Green Spaces 2021

Yellow is the color of the season

POPULAR YELLOW FLOWER AND FOLIAGE FOR 2021

By Abigail Blonigen

Spring is finally here, and this year, it’s all about that yellow! Yellow flowers and foliage are a perfect way to make your gardens, flower beds or hanging baskets pop among all of the green.

Petunias are a classic for hanging baskets and come in a variety of colors, patterns and sizes. Pair yellow petunias with purples and reds for a “wine and cheese” mix, or go with oranges and pinks for a bright, summery feel.

“They have some new petunia varieties that are a really nice yellow

this year,” said Boyd Maranell, owner of Rice Lake Gardens.

Calibrachoas, or trailing petunias, are another great option for hanging baskets, pots and window boxes, along with early yellow bidens.

Marigolds are a garden staple that come in a number of sizes and varieties, and — bonus — they may help with pest control.

“Marigolds are good around vegetable gardens,” said Maranell. “They can help deter rabbits and deer a little bit. It’s not guaranteed, but it helps.”

Pansies are popular for early spring, and snapdragons will bloom all season long. Sunflowers, black-eyed susans and yellow daisies are well suited for those who want more of a wildflower feel.

Tokyo Sun succulents are a vibrant yellow-green, perfect for a fun planter or fairy garden.

“Those are all good hardy annuals for up here, are very common, and do well in our area,” Maranell said.

Since annuals tend to have shallow roots, it is important to amend the soil they are in with compost, especially if the native soil is full of clay.

“If you do raised beds and add compost, it’s a night and day difference,” Maranell said.

For perennials, Maranell recommends yellow columbines, ligularias and coreopsis. For those looking to incorporate some yellow foliage into their gardens and landscape edging, try Gold Edge Duranta with its bright yellow and green variegated leaves. With so many options, varieties and shades, there is a yellow flower out there for everyone. Happy planting!

Abigail Blonigen is a Duluth freelance writer and photographer.

Photo by Abigail Blonigen Petunias are a classic for hanging baskets and come in a variety of colors, patterns and sizes. Go with oranges and pinks for a bright, summery feel.

Farmers Markets: Support local growers and enjoy great products

By Andrea Busche

At last, spring is upon us, which means several things: warmer weather, pretty flowers, and farmers markets!

Farmers markets, featuring the hard work of talented growers, crafters and bakers, are an amazing community resource, and a huge part of the “buy local” movement. Today we highlight six local farmers markets, to learn what’s new in 2021.

BARKER’S ISLAND FARMERS MARKET

Sue Ann Dumke is market manager for the Barker’s Island Farmers’ Market, held at Barker’s Island Festival Park in Superior. This year’s market will be held Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon from May 22 through Oct. 30. This summer will mark their 22nd year.

“Operating a farmers market safely during a pandemic has become the ‘new normal’ for us,” Dumke said. “Vendors are happy

to do whatever they can to accommodate visitors to the market so that all feel safe and welcome. Many vendors offer the opportunity to place pre-orders for quick or curbside pickup at the market.

“This year, there will be fresh, locally grown veggies and fruit, locally raised meat and eggs, baked goods, honey, maple syrup, jams and jellies, salsa, pickles, annual and perennial plants, and crafts,” she added. “And, everything at the market is grown, raised or made by the vendors you meet at the market.”

SUPERIOR DOWNTOWN FARMERS MARKET

Sue Ann Dumke is market manager for the Barker’s Island Farmers’ Market, held at Barker’s Island Festival Park in Superior.

FARMERS MARKET: Page 4

Photo courtesy of Jodi Rochon SueAnn Dumke of Brule River Farm arranges produce in her booth at the Superior Downtown Farmers Market.

FARMERS MARKET

From Page 3

This year’s market will be held Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon from May 22 through Oct. 30. This summer will mark their 22nd year.

“Operating a farmers market safely during a pandemic has become the ‘new normal’ for us,” Dumke said. “Vendors are happy to do whatever they can to accommodate visitors to the market so that all feel safe and welcome. Many vendors offer the opportunity to place pre-orders for quick or curbside pickup at the market.

“This year, there will be fresh, locally grown veggies and fruit, locally raised meat and eggs,

baked goods, honey, maple syrup, jams and jellies, salsa, pickles, annual and perennial plants, and crafts,” she added. “And, everything at the market is grown, raised or made by the vendors you meet at the market.”

