In recognition of Earth Month and the arrival of Spring, we wanted to give you an update on our growing (pun-intended) partnership with Coverdale Farm Preserve. Located in Greenville, Delaware, the 377-acre Coverdale Farm Preserve is a both an active farm and a nature preserve; it is owned and operated by the Delaware Nature Society. Coverdale has cows, sheep, goats, chickens, and Thanksgiving turkeys. The farm is a showcase of regenerative agriculture methods which focus on ecosystem health and resiliency, habitat for wildlife, and clean water.
Reuse, the 2nd “R”
Over the years, Harvest Market has played a variety of roles in collaboration with Coverdale, and during our recent kitchen renovation, we were happy to donate several pieces of our equipment to their market garden building and greenhouse. This practice of reuse (the second of the holy trinity: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) is important to both Harvest Market and Coverdale, as we aim to keep as many items as possible out of the landfill and into useful circulation.
Spring Plants for Sale
The arrival of Spring means many good things are coming, and one of those good things is plants! As soon as the days start getting longer and the warmth of the sun returns, we begin fielding questions about when to expect the first batch of plants for sale.
For decades, scores of customers and staff have achieved delicious success thanks to the initial hard work and green thumbs of Paul and Carol Hauser, the local farmers who propagate our naturally-grown veggies, herbs and flowers. While we have known this moment would come at some point, we are now officially at a turning point… The Hausers have announced their semi-retirement from farming. They will still be growing the individual herb plants and we will continue to sell them–just not veggies and flowers. We are grateful for their many years of service, and wish them the most relaxing and rewarding golden years ahead!
This is where Coverdale Farm Preserve comes back into the picture. We are delighted to report that we will be selling an array of veggies, herbs and flowers from our friends at Coverdale! Some, but not all, of the plants will be available for purchase in late April. The warmer season, frost-sensitive plants will arrive as the weather warms in early May.
Here is the list of plants coming from Coverdale Farm:
Veggies (6-packs)
- Head Lettuces (Romaine, Summer Crisp, Butterhead, Oakleaf)
- Kale (Lacinato, Scarlet, Siberian/Russian)
- Broccoli (Heading, Flowering)
- Cabbage (red)
- Asian Greens (Red Pac choi, Mizuna, Mustard)
Veggies and Herbs (4″ pots)
- Basil (Genovese green, purple)
- Parsley (flat, curled)
- Cilantro
- Dill
- Bulb Fennel
- Peppers (Italian sweet, assorted hots)
- Tomato (slicers red, yellow/ cherry)
- Eggplant (Italian)
- Cucumber (slicers, picklers)
- Melon (tropical; “Arava”)
- Summer Squash (green/yellow zucchini)
Flowers
- Cosmos
- Zinnias
- Snapdragons
- Marigold
- Echinacea
- Strawflower
- Salpiglossis
- Verbena
Containers
- Hanging 1 gallon (cherry tomato/basil)
- Hanging 1 gallon (pickle cucumbers)
*Depending on growth and germination factors, Coverdale aims to have even more available than what is included on this list.*
…And That’s Not All, Folks!
Harvest Market is also excited to continue to sell Coverdale grown vegetables (the winter salad mix was the best!) as they are available throughout the season. Keep a look out in the Produce aisle for delicious sustainably-grown veggies from right down the road!
