I got an email today from the director of the new community gardens in my town. They have 20x20 plots for $20. The co-op will plow and till, as well as having water available. It's really tempting to have some additional space to grow some of those big space hogs.
I got another email from the same guy, who also heads up the farmer's market in my town. He is a professor at the University in my town and a big proponent of the slow/local food movement. The Farmer's Market started 2 years ago with a big success to start, followed by some major slowing. That would be expected in my mind. However, this same man became overwhelmed when the original market manager quit and there were significant issues with follow up managers. Last year, in it's second season, the market had few vendors and even fewer customers. He got fed up and cancelled it after a few weeks. I know that overwhelmed feeling well.
So, here I sit. I now have more time than I've ever had to devote to the things that I love. If you hadn't noticed, I'm a bit passionate about food. Particularly local, organic, sustainable food. It's been a few months since I put the kids into school and I'm starting to get a bit antsy. Granted, I'll be knee deep in gardening in a few months, but will still have lots more time to devote to something. I'm really wanting to get involved in the market. I would love to see it become successful. I would love to see more people have an interest in where their food comes from.
My plan is to go to the meeting in 2 weeks and offer my help. I'm really excited to see what will need doing. It's so exciting to know that I can now become more active in my interests. The future is a wonderful thing full of promise. It is also full of work to be done. Lets get to work!
8 comments:
I guess I'm lucky to have some nice options for farmers markets. I'm surrounded by them. They aren't huge by any means, but not a bad size. I can get just about anything I want. Not everything, but most things.
Hmmmm. . .I think I'd tell you to enjoy your free time---once spring comes, you'll be going full-steam ahead with all you have to do with your own garden and chickens.
But, this is coming from someone who can never say now to a great idea. ; ) Take my advice with a healthy grain of salt.
(and P.S. I miss seeing you around!)
I've really loved being a vendor at my farmer's market and it's one of the greatest way to be connected with people, farmers and other food producers.
Maybe you could feel it out, without committing to see if it's something you're interested in?
Wow, what an opportunity to have a gardening plot. I hope you go for it to have more room to grow. I get sad when people do use farmer's markets. The one by us are great!! People should support their local farmers.
Wonderful opportunities. Both are important and worthwhile. I wish we had a better, closer Farmers Market. Even though I try to grow as much as I can, there are things I would have bought last year to preserve, things I don't have going for myself yet. It's also a great opportunity for gardeners and farmers! I suspect you will really enjoy being involved.
Daphne, we have a few, but need more. Most don't even know they exist.
Christina, I'm going to try to not take on too much. I have issues with that though. :) I miss you too!
Locavore family, I'm really hoping to make a lot of connections. That is actually the biggest draw for me. My garden provides just about everything I need in season.
Meemsnyc, I'm really thinking about it. I don't want to take a plot from someone who really needs it though.
Leigh, there are always things I can't grow myself. The markets are a lot of fun, they have lots of things other than produce as well.
get the plot and get involved in the farmer's market too. these are two things that you would love, so, why not? if you succeed help the farmer's market, this is gonna be a great thing for your community. and for yourself. go for it, girl!!!
jenny
Which one will let you make the biggest difference to the real food movement? You could mentor others at the garden but at the market you could impassion people who aren't even gardening yet. And then you could buy those space hogs there. Either way you win. What wonderful options! I know you will make a HUGE difference. xo Annette
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