DULUTH FARMERS MARKET

Amy Roper is the chairman of the Duluth Farmers Market’s cooperative board, and a local farmer. Roper said this year’s market will be held at the usual spot — their facility at the corner of 14th Avenue East and 3rd Street in Duluth. The Duluth Farmers Market has been in operation since 1911.

The market runs May through October and is open Wednesdays from 2-5 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon.

“In the spring,” Roper said, “we will have plants of veggie and floral varieties, some early vegetables like lettuces, micro-greens, radishes, and herbs, plus honey products, meat, vinegars, fruit trees, eggs, and more!

“And, in the summer/fall, we will have everything else you normally expect at a local market [like pumpkins, squash, onions, apples, etc.]”

“Additionally, we will be introducing a craft market on the third Thursday of each month,” Roper said. “This will allow local artists the opportunity to sell their wares to our community.”

GRAND RAPIDS FARMERS MARKET

Jesse Davis is a garlic grower at Trout Lake Garlic, and director of publicity for the Grand Rapids Farmers’ Market. He shared that 2021 will be the market’s 36th year. Located at 11 Golf Course Road, the market will be open every Wednesday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. May through October.

“The market will continue its pre-order and drivethru service for 2021,” Davis said. “Last season was a huge year for locals using SNAP food assistance at the market; over $27,000 in local food was sold to low-income families, making it one of the most successful programs in the state.

“We’re also hoping to bring back the extremely popular Power of Produce program after a COVID hiatus in 2020,” he added. “Kids get a $2 produce token each time they visit the market.

“Besides fresh produce, vendors also sell local beef, pork, chicken, rabbit, duck, quail and turkey. Eggs, mushrooms, pickles, jams and an impressive array of baked goods will be available, along with artisanal crafts and fresh tacos from the Singing Chihuahua Taco Truck.”

Photo courtesy of Jodi Rochon A customer prepares to pay for her produce at the Superior Downtown Farmers Market last season.

Photo courtesy of Jessie Davis Find Maple Ridge Produce at the Grand Rapids Farmers’ Market, which is open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays in May through October.

FARMERS MARKET: Page 9

A+ Landscaping (dba) A+ Contractors & Garden Center

6150 Old Miller Trunk Hwy

Saginaw, MN 55779 • 218-729-9079

Open Apr. 16-Oct. 31

Mon-Sat 9am-7pm; Sun 9am-6pm

• What is unique about your business?

We have a large selection for all your garden and landscaping needs. We are a one-stop shop!

• What are you excited about this year? Our online ordering and curbside pickup, and increased selection of indoor/house plants and new plants, shrubs and trees arriving weekly.

AJ Landscape Center

6386 Highway 2

Duluth, MN 55810 • 218-729-4686

Open May - October

Mon-Fri 8am-5pm; varies Sat & Sun, please call

• What is unique about your business? We are your one-stop shop for rocks, mulches, garden soil, topsoil, trees, shrubs and perennials!

Anderson’s Greenhouse/Florist

1403 7th Ave.

Two Harbors, MN 55616 • 218-834-4837

Open Year Round Mon-Fri 8am-5:30pm; Sat 8am-5pm; and Sundays Mother’s Day through June

• What is unique about your business? We have been in business since 1956 and are also a feed store. We are very careful with the pesticides that need to be used and we do not use or sell Round-Up (glyphosate).

• What are you excited about this year?

Many new succulent varieties, new proven winner varieties, the biggest ceramic pottery collection we’ve ever had. We always grow excellent pansies and viola. We have the largest selection of seeds including Renee’s Garden Cornucopia and Page’s Seed.

Beier’s Greenhouse

2707 Midway Lane

Grand Rapids, MN 55744 • 218-326-5357

Open Pending April 25-Sept. 1

Open daily. See website for hours

• What is unique about your business? Beier’s is proud to have been a familyowned business for over 60 years. We are unique in the fact that we grow almost everything we sell from a seed or plug — “Grown in the North for the Northern gardener.” We pride ourselves on researching and bringing you the newest and best varieties for our area.

• What are you excited about this year? We are excited this year for all of our new gardeners to return this Spring and of course our seasoned gardeners! We have a lot of new varieties of vegetables coming in this year including edible potted peppers and tomatoes – “Kitchen Minis” that are patio/table top varieties! We hope to highlight as many of these new varieties as we can in our emails, as well as having tips and tricks in our radio ads! Like us on Instagram and Facebook! We love posting pictures of all our plants as they start blooming! Please visit our website at www.beiersgreenhouse.com and don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter where you can get sneak peeks at the weeks specials, first to know about upcoming events and special coupons!”

