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low tunnel

Harvest Season — in February???

February 18, 2019 By marketeditor

by Pattie Garrett

A visit to Saturday’s Saratoga Farmers’ Market during the cold winter months brings surprises: the tables are overflowing with vegetables and fruit, and each week newly harvested leafy greens and other fresh-picked produce appear. This leaves me wondering, how is it possible to grow vegetables when the temperature is below freezing? 

Paul and Sandy Arnold, who have been working the land at Pleasant Valley Farm for the past 30 years, explain that they started experimenting with winter farming in 1992 with low tunnels, and in 2006 with high tunnels. 

Paul Arnold and his daughter Kim harvest greens in a high tunnel. Photo courtesy of Pattie Garrett

“Through much trial and error, the high tunnel winter greens production has proven to be worthwhile. Customers are excited to come every week of the year and be able to get fresh, healthy greens. Each year, our systems have been improved so that we have a more consistent supply throughout the cold winter months, though we will always be challenged by the weather,” explains Paul, with a knowing smile.

I decided to visit the farm on a cold February day. I drive down ice covered unpaved roads for miles; upon arrival I’m greeted by a hawk’s screech and an overwhelming view. Walking past several high tunnels full of colorful vegetables, I find the Arnolds harvesting vegetables, spinach, lettuce and more. High tunnels make it possible for local farmers to extend the growing season and provide us with locally grown fresh vegetables year-round at the farmers’ market. On the Arnold’s farm, the high tunnels are made of polycarbonate material and plastic over a steel structure; the tunnel protects the plants from weather extremes, controlling the environment for the plants in a safe, natural way. The vegetables are planted directly in the soil inside the tunnel. If the tunnel detects the temperature is too high or low, the tunnels’ side curtains will move up or down automatically to maintain an appropriate temperature.

Lettuce sown in the soil of a high tunnel. Photo courtesy of Pattie Garrett.

The 5000 square foot high tunnels enable the Arnolds to grow tasty winter greens such as spinach, lettuce, kale, swiss chard, mustards, broccoli raab, Asian greens, arugula and more. Paul explains, “The seasons change the flavor of the produce. The cold may bring out its flavor or heat will enhance its sweetness.” So, enjoy your favorite vegetables and fruit from the farmers’ market, grown locally and naturally healthy and delicious all year, thanks to innovative farmers like the Arnolds.

Filed Under: Featured Article, homepage feature, News Tagged With: Asian greens, broccoli raab, farming, greenhouse, high tunnel, lettuce, low tunnel, mustard, New York State farm, Pleasant Valley Farm, Spinach, swiss chard, upstate farming, weather, winter agriculture, winter farming, winter greens, winter salad

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Welcome back to another MCM (Market Crush Monday)! Welcome back to another MCM (Market Crush Monday)! This week we talked to John and Elizabeth from Mrs. London’s Bakery. They bring fresh baked pastries, breads and sandwiches to the market every week.

1. How did Mrs. London’s get started?
It all started in the ‘70s, when pastry chef Michael London and his wife and baking apprentice Wendy began baking in Greenwich Village in New York City. They dreamed of opening a French bakery together and in 1977 did just that by opening Mrs. London’s in Saratoga Springs. We have been serving French pastries, desserts, bread and more for over 40 years.

2. What is your best seller at the farmers’ market?
The almond croissant is our most popular product by far! But our personal favorites are the currant cream scones and the custard rum raisin.

3. What do you like about working at the market?
It’s just a happy place to work and we’ve made a lot of great friends and regular customers over the years. It’s also nice to get some of our own market favorites each week - our current go-to is Ukranian food from My Dacha Slovenian Cafe!

Stop by Mrs. London’s every Saturday from 9:30-1:30 in the Wilton Mall food court! 
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#saratogafarmersmarket #farmersmarket #saratoga #farmersmarketfinds #mrslondonsbakery #frenchpastry #shoplocal #farmersmarketfresh #saratogasprings #freshbaked
Looking forward to another Saturday market! Since Looking forward to another Saturday market! Since January is National Soup Month (and this week sure has been a cold one), why not grab a soup kit from Gomez Veggie Ville this Saturday and get to creating some hearty homemade soups? Find us 9:30am - 1:30pm in the Wilton Mall food court to get your weekly fix of good food!
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#farmersmarket #saratogafarmersmarket #saratogasprings #saratoga #eatlocal #shoplocal #supportlocal #food #fresh #local #518 #soup #nationalsoupmonth
Looking to grow your business in the new year? Ven Looking to grow your business in the new year? Vendor applications for our summer market are now open from January 15th-31st! Local farmers, artisans, crafters, and specialty food makers are welcome to apply. For more information visit our website https://www.saratogafarmersmarket.org/vendor/
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#saratogafarmersmarket #farmersmarket #farmersmarketfresh #saratogany #wilton #smallbusinesssaratoga #localbusiness #smallbusiness #smallbusinesssupport
Another week, another Market Crush Monday! This we Another week, another Market Crush Monday! This week we talked to Argyle Cheese Farmer’s Dave, who brings a variety of aged cheeses, curds, yogurt, smoothies, frozen pizzas, and more to the market each week!

1. How did you get started with Argyle Cheese Farmer?
My wife, Marge, and I started back in 2007 with producing yogurt, buttermilk and cheese on my family farmstead which had been in operation since 1860. Over the years, Marge - who is quite the visionary! - has expanded our business and product line immensely but we have always stayed committed to using only high quality milk from local farms without artificial hormones.

2. Can you tell me a little bit about your recent expansion?
We recently opened a retail store and production facility in Hudson Falls where you can buy all of our products as well as a collection of local artisan’s eggs, honey, maple syrup, and much more. The cool thing about this location is that we built it with windows into our production area so you can watch some of your favorites being made!

3. What is your favorite part about vending at the market? 
That would definitely be meeting the people who love our products. I’ve made some really great friends over the years and it's nice to be able to see familiar faces each week. 

Be sure to visit the Argyle Cheese Farmer every Saturday from 9:30 to 1:30 in the Wilton Mall food court! 

Are you interested in becoming a vendor at the market? Our summer vendor applications are open now from January 15th-31st! Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to grow your business and join the farmers’ market community!
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#saratogafarmersmarket #farmersmarket #saratoga #knowyourfarmer #farmermarketfinds #farmfresh #shoplocal #farmersmarketfresh #argylecheesefarmer #argyle #cheese #dairy

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