In Season

In Season Guide: Poinsettia Misconceptions

2011-12-16T10:24:00.001-08:00

One of the most common misconceptions of the poinsettia plant is that it is poisonous to people or pets. Scientists have repeatedly proven this incorrect. A 50-pound child would have to consume more than 500 poinsettia bracts to have any ill effects, and the resulting symptoms would be akin to an allergy or irritation.

Similarly, a pet that eats poinsettia leaves will probably have an upset stomach and vomit them back up, but will suffer no other toxic effects.

Rather than being poisonous, the poinsettia is actually one of the most helpful houseplants in removing pollutants from the air.

The colored "bracts" that most people consider to be poinsettia flowers are actually leaves. The flowers are the tiny yellowish green buttons at the center of each set of bracts.

In Season Guide to Poinsettia

Harvest Calendars

Poinsettia

Guide: Christmas Cactus

2011-12-04T22:50:00.000-08:00

Closely related to Thanksgiving and Easter cacti, the Christmas Cactus has been a common holiday houseplant since the early 1800s because of its hearty winter blooms.

Christmas Cactus needs several weeks of long, dark nights in order to start producing flowers. The lack of such darkness can alter the setting of flowers on the plants. Everything from streetlights to indoor lighting can interfere.

In Season Guide to Christmas Cactus

Harvest Calendars

Cactus

Guide: Poinsettia

2011-12-04T12:38:00.000-08:00

In Central America, poinsettia are said to have originated with a couple of poor native children who wanted to present a gift to the Christ child at the Christmas Eve services. Sad that they could not bring riches to him, they gathered some weeds along the roadside on their way to the church to present at the foot of the nativity scene.

They remembered the saying “that even the most humble of gifts, if given in love, will be accepted in his eyes.”

After the children laid the bouquet of weeds down by the nativity, the plant suddenly burst into blooms of brilliant red and all who had witnessed it swore they had seen a Christmas miracle. From that day on, the bright red flowers of the poinsettia have been known as the Flowers of the Holy Night, for they bloom each year during the Christmas season.

In Season Guide to Poinsettia

Harvest Calendars

Poinsettia

Guide: Watermelon

2011-09-23T13:22:00.000-07:00

Nurtrition:

Watermelon is 92 percent water and it is high in lycopene, an antioxidant that may prevent some types of cancer and cardiovascular disease.

The deep orange or red flesh of the watermelon is high in vitamin C and rich in vitamin A. Vitamin A keeps the eyes healthy, while vitamin C aids with faster healing.

Harvest Calendars
Watermelon

In Season 9.22.11

2011-09-22T11:43:00.000-07:00

Crops in season during September in Colorado: leafy greens, lettuce, pinto beans, broccoli, celery, chili peppers, cucumbers, herbs, melons, raspberries, sweet corn, cabbage, cauliflower, carrots, onions, garlic, potatoes, summer squash, tomatoes, apricots, nectarines, cantaloupe, eggplant, apples, grapes, watermelon, pears, pumpkins.

Harvest Calendars
Colorado Farmers Markets Directory

In Season 9.09.11

2011-09-09T07:42:00.000-07:00

Crisp local apples, winter squash, gourds, Indian corn and pumpkins have begun to appear at Coshocton Farmers Market in Ohio. Greens such as lettuce, mesclun, arugula, kale and chard are making a comeback.. [CoshoctonTribune]

Harvest Calendars

In Season 7.19.10

2011-07-19T08:18:00.001-07:00

Crops in season during July in Sioux Falls, South Dakota:

Beets
Blackberries
Blueberries
Broccoli
Cabbage
Carrots
Cucumbers
Eggplant
Garlic
Green Beans
Herbs
Lettuce
Muskmelon
Onions
Peppers
Potatoes
Raspberries
Summer Squash
Sweet Corn
Tomatoes
Zucchini

In Season 7.18.11

2011-07-18T13:37:00.001-07:00

Sweet corn is in season at its peak in Southern California, where Calabasas Patch found two varieties available at the Calabasas Farmers Market. A fresh-picked bi-color hybrid was selling at $0.75 each or three for $2. White corn, known for its smaller and sweeter kernels, was also available for $0.75 each. [CalabasasPatch]