Bending Birches

Greenspaces Greenhouse & Nursery Guide 2021

5996 Cant Road

Duluth, MN 55804 • 218-525-1994

Open May 1

Mon-Sat 9am-5pm; Sun 10am-3pm

• What is unique about your business? Everything is done organically and we grow all plant material from seed. We use compostable containers. Hard to find and unique plants are our specialty.

• What are you excited about this year? We have several new varieties of morning glory, more varieties of heirloom plants and fun and unique hanging basket combinations.

Big Brook Greenhouse

43785 US Highway 63

Cable, WI 54821 • 715-798-4142

Open By May 1-July 20

Daily 9am-5pm

• What is unique about your business? We cater to all gardening levels, always looking for what the customer wants. We have new items and the best selection of everyday items.

• What are you excited about this year? We’ve expanded our growing areas which allows MORE varieties, MORE packs, MORE perennials! Check us out on Facebook: Big Brook Greenhouse Cable WI.

Bloomers Garden Center & Landscaping

1037 Golf Course Road

Grand Rapids, MN 55744 • 218-326-0668

Open April 19-October 30

Varies

• What is unique about your business? We pride ourselves in helping our customers pick out the perfect plants for their unique growing conditions.

• What are you excited about this year? We are offering more varieties than ever before!

Country Craft Shed and Greenhouse

7016 Van Road (Island Lake) Duluth, MN 55803

218-590-3435 or 218-721-3258

Open May 1-July 27

Sat-Sun 10am-4pm

• What is unique about your business? We offer locally grown perennials, unique garden planters and garden items, and fairy garden supplies.

• What are you excited about this year? Garden junk, primitive garden benches, primitive bird houses, bird baths and garden gnomes.

Dan’s Feed Bin

806 Hammond Ave. Superior, WI 54880 • 715-394-6639

Open May 3

Mon-Fri 8am-5pm; Sat 8am-4pm

• What is unique about your business? We have great customer service and an excellent selection -- and we’re a Best of the Best contest winner two years in a row.

• What are you excited about this year? Seeing all of our summertime friends!

Denny’s Lawn & Garden Center

4122 Woodland Ave.

Duluth, MN 55803 • 218-728-1854

Open TBD

Mon-Fri 8am-5pm; Sat 8am-2pm

• What is unique about your business? We carry major/dependable brand names in lawn mowers, blowers, trimmers, tillers, chain saws and protective equipment. We provide SERVICE for what we sell, and many others don’t.

• What are you excited about this year? Beautiful spring and summer, after this long winter! We are ready with the tools to help beautify your lawn and landscaping, so your yard is the talk of your neighborhood!

Duluth Farmers Market

1324 E. 3rd St.

Duluth, MN 55736 • 218-241-1847

Open May 8-October 30

Wed 2-5pm and Sat 8am-Noon

• What is unique about your business? All of our produce and fruit is locally grown. All of our growers are local. We take EBT.

• What are you excited about this year? Pre-orders are available. Contact the grower and request pre-bagged. We’re adding a craft market on the third Thursday of each month.

Evergreen Lawn Service

evergreenlawnservice.com

Duluth, MN 55810 • 218-525-4066

Open Early Spring - Late Fall Call for appointment

• What is unique about your business? We are locally owned and operated, and committed to providing our customers with the most effective lawn care available, helping you to achieve the many benefits of a thick, healthy and beautiful turf. The Evergreen Lawn Program is designed to multiply your existing turf through timely fertilization as we eliminate the controllable weeds from your lawn. In just one season, we can multiply your turf considerably (10 to 15 times) and reduce up to 95 percent of the controllable weeds. The combination of proper lawn maintenance and the Evergreen Lawn Program can bring tremendous results for your lawn! The best-looking lawn is a green, healthy, weed-free lawn. And healthy lawns are what our nitrogen-balanced lawn feeding program is all about.

• What are you excited about this year? We are excited about our Mosquito Control program and our tree and shrub program, and welcome your calls and questions regarding scheduling an appointment to make your home’s landscaping healthy and beautiful.

