In Maryland, my local farmers’ markets close up for the winter season. In warmer climes like California and the southern states, markets go on year round. Luckies. For we gardeners who are awaiting the growing season with baited breath–here are some mouthwatering shots of produce taken at the Santa Cruz farmers’ market–what a delight! A veritable palette of colors, shapes, textures and tastes to titillate our palates!

California is the artichoke capital of the U.S. and you can see fields and fields of them off of Highway 1 from south of Watsonville and north almost to Half Moon Bay. Fortunately, more and more growers are using organic methods for growing them. Local citrus is another added bonus to farmers’ markets in Cali and the southern U.S. Many varieties of lemons, limes, oranges and grapefruit are available there that we don’t even see in other parts of the country. So glad to have organically grown citrus, so that we can happily and healthfully use the zest from all of them to brighten our food and libations.

I was delighted to find many small businesses creating healthy, organic products. Blossom’s Biodynanic Farm makes all sorts of quality tonics, tinctures and bitters as well as skincare products. I tasted many of them and purchased a lovely coriander tonic (to celebrate Cilantro and Coriander, Herb of the Year 2017) and a hop tincture (Hops are Herb of the Year 2018). https://www.facebook.com/blossomsfarmsantacruz/

Chase and Amanda of BURN have created a line of organic and fermented hot sauces and pickled vegetables, which are killer–and I know my hot sauces–it was really hard to choose! https://www.burnhotsauce.com/

I really like to support these small businesses who are walking the walk: growing the botanicals, creating foods and medicine that is thoughtful and nourishing, not to mention wicked good tasting!

With a long growing season, winter crops are bountiful this time of year-leeks, radicchio, and root crops like carrots, parsnips, rutabaga and celery with its green stalks and root bulb are available. And the cole crops were piled high from creamy common cauliflowers to the jewel-like Romanesco, Brussels sprouts and Broccolini. Quick, cool weather produce like radishes, baby lettuces and greens are harbingers of spring.

Gardeners in mid-and northern climes need not despair-spring is just around the corner! Tidy up, order seeds if you haven’t already and prepare to plant some of those cool weather crops in the near future!

Fine Gardening Recommended Products

Plant Covers Freeze Protection 10 ft x 30 ft Floating Row Cover 0.9oz/yd²

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Lightweight and Breathable MATERIAL Good for protecting Plant: the plant frost cover material is 0.74 oz/sq non-woven polypropylene fabric, which is lightweight, breathable, and durable. The plant blanket frost protection allows sunlight reach the plants, perfect for protecting plants from the damage of freeze or frost. Wide Application In your Garden Work. The plant row cover not only can work as a barrier against frost, but also can be a great tool for germination and good for rapid seedling growth. By using the fabric plant covers over your plant, you can start the plant earlier in the spring and extending the growing season of your plants. How to Use the Plant Covers: you can cover the plant covers for freeze over your the plants loosely directly and then secure the plant frost blanket with soil, stones or staples. You can also support the floating row covers with a hoop, make enough room for plants to breath and grow. You could also cut the plant covers into different sizes for different purposes.

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Flat Soaker Hose 75 150 FT for Garden Beds

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Consistent & Even Watering Drip Irrigation Hose: Makes use of a clog-resistant fabric cover recycled vinyl for consistent slow soaking seep throughout its entire length. Deliver water to the entire area that it covers. Only certain areas of your garden bed getting watered. For waste-free watering in garden beds and other tight spaces. Waters the base of the plants so less water-related leaf damage. Linkable Garden Soaker Hose For DIY Irrigation System: End to end connectable drip water hose, flexible versatile Above-ground or bury it below a up to 3-inch layer of mulch or soil; this fit with garden hose threads and come with rust resistant end caps that make it possible to connect multiple hoses and works well with timers. Maneuverability And 100% Environmentally Friendly Drip Hose: Double layer design PVC Covered With Extra-Strength Fabric material protect from sun damage than rubber weeping hose; ensure the longevity of the soaker hose, which is ideal for you using it regularly through all seasons in your garden. Made of 100% environmentally friendly recycled vinyl, pass CA65 test, water is safe for ground which makes it perfect for use with vegetables, herbs, and other edible plants. Easy To Store Flat Soaker Hose: This irrigation drip hose flat design is kink-resistant, lies flat makes it a breeze to roll up and store for next season.The flat shape also makes it simple to snake under existing plant growth. One-Year Warranty on Flat Soaker Hoses: Ensure a water pressure of 40-90 psi for best results—hot water is not suitable.

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A.M. Leonard Deluxe Soil Knife & Leather Sheath Combo

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MULTITASKING DUAL EDGES: a deep serrated edge and a tapered slicing edge ideal for tough or delicate cuts. DURABLE 6-inch stainless steel blade withstands 300 lbs of pressure. TWINE CUTTING NOTCH, DEPTH GAUGE MARKINGS & spear point - no need to switch tools when using this garden knife. LEATHER SHEATH: heavy duty, protective, clip on sheath to keep your knife convenient and secure. LIFETIME WARRANTY.

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