In Season 6.08.11

2011-06-08T14:19:00.001-07:00

Garlic is in season at Sebastopol Farm Market in California "with fresh spring garlic and garlic scapes overlapping with the first of the year’s dried garlic." [ThePressDemocrat]

In Season 5.08.11

2011-05-08T06:34:00.000-07:00

Crops in season during May at Denver, Colorado markets:

Asparagus
Rhubarb

Harvest Calendars
Colorado Farmers Markets Directory

In Season 4.16.11

2011-04-16T21:23:00.000-07:00

Tangerines are making a late appearance in Ventura County, California farmers markets, including Ojai Certified Farmers Market where Anne Kallas of the Ventura County Star has been tasting the Kishus, Page, Dancy, Tahoe Gold and Murcott varieties. "All comparison fades when the Ojai Pixies come to market," she writes. "The Ojai Pixies are known by locals as the tangerine by which all the others are measured — sweet, seedless and this year late." [VenturaCountyStar]

In Season 3.21.11

2011-03-21T17:34:00.000-07:00

According to The Packer, sweet potatoes will not be in abundance during the Easter holiday season this year, perhaps limiting retailer promotions. After Thanksgiving and Christmas/New Year’s, Easter is the third-biggest pull of the year for sweet potato shippers. Current terminal prices on fresh orange No. 1 sweet potatoes is $16-17 for 40-pound cartons from North Carolina, up from $15-16 last year. [ThePacker]

In Season 2.02.11

2011-02-02T02:46:00.000-08:00

According to The Packer, indicators suggest an improved asparagus crop for northern California, where production and acreage has been slipping backward the past several years. Ten years ago, asparagus acreage peaked at a little more than 37,000 acres. It’s fallen every year since. Last year’s acreage was 13,000 — about a third of the peak total — and this year’s acreage is even lower, at 12,000 acres. Yield per acre has increased, however, from nearly 2,900 pounds per acre in 2008 to 3,100 pounds per acre last year. The California asparagus harvest typically starts in late February and runs to May. [thepacker]
Harvest Calendars

In Season 1.09.11

2011-01-09T14:29:00.000-08:00

Summer Tomato reports that markets in San Francisco are offering several varietals of mandarins, especially satsuma. Besides citrus, you can also find pears, persimmons, pomegranates and kiwi this time of year. The persimmon I tasted this week might have been the best I’ve ever tried, and I recommend getting them while you can since they will only be around a few more weeks. Same for the pears and pomegranates. [summertomato]

Harvest Calendars

In Season 11.21.10

2010-11-21T10:11:00.000-08:00

With winter markets opening up in Rhode Island, here's a look at the fresh produce, stored fruits and vegetables, herbs and sweeteners available this time of year: arugula, beets, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, collards, garlic, gourds, kale, leeks, mushrooms, onions, parnsips, potatoes, greens, scallions, shallots, sprouts, sweet potatoes, turnips, winter squash; apples, cranberries, pears; basil, cilantro, lavender, mint, rosemary, sage, thyme; honey, maple syrup.

In Season 10.31.10

2010-10-31T17:18:00.000-07:00

Summer Tomato reports on her finds at the San Francisco Ferry Plaza Farmers Market: pomegranates, baby pumpkins, squash, Brussels sprouts, heirloom tobacco, sunflower seeds, carrots, turnips, Spanish onions, sunchokes, Shishito peppers, eggplant, dates, Meyer lemons, popping corn. "The star fruits right now are the pomegranates. It’s also a great time for grapes and Fuyu persimmons." [summertomato]

In Season 10.26.10

2010-10-26T08:35:00.000-07:00

Still in season here in late October and early November at the Nashville Farmers' Market in Tennessee: apples, arugula, beets, bok choy, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, collards, greens, herbs, honey, kale, mushrooms, mustard, pecans, radicchio, radishes, scallions, sweet potatoes, swiss chard, turnip greens, turnips, winter squash. The Nashville Farmers' Market is open Monday - Sunday 8am - 5pm, year-round, at 900 Rosa Parks Blvd. in Nashville, Tennessee.