Gordys Gifts and Garden Center

4899 Miller Trunk Highway

Duluth, MN 55811 • 218-722-8666

Open Year Round

Mon-Fri 9:30am-7pm; Sat & Sun 9:30am-6pm

• What is unique about your business? We grow and carry beautiful blooming baskets, plants and planters, from early spring until fall. We also carry trees, shrubs and vegetable starters specifically for this area, varieties you won’t find elsewhere.

• What are you excited about this year? Gordy’s is excited to share the love of plants and gardening with all the new and existing gardeners. We are excited to help you with you with all of your gardening needs.

Grussendorf Nursery Inc.

4124 Midway Road

Hermantown, MN 55811 • 218-729-7351

Open May 1-October 31

Mon-Sat 8pm-7pm; closed Sundays

• What is unique about your business?

Grussendorf’s is a three generation family owned and operated. We’ve been in business since 1952. We have the area’s largest selection of fruit trees (apple, plum, pear and cherry trees).

• What are you excited about this year? Our large selection of apple trees and different types of maple trees, wood mulches, rock and soil, berry shrubs and flowery shrubs, along with many types of evergreens.

Hauser’s Superior View Farm, Greenhouse, Nursery, Orchard & Cidery

86565 County Highway J

Bayfield, WI 54814 • 715-779-5404

Open May 1 - Memorial Day

Daily 9am-5pm

• What is unique about your business?

We are a five-generation family farm in Bayfield since 1908, featuring a greenhouse, nursery, orchard, and cidery, and located in a 1928 Sears mail-order barn, 600 feet above Lake Superior.

• What are you excited about this year? Pick up a bottle of our new Apfelhaus Cidery hard cider from blossom to boodle — made right — right at Hauser’s Superior View Farm.

Kunnari Greenhouse

7873 Bodas Road

Eveleth, MN 55734 • 218-744-5853

Open By May 1-June 20

Mon-Sat 9am-6pm; Sun 12:30-5pm

• What is unique about your business?

We have unique patio pot arrangements. We plant in unique pots and antique pots. And, we have big, beautiful hanging baskets.

• What are you excited about this year? Some really great combos in unique colors!

Lilac Hill Greenhouse (formerly Engwalls)

1200 Arrowhead Road (Kenwood Shopping Center) Duluth, MN 55811 • 218-727-8964

Open May 6 - End of August

Mon-Sat 9am-7pm; Sun 10am-6pm

• What is unique about your business? Our experienced and passionate growers select and grow annuals and perennials specifically for our area. We are a local company growing quality plants for over 100 years!

• What are you excited about this year? We are excited to help customers select the right plants for their gardens and yards. We love to help customers! We love to show customers new plans for them to try!

Lilac Hill Greenhouse (formerly Engwalls)

4749 Hermantown Road

Hermantown, MN 55811 • 218-727-8964

Open May 4 - Mid-July

Mon-Sat 9am-6pm; Sun 10am-5pm

• What is unique about your business? We are a local greenhouse. We grow excellent quality plants specifically for our area. Our growers, Colleen and Tyler, have years and years of experience.

• What are you excited about this year? We are excited about new varieties of annuals and perennials. We’ll have lots of new combinations of container gardens and hanging baskets as well!

North Star Greenhouses/ Garden Center & Landscape

15677W County Road B (across from Lumberjack World Championships) Hayward, WI 54843 • 715-634-8644

Open May 1 - December 31

Mon-Sat 8am-6pm and Sun 8am-4pm

• What is unique about your business? We have a huge selection of different styles of hanging baskets and patio containers, and the largest selection of ceramic pottery in the area.

• What are you excited about this year? Beautiful new wind spinners in different sizes - many new varieties of perennials such as hostas, phlox, day-lilies and blackeyes susans.

Rice Lake Gardens

5563 Rice Lake Road

Duluth, MN 55803 • 218-729-7299

Open May 7 - July 3

Mon-Sat 9am-6pm, and Sun 10am-5pm

• What is unique about your business? Our product is grown in Duluth for Duluth. We have a unique variety, offer exceptional quality and customer service, and are environmentally friendly.

• What are you excited about this year? We have many new varieties available in basket combos, thrillers, spillers and fillers.

Rick’s Tree & Stump Removal, LLC

4268 W. Calvary Road

Duluth, MN 55803 • 218-728-2427

Open year round

Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm

Seagren’s Hardware

610 1st Ave.

