The Splendor of Saturday

    Saturdays are fantastic. For me they are my prime "get things done" day. Each Saturday that I am able I go to the farmer's market to get fresh veg for the week and for special projects. I also try and get my eggs there. This is prime time right now for all kinds of good winter veg here in north central Florida.

Just look at that haul! Broccoli, onions, napa cabbage, arugula, mizuna, turnips, pak choi, and for the rabbits a big bag of radish tops. Total cost: $14.50

    Hopefully that above picture is all the encouragement you need to go shop at your farmer's market. The wife and I are consistently able to get all the veggies we need for the week for under 20 dollars. Let's not forget we are talking fresh, pesticide free, organic (or beyond organic) food. It's a great environment too with all sorts of people all converging for the purpose of perusing and choosing the best and freshest produce. The benefits of shopping at a farmers market are plentiful, you support local farmers, they see more of the money spent on their products, the food has lower transportation and energy inputs, the food is fresher than you can generally find elsewhere, and the prices are generally the best around. 

Home Harvest

    My summer to fall garden transition here at the house was a little rough. It was my first time making that transition here at this property so I learned a few lessons, but as a result my own fall garden is a little behind. We are currently harvesting all the lettuce and arugula that we can eat, and the radishes are ready to start now too.

Our baby lettuce bed. About 4x4 with densely planted lettuce mix. We just cut handfuls at a time rotating where we cut from and by the time we are eating from the first cut area it has filled back in. 

Other Homestead Things

   In light of the garden being quite behind I have started to focus a little more energy on some infrastructure here at our little suburban homestead. I started working on a section of fence before Thanksgiving to fence in our side yard so we can open it up to the backyard. The original intent was for this to be an area for the chicken coop and run but I think that plan has changed. Yesterday I worked on finishing the fence and all that is left to do is put the final slats and hang the door. 

Fence that will enclose our side yard and serve as the new home for our rabbits.

   I am now hoping to move the rabbit operation into this area and use the other side of the yard for the chickens. Today I will be working on clearing out our domineering bamboo stand to try and bring it to a reasonable level. That project actually ties in with the future chicken plans so I'll post photos and a description of the concept when I'm done. 

    I hope you enjoy your Saturdays as much as I do. Enjoy the rest of your weekend and be blessed.