July 27th, 2011
***View & download Nantucket Grown™: click here.***
We are delighted to announce that we have just released the premier issue of Nantucket Grown™, a new annual publication designed to expand our Nantucket Grown™ branding and outreach campaign encouraging island visitors and residents to source their produce and products locally.
A part of our multi-level strategy to build a more locally based and self-reliant food system on the island, the premier issue of Nantucket Grown ™ is a full-color publication that highlights the local growers, artisans and small businesses who participate in the Farmers & Artisans Market, and restaurants who source locally, provides a take-along Find Our Farms map that also lists produce available on-island by season, gives information about our projects and programs and contains recipes and information for those looking to grow their own food on Nantucket.
In one article, Claudia Butler sings the praises of mint; in another, Dani Coleman talks about the tradition of canning fruits and vegetables. Peter Brace outlines the potential future for small-scale chicken farming on the Island in his article “It’s a Chicken n’ Egg Thing”.
“We see this as another tool to help promote local farmers, food producers, and artisans, along with restaurants that use local foods in their menus. We also hope to inspire people to try their own hand at growing – whether it’s raising a few chickens or planting a small garden. There’s a way for everyone to move toward a healthier way of life and we want to support those who are already doing it along with those who want to get started. This is a fun and informative way to do that.” says SN Executive director and Nantucket Grown ™ Editor-In –Chief, Michelle Whelan.
Nantucket Grown magazine will be published once a year and is available at the Sustainable Nantucket Farmers & Artisans Market (Saturdays, 9am – 1pm – downtown) and at the SN Mid-Island Farmers Market (Tuesdays, 3:30pm- 6pm, 113 Pleasant Street), as well as at the following Island businesses: Annye’s Whole Foods, Bartlett’s Farm, Hummock Pond Farm, Moors End Farm and Stop & Shop.
** Please note – “The Blossoming of the Farmers & Artisans Market” article correction:  Patty Myers served on the original Market Committee; The Market was the brain-child of Heather Leisher Coffin and Wendy Fereshetian.
Tags: Agriculture, backyard gardening, classes, Community Agriculture, Community Character, Cottage Industry, Economic Opportunity, Education, entrepreneurs, Farm to School, Farmers & Artisans Market, Farming, Local Economy, Local Food, Mid-Island Farmers Market, Nantucket Grown, Organic Gardening, organic practices, preserving food, SN Youth Council, specialty food production, Sustainability, Sustainable Farming, workshops
Posted in Campaigns, Community Agriculture, Community Agriculture Program, Nantucket Grown, Nantucket Grown, Nantucket Grown™ publication, News
July 1st, 2011
WHAT IS A SPECIALTY CROP?
- Most fruits and vegetables
- Tree nuts
- Dried fruits
- Horticulture and nursery crops (including floriculture)
The USDA describes specialty crops as plants that are intensively cultivated and require a higher degree of management. Specialty crops include almost anything you would grow in your own home garden! Planting and cultivating specialty crops is a great way to maintain biodiversity and a healthy local ecosystem.
SPECIALTY CROP CARE
- Know Your Soil!
- Nantucket’s soil is quite sandy—which is actually great for root vegetables, like the potato and the carrot!
- Add nutrient rich topsoil and ensure your beds are draining properly.
- Due to Nantucket’s long spring, the growth of seedlings is best if done in a greenhouse or cold frame.
WHAT GROWS BEST ONÂ NANTUCKET?
Specialty Crops Native to Nantucket
- Beach Plum
- Black Cherry
- Highbush Blueberry
Non-Natives that grow well on the Island
- Strawberry
- Melons
- Pumpkin
- Quince
- Carrot
- Spinach
- Lettuce
- Kale
- Green Beans
- Beets
- Tomatoes
- Cauliflower
- Onions
- Peas
- Potatoes
- Sweet Corn
- Eggplant
- Garlic
- Basil
- Chives
- Chamomile
- Oregano
WHERE CAN I BUY SPECIALTY CROPS ON NANTUCKET?
For a list of island farms:Â CLICK HERE to Find Our Farms!
PRESERVE THE BOUNTY
Canning and pickling is the perfect way to preserve your garden’s harvest! From jams and jellies to salsa, relishes, and pickles, the options are endless. And what you make…can keep for years!
Learn more about preserving and find specialty crops at Sustainable Nantucket Farmers & Artisans Market!
- See a canning demonstration
- Pick up a recipe brochure and free samples of pectin
- Enter the raffle to win your own Home Canning Kit from Ball ®
Saturday Market: June 11- October 15, located on North Union and Cambridge Streets, 9AM-1PM. (July 2 location: E. Chestnut St.)
New! Mid-Island Market: Tuesdays, July 12 – August 31, located at 113 Pleasant Street (next to Glidden’s Seafood). 3:30PM-6:30PM.
Attend our Preserving Workshop!
Preserving the Bounty: Fruits of Nantucket
Taught by Mary Wawro
Location: at her home kitchen
Date: July 31st
Time: 10AM to 1PM.
Cost: $45. Materials: $15.
Register by clicking here or by calling the office.
You can download a printable brochure that contains all of this information here:Â Brochure (PDF)
This Awareness Campaign is Funded in part with Generous Grants and Contributions by:
Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources
The Discover you Can Canning Education Program from Jarden Home Brands, Makers of Ball Brand Fresh Preserving Products.
Tags: Agriculture, backyard gardening, classes, Community Agriculture, Community Character, Education, Farmers & Artisans Market, Farming, Local Economy, Local Food, preserving food, Recipes, specialty food production, Sustainability, Sustainable Farming
Posted in Community Agriculture, Community Agriculture Program, Farmers & Artisans Market, Local Food, Nantucket Grown, Preserving Locally Grown Food, Sustainable Nantucket Farmers & Artisans Market
