October 18 brought the first big frost. We were ready. The caterpillar tunnels went up in time, protecting sensitive greens. The tomato plants are hanging upside down in the garage, to finish ripening the fruit already formed. Basils were pulled to dry. Seeds from lettuces, parsley, radishes, buckwheat, rye, wheat, indian corn, etc. were gathered. Potato seed is now going to the cold room for storage. That includes the new all purple strain. We will begin digging the sweet potatos and yams as soon as the frost kills the green plant. Fall tillage and planting of cover crops is now under way.
The squash, mini pumpkins and pumpkins are now all gathered and have been committed to storage, awaiting sale at farmer's markets, CSA and Tomato-Tomato.
It now appears that our efforts in Exira are paying off. This town lost its grocery store and really supported the farmer's market. We made a commitment to travel almost 1 hour each way every Friday, to serve them with fresh vegetables, fruits and the finest baked goods and preserves. The operator of a grocery in a near-by small town may agree to open the grocery in a vacant building. We hope the shareholders of the grocery can now move to obtain grants and find the building. Nishnabotna Naturals will be allowed to extend the Friday evening farmer's market beyond October. If all goes well, the organization of the grocery store will be created soon and we would hope to sell our fresh produce in the new grocery on a consignment basis, to minimize risk to the operator. Perhaps the fresh baked goods can be supplied to this new grocer, as well.
The granchildren live in neighboring Audubon and they are the real reason we are interested in the Exira market. At just 9 more miles away, we can drop off our fresh organic produce and goodies to the family, spend time with the kids and indulge our grandparently urges.
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