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One of the best ways to expand our locally-grown diets is to "grow our own," and the popularity of pea patches, community gardens and home-grown vegetables is on the rise. Learn about what's working -- and not working -- in gardens around our area, and share your tips and thoughts by posting comments or contributing an article at
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Written by Maradel Gale
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Thursday, 28 January 2010 14:48 |
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It's a foggy, cold morning on the island today. I awoke thinking about tomatoes. As in the tomatoes that I grew so successfully last summer. After two years with no tomatoes at all (well, one or two fruits per plant), I finally had a banner year of tomatoes. My first lovely orbs were picked on July 11, 2009, and I finished eating and enjoying my last home-grown tomatoes on December 1, 2009. And yes, I do keep a calendar of my gardening activities and results. 
As a rational person, I am trying to figure out what to do to replicate last summer's success. I began with small plants that I bought from the Farmers Market. I've never been very good at getting seeds past the die-off stage of growth. I planted the plants deep and long, lying on their sides, which seemed very peculiar to me at the time, but I later realized what a strong root system that encouraged. I attempted to cull any non-productive offshoots, but soon that became difficult, as the plants became dense and difficult to prune. Mostly, I made sure the plants were well watered, and I fed them maybe once or twice. Basically the same procedures I followed in the previous two years. So I will concede that my success in 2009 was probably due to things outside of my control, like the ambient temperature, weather, and the kindness of the gardening gods and goddesses.
Within my community garden, it was clear that 2009 was a great tomato year. People who had struggled in 2007 and 2008 while generally with more success than I experienced, had really lush and productive plants in 2009. And so my winter tomato dreams: will the garden goddesses and gods bless us again?
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Canning Class comes to Bainbridge on September 24 |
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Written by Carolyn Goodwin
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Sunday, 30 August 2009 13:51 |
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Learn to safely transform the harvest into jewel-like jars of homemade goodness! Master Preserver Susy Hymas will come to Bainbridge Island to teach a hands-on workshop on how to can specialty and gift items September 24 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm.
Susy Hymas, a Nutrition Educator and WSU Master Food Preserver and Safety Advisor from Bellingham, brings 30 plus years of experience in preserving fruits and vegetables. Join her in learning how preserve the local food for your family to enjoy all year long. Susy will lead teams in preparing tomato bruschetta topping, chutney, and jam for canning.
The class will be held at the home of Sheryl Hamm, 7586 Hidden Cove Rd. Going north on 305, turn right on Hidden Cove Rd. Find the big black mailbox with 7586 and the word Hamm on it. Someone will be waiting at the end of the driveway to direct you to parking. if you have questions or need addtional directions please call 206-390-1121.
The class is co-sponsored by Sound Food and the Trust for Working Landscapes (TWL) The registration fee for the class is $20. For more information and to register here or email us at
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. Class is limited to 21 participants. Last month's classes filled up quickly, so don't delay! |
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Canning classes coming to Bainbridge August 19, 20 as part of "Canning Across America" event |
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Written by Carolyn Goodwin
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Monday, 10 August 2009 18:31 |
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There’s a “Canvolution” sweeping the nation, and it’s coming to Bainbridge Island this month. Two classes teaching the basics of food canning and pickling are being offered August 19 and 20 at Eagle Harbor Congregational Church. UPDATE: Both classes are full as of Tuesday at 11:30 am. Thanks to all who signed up, and apologies to anyone who missed out. We will consider setting up additional classes later this fall if there is enough interest: If you are interested please send a note to
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The classes are part of a grassroots-inspired nationwide event called Canning Across America, which honors the revival of the time-honored art of canning. Throughout the country, households will join each other to preserve the summer’s bounty. In addition to home canning parties, chefs and food-preservation experts will host classes designed to inspire people how to can creatively and safely.
Co-sponsored by Sound Food and Trust for Working Landscapes (TWL), the Bainbridge classes will be taught by Susy Hymas, Nutrition Educator, WSU Master Food Preserver and Safety Advisor who has more than 30 years of experience in preserving fruits and vegetables. The first night Hymas will offer the basics about canning and preserving and the second night she will demonstrate how to safely pickle the season’s bounty.
The classes will run from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm on Wednesday August 19 (Canning Basics) and Thursday August 20 (Pickling Basics). Both classes are full.
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Read more...
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First-ever "Harvest Swap" Monday August 3 |
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Written by Maradel Gale
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Sunday, 02 August 2009 13:27 |
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Join Sustainable Bainbridge and Sound Food for this first ever harvest swap--a wonderful opportunity to share what you are growing in abundance, and enjoy the fruits and vegetables of others.' Bring fresh produce to swap, or something made from locally grown produce, such as zucchini bread or raspberry jam. Anything left over will be donated to Helpline House. To celebrate the social aspects of this occasion, Sustainable Bainbridge will host an ice cream social -- to enjoy that you need to bring your own bowl and spoon!
Monday, August 3
Sustainable First Monday: Harvest Swap and Ice Cream Social
7-9 pm, Bainbridge Commons, 402 Bjune Drive SE
Sponsored by Sustainable Bainbridge.
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Join a nationwide "Can-a-rama" |
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Written by Carolyn Goodwin
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Friday, 31 July 2009 11:08 |
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People are organizing nationwide to preserve the season’s bounty in a “Can-a-rama” on August 29 and 30. Canning classes and community canning events are scheduled all around the country for the two-day event. Sound Food would like to bring this “canvolution” to Bainbridge Island. If you’re interested in organizing, hosting an event, teaching a class, or even just participating in an August canning event, please contact us at
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. We’ll use our website to help publicize events, and to share the wealth of information about food processing that’s available online.
The “Can-a-rama” idea was lauched by a group called “Canning Across America.” Their mission is to “promote safe food preservation and the joys of community building through food. We believe in celebrating the bounty of local and seasonal produce and taking greater control of our food supply. Together, we can.” Check out their website for more information about the August event, and for a great collection of recipes, a booklist, and links to information about canning and food processing. You can also follow @Canvolution on Twitter to learn more about canning and the event.
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