Garden Fresh

Mercurial Spring brings every kind of weather from hot sun to rain, frost and even snow! Despite the temperature changes there are finally things we can start eating from the garden. Here are some things we have been harvesting and eating from Local's garden.

                                                Rhubarb
One of the first plants to emerge in the garden, rhubarb is a cool season, perennial plant that is very winter hardy and grows well in the Methow Valley. It is a beautiful plant with thick red stalks and large, dark green leaves.  Historically, rhubarb has been used for thousands of years by the Chinese as a medicinal herb and digestive aid. The edible part of the plant is the stalk, the leaves are poisonous, and should not be consumed. There are many ways to cook rhubarb from slicing it to put in crisps, pies and muffins to making rhubarb sauce and jams. Here at Local we have been enjoying transforming the ruby red stalks into a liquid concentrate to add to lemonade or to summer cocktails. Simply slice the stalks into medium small pieces and put into a pot with a little bit of water at the bottom (just enough to prevent scorching). Cook the stalks until they are soft and juicy, about 40 min. Put a colander over a bowl to catch liquid, transfer rhubarb and juice into colander. Do not press, simply let sit overnight till all the liquid has strained into bowl. Sugar the concentrate to taste, enjoy! In need of a rhubarb plant? Local still has some beautiful rhubarb starts to add to your garden.



                         Greens

Delicate but hardy, lettuce, spinach, kale, arugula, mizuna and tat soi are just some of the delicious greens that are able to withstand the spring weather. There is nothing better than to walk out to your garden to pick fresh salad for your meal. Greens will produce for you all summer long and into the fall  and require minimal effort. Here's the trick to keep the leafy greens coming: every two weeks reseed your greens. Plant new seeds every two weeks for endless, abundant supply of greens to last you till the fall. Local will have seeds available throughout the summer to supply your garden needs.


Eggs

It is our personal belief here at Local that no backyard garden is complete without at least a few feathered friends. Chickens and ducks compliment the garden by not only providing you with fresh, delicious and nutritious eggs but also manure, and pest control.  Chicks are available in the spring from the feed store and will start producing eggs for you in about 9 months, and manure for you right away.  Here at Local we add the straw that has been in the chicken coop and peppered with chicken droppings into our garden enriching the nutrient level of our soil. As well our favorite garden past time is to watch chickens sprinting about catching grasshoppers and other garden pests. If you need to commune with a couple feathered friends please come visit the chickens that live in Local's garden.


Garden Season 2013 Has Begun and Local is Here to Get You Started!




Creating your own backyard food oasis can be easier than you think. Putting in a garden and enjoying it's tasty returns always follows a seasonal rhythm - and now it is the season to begin! As the weather warms and you're ready to plant, we can help you source your vegetable seeds, starts and garden supplies so your garden is as bountiful as possible. Stop in and see us Monday - Friday 9 to 5 and Saturday 9 to 3 or call us at 509-997-0978.  Happy planting!

                                                     
 It's Time To Plant Asparagus!
Right now we've got bare root asparagus crowns in stock ready for planting! These 'Jersey Knight' youngsters will reward you over time with bountiful harvests of tender & delicious spears. If you've been thinking about growing your own asparagus patch, now is the time to act! Crowns are only $1.25 each! Hurry, quantities are limited!


                                         And Time To Plant Onions, Too!
Onions enjoy the cool of late April and early May and like to get off to the races early! We've stocked our bins with many varieties of storage and sweet onions ready to be planted. Enjoy them in fresh dishes throughout the summer and tuck the rest away for the winter pantry.




            Remember To Leave Room For Potatoes!
Early settlers in the Methow held to a rule of thumb - plant potatoes when the dandelions bloom. The yellow flowers are out and our burlap bags of tubers are beginning to empty - don't miss your chance to add these staple gems to your table!



                                Tuck In Some Strawberry Plants!
We've got the perfect addition to any garden space - everbearing strawberries! Plant a few or put in a row and they'll make berries this year, producing right up through early autumn frosts.




A Meeting in Your garden
Here's the perfect answer to all your gardening questions! Right now Local 98856 is offering a Spring Special - an hour meeting in your own garden space to address your site specific questions, problems, issues & ideas. The focus is you and cost is only $65. Call us at 509-997-0978 or contact us here to make an appointment.

Let us help you plant a backyard food oasis. It's easy with our bare root offer!



Follow us through a season of possibility and we'll show you how to plant a food oasis in your backyard! One of the best things about living a local life is the food - not only is it flavorful and fresh, its superior nutritional quality leads to better health. And the better you feel, the better you live.
  • It's easy. Just pick your favorites from our bare root selection
  • Contact us here or call us at 509-997-0978 
  • Pick up your plants on April 20 at our Twisp location


Choose from our varieties of bare root trees, shrubs & plants that are sure to bear an abundance of food crops for you, yours and the birds & wildlife that share your outdoor spaces.


We're kicking off spring with a chance for you to win a $50 gift certificate in our garden store!

See the details in our Thinking about Spring newsletter and enter today! Drawing will be held on April 1 and one lucky winner will stock up on plants and products for the backyard garden!

WINTER

Winter in the Methow Valley finds our thoughts still in the garden, planning for the spring season just around the corner. We're talking with our vendors about new products and plant varieties as well as the old favorite standbys, and are making our orders for the products that will help you create a successful 2013 garden.  Look for our spring e-newsletter in early March to get in on spring savings and special deals that can help you create the garden of your dreams.  If you're not on our list, please contact us and we'll be glad to add you!
It's time for the Holidays at Local 98856!

Join us for this special local artisan gift show just in time for your holiday shopping. Here you'll find the perfect gift - from blooming bulbs & cool succulents to handmade wares, clothing, foods & jewelry! And we'll be there to greet you with hot coffee, sweet treats and a warm smile!


Methow Grist's New Best Friend

Tess was named Methow Grist's "New Best Friend". Take a look, and read more about the Locavores Program.  Thank you to Methow Grist for the honor.