28 July 2008

Support Local Farming Project Part 2

Here's my plan. I want to try this starting August 1 through 31.

1. Weekly shopping at local farmer's and produce markets
2. Purchase only what is grown locally
3. Track my purchases and compare to what is found (that I'd normally buy) in supermarkets
4. Track savings
5. Post weekly updates and maybe a photo of dishes I prepared (that is if it's photo-worthy lol)

Pretty simple really. Of course I'm sure I'll be limited in what I can get but that's all part of this experiment. Also I live in Michigan so I also would like to know what I can preserve for the winter months.

What I have on hand that I'm growing myself:
  • basil
  • rosemary
  • dill
  • peppermint
  • spearmint
  • chocolate mint
  • ginger mint
  • strawberries
  • lemon verbena
  • lemon balm
  • pineapple sage
That's it really. I started late with my planting this year so I'm really low in choices. But that's OK. There are several farms around and some are U-pick.

If you'd like to join and have me to post your update I'd be happy to. Should be interesting!:)

17 comments:

Diana Elaine said...

Thanks so much for adding me! I'll add you to mine too. :-)

I find your articles very interesting, I'm still reading.

Hugs,
Diana

Diana Elaine said...

OH MY! Chocolate mint? YUM!

Azhure said...

That sounds like an excellent idea, I look forward to seeing your results!

Debra said...

I love to shop at our farmers market!

Walk in the Woods said...

I am inclined to add that "the savings" realized from such an endeavor far exceed the individual pocketbook.

:)

Such savings extend to the community at large, in petrol consumption, integral support of a local economy, savings on chemicals that "protect" and "preserve" the produce in shipment, savings in the use of plastic and paper (since most market goers bring their own reusable bags and baskets), and the list goes on."The savings" are truly HOLISTIC in a very major way - even reaching into the lives of our children, into our collective future!

But I'll get off my soapbox now!

Have fun and enjoy this experiment your into. I love it!!!!

BlossomingTree said...

Walk In The Woods - thank you. All of those things need to be considered and I really was thinking "small scale". Its nice to have input from others who "walk the walk", so your thoughts are welcomed.

kim* said...

I have been seeing thi sin blogs alot and guess what? my father does have his own mini garden :) i guess he is ahead of all of us.

lovemaryxoxo said...

Great tips.

mommyholly said...

Hi there, this is my first visit to your blog and I love it! What a great idea to eat locally and support local farmers, that is such a great idea. I was recently reading a website about the "100-Mile Diet" where you try ot only eat things within 100 miles of where you live- hard to do but so worth it!! :) I have yet to try it, but local produce may be a start! xo!

Brandon said...

I'm so glad its becoming more main stream to by local, its good to know were your food is coming from!

Choco Mint Yummy!

BlossomingTree said...

Thanks everyone for the tips and encouragement! It is greatly appreciated!

LOL Kim, yeah your dad is ahead of a lot of us.

Hautemommy, I'm going to look up the 100 Mile Diet.

EllaGuru said...

Farmers markets are great fun. Good luck with the project. I'd love to hear how it turns out.

Art by Sophie said...

i love farmers markets! we in the cotswolds(UK) have the best local produced sausages ever..lol!

i bought a cucumber from my local supermarket and it wen soggy within two days!

i'm growing mint too and some other herbs, i'm going to grow some lettuce for my guinea pigs. we alwyas have some tomatoes on the go too.

chocolate mint? that sounds scrumptious!

s.x

Vanessa said...

What a great experiment! Can't wait to see how it goes!

w said...

don't you love growing your own herbs? i've many of the same herbs growing in my garden.

(i also have oregano. it's amazing!)

BlossomingTree said...

Yes I love growing my own herbs! They seem to thrive without much help from me lol. Oregano is one I didn't get this year, along with thyme.

Cori said...

i plan on having a small garden next year. i can't wait to try growing some of my own produce. Can't wait to see the results of your project!