Piopio Fruit & Vege Stand

AS AUGUST arrives we celebrate the sixth year of our Community Fruit & Veg Stand. I’ll save the next round of vegetable-themed cupcakes for our tenth birthday, but this is still a major milestone to acknowledge.

We’ve been seeing a good level of regular contributions throughout the year and the seasons, which is fantastic. Right now it’s citrus, with lemons, limes, mandarins and grapefruit in abundance. Our jam makers also crank up their efforts during the rainy days of winter using frozen fruit stashed during the summer and autumn seasons. Clean, small jars are always appreciated to keep the jam coming.

In mid- August I start heirloom tomato seed trays in the glasshouse for our annual October giveaway. Last year we distributed about 600 seedling plants, this year my goal is 1000. Fingers and toes are crossed, but I think I’ve got enough recycled pots to hit that, then some.

Once we get through making sure everyone is growing enough tomatoes my focus will be on seedling pumpkins/butternuts and heritage beans. Heritage Food Crops Trust, the charitable research organization based in Whanganui behind Monty’s Surprise apples, has sent me over 25 varieties of heritage bean seeds to grow and share with you. This year I’m trying to learn how to grow and dry beans for longer term storage and later use in salads, soups, stews and casseroles. I’ve researched different support structures that might work to grow them up out in the backyard, and have nephew Mike on the job in the workshop perfecting a design. The Trust has provided me with information on which varieties can be eaten green, green and dried, or dried. Hopefully you’ll join me on the journey as I put some of these seeds out in the stand so we can all learn!

The Trust will send out free bean and heirloom tomato seeds to anyone who sends them a stamped, self-addressed envelope; it’s a great way to get interesting seeds for your veggie garden and there’s good background information on the website too.

Updates on what is on offer can be found on the Piopio Community Fruit & Veg Stand Facebook page, along with occasional recipes and growing information.

Any questions / issues / suggestions please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Karen Barrett
[email protected]
0275 727 407Barbara