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A Tragic Tale of Zucchini

August 15, 2017 By marketeditor

 

By Mary Peryea

Last summer, I made an attempt at gardening by planting one zucchini and two tomato plants.  I’m a big fan of tomato sandwiches and all things zucchini, especially moist, luscious zucchini bread.  Well, the tomatoes did okay and I had plenty of sandwiches.  The zucchini, on the other hand, was a great disappointment.

The plant grew and even flowered, but no fruit appeared.  Jim Gupta-Carlson, a local farmer and volunteer with the Saratoga Farmers’ Market, suggested that perhaps my plant had only male flowers, or that maybe the flowers weren’t being pollinated.

I turned to Google and learned that zucchini plants typically have male and female flowers.  The male flowers appear first when the plant is young.  Female flowers appear later and have a young zucchini at the base of the flower.  In order for the fruit to develop, pollen must get from male flowers to female flowers.  This is usually done by bees, but if not, the plant can be hand pollinated.  This involves transferring the pollen via artist paintbrush or q-tip early in the day.  Not being an early riser, I knew this would not work for me and resigned myself to buying zucchini.

Denison Farm by Pattie Garrett

This year, I was determined to grow my own zucchini, come hell or high water.  I purchased a lovely little organic zucchini plant at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market, and planted it, only to see it get eaten by rabbits. I was crushed. However, the Master Gardeners at the market suggested that I might still be able to get some zucchini if I kept the plant in a container.

So I bought a beautiful Black Beauty zucchini plant – actually four of them – to replace my lost one. I have planted them in a large pot, and put it on my deck, safe from the ravages of the bunnies.  It has budded and bloomed.  So far I see only male flowers.  No zucchini in sight.  I know the blossoms and leaves are edible, but I want a zucchini! Preferably, a lot of zucchini.

I’m hoping for a late frost and some zucchini to come.

If you love zucchini as much as Mary Peryea, now is the time to get it at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market: 3-6 p.m. Wednesdays and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays at High Rock Park. Also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Filed Under: Featured Article, News Tagged With: Gardening, Growing Vegetables, Saratoga Farmers' Market Recipes, Zucchini

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Have you tried any of @nettlemeadowfarm's newest S Have you tried any of @nettlemeadowfarm's newest Schroon Moon spreadable cow's cheeses yet? Go for savory or sweet with 5 different flavors. Pick some up at this Saturday's market - we'll be open 9:30am - 1:30pm at the Wilton Mall food court!
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#farmersmarket #saratogafarmersmarket #saratogasprings #saratogany #wilton #518 #518eats #farmfresh #nofarmsnofood #dairy #cheese
We are honored to be nominated as one of the Best We are honored to be nominated as one of the Best Farmers’ Markets in the Capital Region for the Times Union’s Best of 2021! Thank you to all of our amazing customers and community for your continued support! You can vote for us daily under the category “Goods & Services” using this link: https://www.timesunion.com/bestof2021/ 
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#timesunionbestof2021 #timesunionbestof #saratogafarmersmarket #farmersmarket 
#supportlocal #shoplocal #saratogany #saratogasprings
Starting off the week with another MCM (Market Cru Starting off the week with another MCM (Market Crush Monday!) This week we talked to Kim from Mugzy’s Barkery who brings healthy, locally made dog treats to the market. 
 
1. How did Mugzy’s Barkery get started? 
My sister Jaime started the business just over 5 years ago to have a healthier treat option to give her beloved Olde English Bulldog, Mugzy. Our treats are all natural and organic, providing a healthy alternative to mass-produced treats for caring dog parents. 
 
 2. What’s your favorite part about vending at the market?
Definitely getting to see all the dogs! The funny thing is I know all our regular customer’s dogs by name, not the owners. 
 
3. What are your most popular treat flavors?
Pumpkin paws (grain-free biscuits) and the pupcakes (a bite-sized treat) are really popular with the dogs but we also have flavors like PB cookie cups, apple cheddar training treats, banana buddies and more, so something to fit any pup’s tastes!
 
The PB cookie cups have been tried and approved by our market assistant’s dog, Lacey! 
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#saratogafarmersmarket #farmersmarket #saratoga #upstateny #shoplocal #saratogadog #farmersmarketfresh #mugzysbarkery #dogtreats #healthydogtreats
No need for an international flight when you can j No need for an international flight when you can journey around the world at the market! 🌍 Between Italian, Mediterranean, and Ukrainian, our vendors bring some of their best home cuisines to the market.
 
Have you tried My Dacha's Ukrainian food yet? Choose from lots of delicious options like pierogies, stuffed cabbage, kielbasa, or opt for sweet crepes. 🥟🤤 (If you've tried their food, what's your favorite?!)

We're open this Saturday, 9:30am - 1:30pm at the Wilton Mall food court!
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#farmersmarket #saratogafarmersmarket #saratogasprings #food #ukrainian #pierogies

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