CEDAR RAPIDS – The state remains in the top 5, but Iowa dropped from last year’s second-place ranking in an annual “locavore” index. The index, by Strolling of the Heifers, ranks the best and worst states for eating local foods, based on a per capita comparison of farmers markets, Community Supported Agriculture programs and food […]
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Tag: Homegrown
Three Kings frost warning
Even though we’ve enjoyed temperatures in the 70s and 80s this week, I hope you weren’t tempted to plant your peppers, tomatoes or other tender plants outside. I brought my tomato seedlings indoors in case temps dip below freezing in the next few days. Your perennials should be fine, but as a precaution, you might […]
Happy Earth Day!
My hyacinth and daffodils seemed to be biding their time this spring, but finally opened today, in time for Earth Day. The Lenten rose that I thought succumbed to the elements also was found to be in bloom. I’ve felt behind on my planting, but thought it was appropriate to start that on Earth Day, […]
Farmers Market season set to begin soon
Given today’s wintry winds, it’s incredible to think that another outdoor farmers market season begins in just one week. One of my favorite markets kicks off its season Sunday, April 28, 2013. The Hiawatha Farmers Market will be held that day from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Guthridge Park 10th Avenue parking lot. […]
Where are your morels? Iowa mushroom hun...
Last year was somewhat of an anomaly. By mid-March 2012, morel hunters were finding the sponge-like delicacies across Iowa when temperatures climbed unseasonably high in early spring. This year, with the ground still too cold for the mushrooms to grow, morel
Cultivate Iowa campaign to launch April ...
A new program launching this month seeks to ensure that all Iowans have regular access to safe and nutritious food. The Cultivate Iowa campaign, which debuts April 19, is an initiative of the Iowa Food Systems Council’s Food Access and Health Work Group, with
Call for farmers markets
Dozens of seasonal farmers markets operate during warm-weather months in Eastern Iowa. I’m compiling a list of those to share with readers of several fabulous newspapers in the area. If you are a market manager or a vendor or know of any farmers markets you would like to have included in the list, please leave […]
Favorite day of the year: Iowa Heritage ...
In speaking with Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey last week, he mentioned that his favorite day of the year happens during the Iowa State Fair. That’s when Northey has the honor of recognizing Iowa farms that have been in families for generations as part of the Century and Heritage Farm program.
Reminder: Daylight Saving Time begins th...
The snow cover in Iowa might be what makes this seem an especially early switch this weekend to Daylight Saving Time. Don’t forget tonight – Saturday, March 9, 2013 – to “spring forward” and set your clocks ahead one hour before you go to bed. In recent years, Daylight Saving Time – or “savings” as […]
Iowa City resumes indoor farmers markets
After a hiatus for most of the winter, Iowa City’s indoor farmers markets are returning to Grant Wood Elementary School. The markets will be 10 a.m. to noon on Saturdays: March 9 and March 23 and April 13 and April 27 at Grant Wood, 1930 Lakeside Drive, Iowa City. Known as Grant Wood Market Place, […]