In Season 10.22.10

2010-10-21T23:18:00.000-07:00

Still available during the final two weeks of the 2010 Bluegrass Farmers' Market in Lexington, Kentucky: apples, beans, cabbage, cauliflower, eggplant, onions, pears, peas, potatoes, pumpkins, salad greens, squash, tomatoes, turnips, watermelons.

Saturdays 9am - 2pm and Tuesdays 3 - 6:30pm at 3450 Richmond Road in the Fast Signs and Pedal the Planet parking lot.

Harvest Calendars
Bluegrass Farmers’ Market

In Season 10.17.10

2010-10-17T21:18:00.000-07:00

What’s in season at the Brighton Farmers’ Market in Rochester, New York: asparagus, peas, lettuce, salad mix, radishes, strawberries, green garlic, spinach, beets, rhubarb, kale, fresh herbs, bok choi, scallions.

Sundays 9am - 1pm through October 31 in the Brighton High School parking lot at 1150 Winton Road South.

Harvest Calendars
Brighton Farmers’ Market

In Season 10.14.10

2010-10-14T15:57:00.000-07:00

Wine: After an unseasonably warm 10-day stretch quickened the pace of wine grape ripening in the state of Washington after a cool growing season, sub-30 degree temperatures are forecast for mid-October, creating concerns about how long the growing season will last. [Washington Wine Report)
Wine: The cool summer along the West Coast has made for a hurried harvest in California, as growers rush to beat the first frost. Vintners are hopeful the late grapes will make great wine. [North County Times]

In Season 10.12.10

2010-10-12T09:51:00.000-07:00

The final weeks of the Upper Merion Farmers Market in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, will offer the remnant harvests of the following autumnal crops: apples, grapes, pears, raspberries, beans, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, lettuce, onions, peppers, potatoes, pumpkins, spinach, and tomatoes.

Look for the following crops in greater abundance: beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, radishes and squash.

Harvest Calendars
Upper Merion Farmers Market

In Season 10.03.10

2010-10-03T14:19:00.000-07:00

What's in season at North Carolina markets?

For the month of October, the following produce should still be available at most markets: apples, cabbage, grapes, leafy greens, peanuts, swee t potatoes, pumpkins and tomatoes.

Just coming into season this month are fall broccoli and cucumbers.

In Season 09.28.10

2010-09-28T16:09:00.001-07:00

Although peak harvests for many fruits and vegetables has passed in Western Massachusetts, markets like the Holyoke Farmers' Market should be flush with ripe apples, fresh garlic, lettuce, onions, pears and potatoes. Also coming into season at this time are pumpkins, winter squash, sweet potatoes, brussel sprouts, leeks and parsnips. This is also a good time to shop the western Massachusetts markets for cheeses, cordwood, honey, poultry, and wool.
Harvest Calendars

Apples

Pears

In Season 09.14.10

2010-09-14T15:48:00.000-07:00

While the Memphis Farmers Market is still full of tomatoes, peas, eggplant, okra, beans, peppers, onions, and potatoes (new and sweet), now greens, arugula and lettuces are reappearing. This is the time to find fruit like peaches, muscadines (last of these), apples, watermelon, cantaloupe and honey dew melon. [Memphis Farm ers Market]

Rain is delaying the wheat harvest in North Dakota, according to USDA reports, but barley harvest is nearly complete. Sugar beets are 9 percent lifted, compared with 4 percent last year. Kansas Agricultural Statistics Service reports the state's corn harvest is 28% complete, twice as much as average.

In Season 09.10.10

2010-09-10T16:06:00.000-07:00

East-Central Illinois: A big rain last week brought harvest to a temporary halt, but most combines were rolling again after only short delays. Corn harvest is progressing rapidly. Yields are quite variable. In Northern Illinois the crop has matured a great deal over the last few weeks, but "full harvest" is still several weeks away. Harvest has focused on the shorter-season hybrids (around 103-day corn), with moisture reports in the low 20s. Many soybean fields are turning and shedding leaves, but producers will be harvesting corn acres before many soybeans are ready for harvest. [University of Illinois Extension]

