Crafty Local Eating

Join us for "Crafty Local Eating," a talk by Amy and Jeff Burchstead of the horse-powered Buckwheat Blossom Farm. This free event will be from 7 to 8:30 pm on Thursdy, May 8, at our store, 56 Maine Street, in downtown Brunswick, Maine.

"Come learn how to eat locally and economically year-round," says Amy Burchstead, who with her husband Jeff has a small, organic, horse-powered farm in Wiscasset. "We’ll explore the ins and outs of farmers’ markets and CSAs and cover the basics of the easiest and most economical crops to grow and store yourself - from container gardening to the kitchen garden."

By some estimates, the average meal in Maine has traveled 1,800 miles before it reaches the dinner table. Only about 20% of the calories Mainers eat come from food grown in state. At their talk, the Burchsteads will discuss the hidden costs of buying out-of-season food that must be transported long distances. Attendees will learn about several options for eating locally-grown food around the year in Maine, including community supported agriculture (CSAs), farmers' markets, and farm stands.

The Burchsteads will also introduce aspiring gardeners to the easiest and most economical crops to grow yourself. The basic steps of testing and improving soil, planting, controlling weeds and pests, watering, and harvesting will be covered. Helpful techniques such as container gardening and lasagna gardening will be described. In addition, the Burchsteads will explain how to plan for winter by storing root crops, freezing and fermenting garden produce, and over wintering crops in the garden.

Other topics that will be covered at the talk are the definitions of "local" and "organic", the importance of knowing your farmer, and the "dirty dozen" conventional crops to avoid.

Free informational handouts will be provided. Seating is limited, so those interested in attending are encouraged to call the store at 729-4050 to reserve a seat.

The talk is part of the F.W. Horch series on sustainable living. Each monthly talk is held at the F.W. Horch Sustainable Goods & Supplies store, 56 Maine Street, Brunswick on the second Thursday of the month. June's talk will feature the chance to test drive electric cars from Maine Electric Vehicles.

For more information, please call 729-4050.