Yeah for Organic Farming!

I was excited when I saw that TV Chef Emeril Lagasse filmed a special in Vermont! I can't wait to see this show air in January because one of the things I miss the most about Vermont is the incredibly fresh food and the easy access to organic, local produce and fresh ingredients! You can check out the article here:

http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/article/20090925/LIVING06/90924009

Now Georgia is no slouch when it comes to organic farming, in fact I've discovered and become a member of Georgia Organics: http://www.georgiaorganics.org/ a network of sustainable family farms, gardens and businesses throughout Georgia so residents can have access to nutritious, locally-grown foods via schools, institutions, work places, grocery stores, markets and neighborhoods. It's a great non-profit organization and I am excited to say that the few farmers markets we have visited so far in Georgia have carried delicious, fresh produce. While Vermont is and will probably always be the leader in the sustainable farming movement, the hope is that places like Georgia and other states can improve and model themselves after the Green Mountain State. Here's to fall veggies!

Best Vegetables for Fall Growing:

Kale – Nutritious leafy greens on productive plants that over-winter easily even in cold climates.
Collards – Another leafy green similar to kale but with larger, stronger flavored leaves.
Lettuce – Plant varieties bred especially for growing during the fall season or in cold frames.
Spinach – Not as easy to grow as kale and collards, these leafy greens will also over-winter.
Turnips – Here’s a quick maturing root crop that’s productive and easy to grow.
Rutabagas – Larger and sweeter than turnips, plant earlier in the summer for fall harvests.
Broccoli – Popular, productive and much easier to grow than cauliflower.
Cauliflower – Finicky grower, planting must be timed well in order to develop large heads.
Mustard – Spicy hot leaves, this is a very fast growing vegetable.
Mache – Very cold hardy, mild greens can be grown right into the winter months.
Cabbage – Grow from transplants (like broccoli and cauliflower) or start seeds indoors under lights.
Oriental Vegetables – Wide range of unusual varieties are available for fall production.
Escarole – A bitter leafy green vegetable that can be cooked or used raw as a salad green.
Endive – Similar to escarole with attractive frilly leaves.
Brussels sprouts – Start seed in early summer or purchase transplants.
Arugula – Fast growing leafy greens for salads or gourmet recipes.
Leeks – One of the hardiest plants in the garden, leeks can even withstand winter freezes.