Two Harbors, MN 55616 • 218-834-2222

Open year round

Mon-Fri 8am-5:30pm, Sat 8am-5pm; Sun 10am-3pm

• What is unique about your business? Our business is family owned and operated. We meed the needs of all gardeners, carrying a wide selection of soils, seeded and gardening tools.

• What are you excited about this year? We will be opening a second location this summer that will offer you all of your home, hardware and outdoor needs!

Spring at Last Greenhouse

4112 W. Arrowhead Road

Duluth, MN 55811 • 218-728-3785

Open May 6 - Mid-June

Mon-Sat 9am-6pm, and Sun Noon-6pm

• What is unique about your business? We grown from seed to finish. We are family owned and operated.

• What are you excited about this year? New disease-resistant varieties of tomatoes, peppers and squash; more container friendly vegetables; and new items to get kids excited about gardening.

Suzie’s Country Greenhouse

4148 Normanna Road

Duluth, MN 55803 • 218-721-5148

Open May 5 - Mid-June

Mon-Fri 9am-7pm; Sat 9am-5pm; Sun 10am-3pm

• What is unique about your business? We have a large selection of annuals, vegetables and herbs, roses, perennials, plus a barn full of garden art.

• What are you excited about this year?

A new line of miniature trees and plants for terrariums and fairy gardening. A lot of new colors in the annuals.

Teri’s Greenhouse

4650 Lavoy Road

Brookston, MN 55711 • 218-348-4754

Open May 1

Tue-Fri 10am-5pm; closed Mondays

Sat-Sun 9am-4pm

• What is unique about your business? We have lots of vegetables, herbs, bedding plants and baskets.

• What are you excited about this year? Flowers!

The Dirt Lady Gardens, Greenhouse & Treasures

7299 Hill Road Virginia, MN 55792 • 218-741-0174

Open May 3 - September 1

Daily 9am-6pm

• What is unique about your business? We have a greenhouse, gift shop, antiques and organic gold black dirt nestled in the woods of northeastern Minnesota on a 100-plus-year-old farm.

• What are you excited about this year? We have fresh produce for sale.

The Fig Tree

418 Sunnyside Dr. Cloquet, MN 55720 • 218-879-2260

Store open year round; plants from third weekend in April until frost

Mon-Fri 9:30am-7pm; Sat 9:30am-5pm; Sun 11am-5pm

• What is unique about your business? Great prices! Great selection! We have a wide variety of plants with a large selection of garden accessories and garden decor.

• What are you excited about this year? As always, new colors and new varieties. We have expanded our patio vegetable container options.

The Green House

210 6th St. Carlton, MN 55718 • 218-384-4732

Open March 15 - Aug. 21

Varies

• What is unique about your business? We have a huge selection of annuals and perennials, and top quality, friendly staff.

• What are you excited about this year? New petunia varieties (101 in all). New calibrachoa varieties, some with exceptionally large flowers. Our new website: thegreenhousecarlton.com.

The Green House

Duluth: Lakeside Super One Cloquet: Highway 33 South Superior: Tower Avenue 218-384-4732

Open May 1 - July 23

Daily 8am-8pm

• What is unique about your business? We have a huge selection, friendly and helpful staff, and top quality plants.

• What are you excited about this year? New petunia and calibrachoa varieties. Our new website: thegreenhousecarlton.com.

Wild Iris

1818 W.3rd St.

Duluth, MN 55806 • 218-724-1014

Open April - November

Varies

• What is unique about your business?

Wild Iris provides residential gardening and landscaping services. Consultation and design services are available upon request.

Winter Greenhouse

W7041 Olmstead Road

Winter, WI 54896 • 715-266-4963

Open April 29 - Oct. 15

Daily 8:30am-5:30pm through July 4; Daily 8:30am to 5pm July 5-Oct 15

• What is unique about your business? Creativity, variety and atmosphere. Over 800 different varieties of hardy perennials, as well as unique hanging baskets of various sizes and combinations. We have a large selection of excellent quality trees, shrubs and evergreens as well as extensive display gardens in sun, shade and water, where we display all these plants. We have a talented staff who love to serve and inspire.

• What are you excited about this year? We have a fun new “plant scavenger hunt” - both for kids and adults. Also a new creation station (for potting up containers), lots of new specialty evergreen trees and shrubs, and many new vegetables that make our mouths water!

