Comments on: Having Vegetables When You Can’t Grow Your Own

By: Keeping Costs Down in a Real Food Kitchen

Keeping Costs Down in a Real Food Kitchen — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 11:01:45 +0000

[...] I love my farmer’s market. Going there and seeing the foods makes me so happy. Did you know that if you go by the farmer’s market right before it closes for the day you’re likely to get a better deal? Sometimes the farmers don’t want to take home their leftover bounty and so they’re willing to sell it at a discounted rate. Yes, a lot of the good stuff is gone – but if you’re not picky, you can get some good stuff for very cheap! [...]

By: Willow

Willow — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 17:02:08 +0000

We have had great success getting lots of veggies from Amish food auctions. There are two 2 1/2 hrs away from us in two different directions. Great fresh food, GREAT prices and LOTS of it that require sharing or canning or a bit of both :)

By: An Easy and Frugal Way to Preserve Zucchini

An Easy and Frugal Way to Preserve Zucchini — Mon, 17 Sep 2012 11:03:21 +0000

[...] will likely notice that zucchini grows by the many. There is also never a shortage at your local farmer’s market or CSA. I use my zucchini to make zucchini bread and I also throw it into soups and stews as a nice [...]

By: Kristin Hainline

Kristin Hainline — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 19:12:18 +0000

Hi!

I was actually just hoping to find out which local parks you go to to pick the wild blackberries? I haven't lived in Modesto for very long, so it's been difficult for me to find them!

By: Christina

Christina — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 13:45:13 +0000

I found localharvest.org through Good Cheap Eats and signed up for a CSA. It has been an interesting experience. I chose an organic farm and the cost came down to about $30 per week for a 1 1/4 bushel box of organic produce. Much cheaper than I can get that much produce at the local grocery store. We are getting to try things we have never tried before like Kale, turnips, swiss chard. My children (and husband) aren't always happy to see the new veggies on their plates. But it is fun discovering what we do and do not like. My husband has recently declared that peas are no longer his least favorite veggie. The honor now goes to beets which our 7 year old and I love. :-) Today my goal is to make Kale chips, blue potato salad, and a small batch of picked beets to use up some of our produce before I pick up my next box.

By: Gail

Gail — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 23:26:52 +0000

Up until 7 years ago, I lived in CA - 47 years years. I now miss the citrus trees loaded with fruit and yes, I took it for granted. But I never grew anything; and didn't know anyone who did. With produce so plentiful and so cheap - including organic - I never even thought about it.
Then I moved to The South 7 years ago. Most everyone has a garden and 'puts up' their bounty. I became absolutely enchanted! And most everyone knows how to can and do all sorts of amazing things! So, I had to learn to grow something. Anything! Luckily, I found the book, "The All New Square Foot Gardening" by Mel Bartholomew and read it cover to cover. A wonderful book - not only for the easiest, most SUCCESSFUL way to garden; but also how one man had a vision and blessed so many people - INTERNATIONALLY. What a mission! http://www.amazon.com/All-New-Square-Foot-Gardening/dp/1591862027/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1341271267&sr=1-1&keywords=mel+bartholomew
My little 3 foot garden has kept me supplied of kale, swiss chard and arugula; and in pots I have grown herbs, tomatoes, and jalapenos.

I also belong to a Co-op (remember, Stacy, when I mentioned getting the best almonds?); and I also belong to a CSA. I don't get to go to the Farmer's Market as I don't like driving, but there are a few mini-stands here locally that I visit.
Also, a friend grows some things and shares with me while I make her my 'famous' muffins and bring some kale chips! So, we trade! Works for me!

When it comes to good, organic produce, I'll find a way to have my veggies and eat 'em, too! LOL

By: JD

JD — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 20:21:22 +0000

I am in the same unfortunate club. I somehow have managed to kill $18 worth of herbs and have one tomato plant that I refer to as the tomato plant of shame. Poor thing. It is having a lingering death and I feel horrible. I have no idea what I did wrong but I did and have the ugly proof to show for it! If you don't believe me I can send the morbid picture but trust me, you don't want to see it.

By: Having Vegetables When You Can’t Grow Your Own |

Having Vegetables When You Can’t Grow Your Own | — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 11:01:38 +0000

[...] while our veggies wither and die a horrible death in the back yard.Fear not! Follow me on over to Keeper of the Home where I’m going to tell you exactly how I procure veggies…no thievery involved. Read [...]

By: Naomi

Naomi — Sat, 30 Jun 2012 11:43:21 +0000

CSA's are great, especially organic ones, not only do you get amazing produce but you get to meet amazing people and form relationships that last a lot longer than the vegetables :)

By: JennErin

JennErin — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 13:28:49 +0000

Also devlope a relationship with someone who does grow things well! I grow stuff(mostly root crops), but I bake & sew. I trade for stuff. Like today 2 bushels of pole beans for 6 loaves of wheat bread. or 2 pie pans of cinnamon rolls for 5 pounds of blueberries. Last week I took up 5 pairs of pants in trade for 2 gallons raw milk!

Never fear, there is always something you can do that someone else can't. Likewise there is always something someone else can do that you can't.