to treat the vines with pruning and the use of certain fungicides. This would have been the first year with enough grapes to make a little.... You know, you go through all that time and effort in propagating a small vineyard and for what? I am depressed. 

On a good note,

I planted some Texas Gourdseed corn in late February in anticipation of July 4th. Success!!

I gotta say that I figured my math to the tee(for once). These'll definitely be going on the BBQ. Maybe with some kind of spicy butter sauce or something.  I haven't decided on a recipe yet.... but it'll be good. 

Hey, if you know something good for grilled corn on the cob I'd love to hear it.