Greenhouse & Nursery Guide 2021

Greenspaces

FARMERS MARKET

From Page 4

TWO HARBORS FARMERS MARKET

Bianca Seay is the coordinator for the Two Harbors Farmers Market (THFM), which will mark its 10th anniversary in 2021. This year’s market will be held at 320 7th Avenue on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The market will run June 5 to October 16. THFM also hosts an annual holiday market in December.

Seay said the 2021 season will include veggie plant starters, house plants, vegetables, fruits, jams and jellies, pickles, fermented vegetables, honey, maple syrup, baked goods, breads, cookies, soap, and local art.

“All products sold at the THFM are grown, produced, and created by the vendors,” Seay said.

“You know you are supporting your local producers when you shop at THFM. And, we are pleased to announce we will be accepting SNAP/EBT from our customers this season.”

CARLTON COUNTY FARMERS MARKET

Gail Olson is the Cloquet site manager for the Carlton County Farmers Market, which was established in 1983. Olson said the market will be open early June through mid-October, and has two times and locations.

The Cloquet market runs Saturday mornings from 9 a.m. to noon in front of Premiere Theatres at 904 Highway 33 South. The Carlton market is open from 4-6 p.m. Tuesdays. Its location is yet to be determined.

“Our vendors are local,” Olson said. “All of us live and make or grow our products within 50 miles of the market. We are proud to offer fresh seasonal

fruits and vegetables, artisan breads and baked goods, honey, eggs and meat, pickles and preserves and fine crafts.

“We partner with the Carlton County Food & Nutrition Network’s ‘One Vegetable, One Community’ project,” Olson added. “In 2021, the vegetable of the year is peas. Look for fresh snap, snow, and shelling peas at the market starting in July.”

BUY LOCALLY

With so many farmers markets in our region, there are plenty of opportunities to shop locally this year. Take a peek at the Facebook pages for these six markets to stay up-to-date with their hours of operation and products offered each week.

Andrea Busche is a Duluth freelance writer.

Photo courtesy of Bianca Seay Shoppers meander through the Two Harbors Farmers Market last August. Market hours will be 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays from June 5 through Oct. 16.

Photo courtesy of Jessie Davis Find gladiolas and more from Bluebird Farms at the Grand Rapids Farmers’ Market.

Photo courtesy of Jessie Davis Cecilia and Ezra Kling show off their “tattoos.” The youngsters attended over 90 farmers’ markets in 2019 during the Power of Produce program.

from a proCanning Tips

By Andrea Busche

Canning your own food has many benefits, including better health, reduced waste, and money saved. Yes, it takes some effort. But ask any “canner” and they’ll tell you the work is undoubtedly worth the reward.

“A great thing about canning is that you can eat your own product all winter,” said Gloria

James, co-owner of Jess & Gloria’s, a small farm/ home-grown garden in South Range, Wis. “It’s also got better flavor than store-bought. And, it’s healthier — there are no preservatives, and you know exactly what’s in there.”

JESS & GLORIA’S

Gloria James and her husband, Jess, are expert canners. Together, they grow a wide variety of fruits and veggies, including corn, peas, carrots, tomatoes, peppers, squash, strawberries, raspberries, apples, cherries, and more. They then work together on the canning process, which includes making jams, jellies, salsas and apple butter. They even can meats, such as fish, venison and beef.

The couple sell these items, along with a variety of homemade sweets, breads, and crafts, at the Barker’s Island Farmers’ Market in Superior. Jess & Gloria’s has been in business for 17 years.

PREPARATION

Canning requires several steps. As such, “try to have everything ready before you start,” James said.

The process begins with selecting a recipe. Canning recipes can be found in books, on the Internet, and even inside your box of pectin — a product used in making jelly.

CANNING: Page 11

Photo courtesy of Gloria James Jesse and Gloria James prepare to open their booth at the Barker’s Island Farmers Market, which is open from 9

to noon every Saturday from mid-May through the end of October

From

Next, you’ll select and pick your produce. James recommends setting aside a separate area in your kitchen for cleaning and cutting your produce. “Make sure your produce is ripe, washed, and free of debris,” she said.

Another important step in the preparation process is to clean and sanitize your jars and lids. And, lastly, you’ll want to ensure you have all the equipment you need before you get started.

