The seed catalogues were welcomed over the course of the winter so I could start planning for the 2019 growing season. I’m happy to say that all of the catalogues are well worn, with crimped corners and highlighter marks throughout each one of them! Although I love winter, I also love dreaming of the planting season and what delicious food will be harvested. I’m happy to report that my crazy detailed spreadsheet is beginning to fill up and that the peppers, eggplant and celery have all made appearances and are well on their way to being happy transplants once the soil warms up!
Because there’s so much changing around here, I thought I’d do a quick Q and A to answer any questions folks might have. I’m thrilled to outline some of the changes I’ve re-envisioned over the winter and spring so that folks can order fresh veggies and have the process be more streamlined for both you and I; win-win!
What’s New
Website
You’ll now be able to order and pay for your fresh items online through the Root & Sprout website - remember items will still be first come first serve because my garden is not unlimited! Details about the pick up date, time and location will all be outlined once the ordering season begins.
The Fresh Pick
In-season produce will be available for purchase individually, but I’m also happy to announce that this year, The Fresh Pick will be introduced which will include a set-price package of fresh, in-season items - farmer’s choice!
Add-Ons
Items that are quite limited will be included in our add-ons section. These items may include fresh, free-range eggs, preserves and baking. Stay tuned!
Recipe Packs
This will include a group of in-season vegetables that come with a specific recipe - remember those salsa packs from last year?! We will definitely be doing more of those!
What’s Being Planted?
Many of the staples will be planted again for the 2019 growing season, but I’m also going to experiment with some new vegetables and varieties, because why not?
This year you’ll find:
Carrots
Potatoes
Beets
Beans
Onions
Cucumbers
Tomatoes
Peppers
Eggplant
Zucchini
Squash
Lettuce
Spinach
Swiss Chard
Leeks
Celery
And many more!
Is Your Produce Organic?
Our produce is spray-free but is not certified organic. Getting produce certified organic is a long process that I hope dive into one day. All of our produce is planted, nurtured and harvested with love! The weeds are hand pulled and we use a combination of our own compost, composted manure from our cattle and organic fertilizers to make our soil happy.
How Can I Get Some Of These Veggies?
We urge you to subscribe for our newsletter! Subscribing to our newsletter will allow you to pre-order produce and add-ons one day earlier before the order page goes live to the public. Remember, it’s still first come first serve. We also encourage folks to follow along on our Instagram and Facebook pages as weekly offerings will be posted to the public every Tuesday.
Do You Deliver Orders?
No. Folks must live in the Brandon, Manitoba area and be able to pick up their orders on the pick up day and within the pick up time frame.
Do You Have a CSA?
No. This is something I’m looking at in the coming years, but for now, I need to be mindful of balancing my time. The option we have now is great for folks who don’t want to commit to a full season of vegetables, or who want choice in what they order.
Can I Find You at Local Farmers Markets?
No. I haven’t signed up to participate in any farmers markets this season. I work really hard on product photography every week so that you get the best idea of what you’ll be receiving. We post a recent photo in our newsletter, Instagram, and Facebook pages each week of what’s available with as much detail about the produce as possible. I’ve also found that an at home pick up is welcomed from those who are heading out to the lake for the weekend and for those who don’t like to fight the crowds at the farmer’s market.
Have a question that I didn't answer? Please comment below and we’ll respond!
I am really looking forward to sharing this growing season with you!
Take care and be kind to yourselves,
Root & Sprouters!
Ashley