The Fedco Seeds Catalog Is Here!

Last week, an early Christmas present arrived- the Fedco seeds catalog. If you're not familiar with Fedco, it's a small seed cooperative in Maine. They have amazing variety selections with low prices. I know this sounds like an advertisement but I don't know what I would do without Fedco. The catalog itself is a work of art with lots of timely, thought-provoking quotes and illustrations. The variety descriptions written by the company's founder C.R. Lawn are often funny and always interesting. The variety offerings range from those best suited for home gardeners to market gardening.

For those of us from Northern climes, the catalog emphasizes cold-hardiness with a large proportion of varieties that perform well with a short growing season.

Here is a link to a downloadable copy of their current catalog. In addition, here is a link to their online store.

Good Food Read: "Folks, this ain't normal" by Joel Salatin

At past PASA (Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture)conferences, I've heard Joel Salatin speak on a variety of agricultural topics. It is about time that I read one of his books. This is a review of his most recent work "Folks, this ain't normal: A Farmer's Advice for Happier Hens, Healthier People, and a Better World."

Joel Salatin and his family own and operate Polyface Farm in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley, a diversified animal operation. Salatin is considered a pioneer in rotational grazing. This book is not a guide to his farming system but an intellectual exploration of range of farming and food issues. I may not agree with all of Salatin's politics but I enjoy reading what he has to say and thinking about it.

This is a book for contemplation. A great winter read after a long season of farming or gardening.