EQUIPMENT

James has several recommendations when it comes to the equipment used for canning. Some products you’ll need include:

• Jars and lids — James purchases her jars and lids from a variety of places, including local grocery and hardware

stores. She prefers to use Kerr or Ball brand. “The lids can only be used once,” she said. “But the rings and jars can be used multiple times.”

• Canning salt (a special, iodine-free salt used in canning veggies or meat)

• Vinegar — For items like pickles. James recommends a high-quality vinegar with 5% acidity.

• A large canning kettle with rack, and/or a pressure canner with rack, depending on your recipe

• Clean bowls and containers

• Pectin — Used in making jams and jellies

PROCESS

It is important to follow your recipe closely when canning. “Make sure to follow the directions on processing times,” James said.

She offered several more useful tips on the process of canning. “If you are pressure canning, for items like veggies and meat, you’ll use a pressure canner. High-

acid foods like pickles and tomatoes will require a hot water bath. And, make sure your kettle is large enough to maintain an inch of water over the lids.”

Once you’re done, James recommends cooling your cans and then, finally, tapping the lids to ensure they have a tight seal. Once sealed, canned foods should be stored in a cool, dark, dry place and can be enjoyed year-round. They also make great gifts!

ANYONE CAN LEARN

James believes canning is something anyone can learn to do.

“People think canning is harder than it actually is,” she said. “Sure, it takes some time. But anyone can learn, and I think you’ll enjoy it. You’ll take a lot of pride in something you’ve grown and canned yourself.”

Andrea Busche is a Duluth freelance writer.

Photo courtesy of Gloria James

Canned jams and jellies, baked goods and fresh produce are all available at the Barkers Island Farmers Market, which is open from 9 a.m. to noon every Saturday from mid-May through the end of October.

Farmer Doug’s tips for growing vegetables in the Northland

be well drained, in full sun, with the soil amended with organic matter for a healthy pH. Raised beds allow for more soil and water control and can be especially helpful if the site is on clay or rocky soil.

More sensitive crops like tomatoes and peppers do better if started indoors, ideally in a greenhouse.

up and growing before the days start getting shorter on the 21st of June,” he said.

Hoffbauer is also a fan of succession planting to maximize a garden plot’s efficiency. For example, potatoes can be planted in early May, harvested in early July, followed by broccoli and cauliflower to be harvested in August.

For a full size, meaty tomato, he recommends Sunstart and Polbig varieties. For cucumbers, Dasher 2 has a fair amount of powdery mildew resistance. North Star is a dependable blocky bell pepper and El Jefe is an early good sized jalapeño.

By Abigail Blonigen

Gardening in the Northland has some unique challenges: unpredictable weather, a short growing season and an abundance of red clay in the soil, to name a few.

Doug Hoffbauer, more commonly known as Farmer Doug, has been commercial farming for farmers markets since 1980 and has more than a few tips and tricks for a successful growing season.

The first step for a fruitful garden is the garden plot — the site should

“Usually a window still isn’t enough,” said Hoffbauer. “And if you’re gonna put a grow light on it, make sure it’s right on top of them.”

Due to the short growing season, Hoffbauer recommends keeping an eye on the seed packet’s “days until harvest” and aiming for varieties that come up more quickly. Tomatoes should be around 60 days maximum, pumpkins and squash below 80 and corn below 70 days.

“We used to start planting the first of May; we would put in carrots, beets, broccoli, cabbage, onions. A lot of that stuff grows better if they get

For warm-season vegetables like peppers, tomatoes, pumpkins, squash and cucumbers, Hoffbauer lays a roll of black plastic over the plants with holes for them to poke through to warm up the soil and prevent pests.

“It’ll speed up your season by two weeks and oftentimes around here that doubles your yield,” he said.

In terms of specific varieties of vegetables that do well in the northern climate, Farmer Doug had a wealth of recommendations. In general, he likes the Johnny’s seed brand based out of Maine for healthy, hearty crops.

For squash, Hoffbauer recommends Sunshine Kabocha and Carnival, again for powdery mildew resistance. Lieutenant broccoli and Candid Charm cauliflower are trusty cruciferous plants, and Bolero carrots, Red Ace beets and Red Norland potatoes are recommended for root vegetables. If new to gardening, start small and be cognizant of the time and effort that goes into weeding, maintenance, and watering.

“Be ready to plant first,” said Hoffbauer, “but don’t get too crazy and gung ho.”

Abigail Blonigen is a Duluth freelance writer and photographer.