In Michigan, peach harvest is winding down. Many growers are done. Late season varieties being harvested include Autumn Star, PF35-007, PF28-007, Laurol, Encore and Victoria. Fruit size and quality continues to be good. In apples, growers are harvesting Honeycrisp, Golden Supreme, Smoothee, Swiss Gourmet, Cortland, Ozark Gold and Jonamac. Apple ripening is a week to two weeks ahead of the long term average. In pears, Bosc harvest is underway with Harrow Sweet soon to start. Blueberry harvest has ended. In grapes, harvest of early wine varieties such as Cayuga White and table grape varieties are underway. Fall raspberry harvest continues. [Michigan State University Fruit Crop Advisory Team]
Second cuttings in Washington's mint harvest are under way. Mint growers in the Yakima Valley are hoping for high yields to make up for low ones from July's first cuttings, which were dampened by rain and cool weather in the spring. [Seattle PI)
Wine grape growers in Washington are significantly behind schedule. The weather has ranged from unusually warm to unusually cool, leading to delays in ripening. [Washington Wine Report]

In Season 09.09.10

2010-09-09T22:45:00.000-07:00

In season this month in the Louden Valley of Virginia:

Apples
Artichokes
Blueberries
Cider
Garlic
Melons
Okra
Onions
Peaches
Pears
Peppers
Potatoes
Summer Squash
Sweet Potatoes
Tomatoes
[Ashburn Farmers Market]

Harvest Calendars

In Season 09.02.10

2010-09-02T16:56:00.000-07:00

Wine grape harvest is underway at New Yorks' Paumanok Vineyards on the North Fork where winemaker Kareem Massoud reports 2.67 tons of chardonnay hand picked for sparkling wine on August 28. Brix came in just right for bubbly: 18.5, with a pH at 3.07. Acid was good for bubbly at 10.2 g/l. [New York Cork Report]

In Season 08.30.10

2010-08-30T22:08:00.000-07:00

Winter wheat and fall rye harvests have been completed in southwest Manitoba with yields average to above average with average quality. Spring wheat harvest is underway with lower yields due to fusarium head blight infection and excess moisture. Barley harvest is just starting in northern areas and 60% complete in the south with yields to date ranging 40-80 bushels/acre. Most canola has been cut with just the later seeded fields standing. Flax is ripening in the central region with 20-30% of the crop already ripe and the balance in the ripening stage. [Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives]
Harvest of cranberry beans in Ontario is underway with average to above average yields and good seed size. Maturity of other beans is advancing quickly and white bean harvest is expected to begin the first week of September. The current wheat yield of 83 bushel per acre is above the long term average yield of 79.9 bushel per acre. Harvest of spring cereals is almost complete except in a few areas due to weather delays. Good oat and barley yields are being reported. Spring wheat continues to be below or only at average yields in 2010 and generally the later harvested wheat has higher fusarium levels. Canola harvest is over 50% complete with good seed quality. Yields have been above average to phenomenal (2200 - 4,000 lb/ac) with some growers reporting their highest yields ever! [Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs]

In Season 08.28.10

2010-08-28T12:37:00.000-07:00

Coming into season in the next couple weeks in southern Illinois: Carrots, Garlic, Kale, Lettuce, Marjoram, Pumpkins, Butternut Squash, Sweet Potatoes. [Land of Goshen Community Market]

Harvest Calendars

In Season 08.27.10

2010-08-27T10:52:00.000-07:00

Pears, Field Peas, Peppers, Plums, Squash, Tomatoes and Watermelon now at peak season in Matthews, North Carolina [Matthews Community Farmers' Market]

Harvest Calendars

In Season 08.24.10

2010-08-24T16:48:00.000-07:00

Wild Mushrooms in season, western Washington: Black Truffle Salt, Chanterelle, Chicken of the Woods, Dried Mushrooms, Lobster, Morel, Porcini [Bellevue Farmers Market]

Harvest Calendars
Mushrooms

In Season 08.05.10

2010-08-05T18:21:00.000-07:00

Tuesday was National Watermelon Day and the sweet summer fruit was available in abundance at Millburn Farmers Market in New Jersey. Also in season: squash, tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, peaches. [Millburn-Short Hills Patch]