"Organic farming is rooted in ancient knowledge passed down through generations." —David Suzuki in "Organic Farming Stands the Test of Time"

Dear Organic Gardeners,

Normally at this time of year, we are doing everything we can to extend our season to keep the fresh food coming as long as possible. This year, the garden paths at our Maine Trial Garden are ankle deep in mud after ten inches of rain in the last two weeks, and we still haven't had our first frost, which usually comes in September. Not even close! And all this after a severe summer drought... In spite of these harbingers of global climate change, the fall spinach is lush and the mustards, arugula, and kale prolific. The row cover and cold frames sit waiting to be pulled into service. What is really uncanny though is that we're harvesting green beans and tomatoes in Maine in late October. Even the Maximillian Sunflower that hasn't bloomed in six years in our normally short season is flowering. It seems like the only thing you can count on as a gardener is that no two seasons will be the same. Sow the seeds, keep the faith, and let the weather run its course.

	A Chef's Garden ...filled with Seeds of Change varieties. Micaela Colley visits Jesse Ziff Cool... Read More >
	Cabbage: A Head of Its Time Emily Skelton explores the history and cultivation of cabbage... Read More >
	Extending the Season Strategies to employ when winter arrives... Read More >

This month, we celebrate the harvest with a rich story of cabbages and sauerkraut by seed-cleaning maven Emily Skelton, with a tale of a chef and her garden by bulk-seed diva Micaela Colley, and with a report from the Seeds of Change Research Farm by Research Director, Farm Manager, and road warrior Erica Renaud. In addition, we are fortunate to have been granted permission by the David Suzuki Foundation to publish Dr. Suzuki's recent discourse on the imperative of organic agriculture. Lastly, I humbly submit some tips on extending the season into the winter...if it ever comes.

Printable PDF Version:
eNewsletter #51
Text only, 159k, 15 pages.

Unable to open it?
You may need to download Adobe Acrobat Reader.