PLANT THEM PLUGS
Hello Chimacum Corner Community!
One of the coolest tools on a large-scale farm has to be the Carousel Planter attachment for the tractor. Crew sitting behind the tractor on the attachment simply plops transplants into tubes that funnel down into a furrow in the ground, that is then pressed closed by discs on either side. With only one person on foot behind, ensuring proper planting, a crew can plant literal acres in one day. For most of us, we are stoked to get a few trays in the ground in one day by hand. The technical industry term for the multi-celled plastic receptacles we grow transplants in is a “plug flat,” hence the use of the term in the title. We are indeed packin’ loads of plugs in the Nursery Greenhouse at the moment, and the fun has barely started! Whether you are in the market for vegetable, flower, or herb seedlings, we’ve got you covered. We’ve also got herbs in bottles (Mountain Spirit), beans in bags (Pachamama), and roots in baskets (Red Dog)! Come on down to the Corner to ogle all the little green baby things. We have officially sprung forward y’all!
Mighty Plant Minis
The time has come! Midori and Red Dog, like agricultural storks, have left hundreds and hundreds of plant babies at the doorstep of the Corner Nursery. We have a great selection from their mutual catalogue, spanning vegetables, herbs, and flowers. In addition to the initial round of peas and herbs, we have some welcome additions from Midori, like onions, lettuces, kales, arugula, spinach, and beets. Red Dog continues to hold it down with ornamental and edible flowers. As anyone who has followed a season at the Corner Nursery knows, new varieties land every week from here on out, so the avid gardener will check back as often as allows to access the cream of the crops!
Red Dog Roots, Midori Greens
In honor of the heralded return of their plant starts, we thought we might remind you that you can still find fresh produce from both Red Dog and Midori Farms on the Produce Porch, which is amazing for late March! Red Dog is still rolling with the roots, particularly red beets and loose carrots! We also have their very popular German Butterball potatoes and the medicinal-grade Black Radish. As for Midori, we got a late season addition of their famous kraut base, Green Cabbage! In addition, we have bunched White Russian Kale and some Bagged Spinach to round out Midori’s greens offerings.
Cure What Ails Ye
Those who work in the soil tend to get some pretty cracked hands in the spring. Fortunately, we have an outstanding fourth-generation herbalist practicing locally who can help us tend to all of our ailments. Denise Joy of Mountain Spirit Herbal Company is a true force and a fount of wisdom, and makes amazing herbal products. Speaking of those cracked hands, why not try the Renewal Balm from Mountain Spirit? Olive Oil is infused with Comfrey, Burdock, Calendula, Chamomile, and others, for a salve that soothes and relieves when applied to the skin. We also carry a significant line-up of Mountain Spirit Tinctures, Body Oils, and Essential Oils. Favorite tinctures at Chimacum Corner include “Pollen Season” and “Kick Ass”. When it comes to “getting well,” thanks to Mountain Spirit, and our new Health, Beauty, and Housewares Buyer, Leah- we keep it really local! Learn more about Leah, in her staff feature!
Warm Welcome to Leah!
Say, “Hello” to Leah! Our latest addition to the Corner Buying Team. Leah joined us back in the beginning of December and has been training her way through front of house clerking and back of house stocking rhythms, learning all the ins and outs of our little corner scene. She brings with her a depth of experience from other natural grocers and we’re excited for her to be taking the reins of some special departments in the store, including health, housewares, and stickers! Read on to learn a little more about Leah…
What fruit or vegetable would you be and why?
Jamaican lilikoi. The "why" is answered as soon as you taste it: Unforgettable.
What farm or regional animal would you be and why?
A cow. My poo would be building the greatest resource we have next to air and water: rich topsoil!
What’s your current favorite thing (or things!) at the store?
Sumo Sake and Boochi Rice Beer for my adult beverage moments. If I have worked a gnarly day and didn't plan anything for dinner my two main go to's are West Coast Dumplings (Bacon Goudaaaa) and the Patty Pan's Chicken Tamales. Pair either of those with some sour cream, sour Kraut (shout out to Midori Farms!)
What do you like most about living on the peninsula?
The liquid sunshine and nature.
Tempeh All Day
If you’re looking for a hearty protein-filled salad to keep your body going through all that gardening on the agenda, then the Corner Kitchen Tempeh Salad is right in your wheelhouse. Shredded carrot, peanuts, and sliced cucumber complement brown rice and the marinated Black Bean Tempeh from Squirrel & Crow, to which you can liberally apply Tamari Peanut Ginger dressing as you see fit. This all takes place on a bed of salad mix. We are so grateful for the healthy, easy lunch options that the Corner Kitchen crew creates.
You better fuel up before you get to all of that transplanting and garden clean-up! Save 5 bucks on the entire Pachamama line of whole bean coffees! All of their beans are organic and “farmer-owned.” For a quicker fix, we’ve got deals on the Mount Hagen line of instant coffees, available in jar and single serve stick formats. They even have an espresso option. And don’t forget the coffee filters, which are also on the deals sheet this cycle! There is no tool more essential on the planting bench than a steaming cup of joe.
