Thursday, November 29, 2018

Garlic at Winter Market on Sunday!

I finally finished planting the garlic today, and have some left over to sell at market. On Sunday (not Saturday) I'll be at the Winter Market with just garlic. It's open from 9-3, and I may sell out before the end since I don't have a lot. I'll be in a small space to the far right of the music stage and not far from Silver Canyon Coffee and the other farmers. I'd love to see you there!

Here's the link to the Winter Market details
https://www.bcfm.org/markets/wintermarket/
My art (photos of pollinators) is for sale at Harlequin's Gardens Holiday Market.
See my Art blog for details. WeeBeeFarmsArt  http://weebeefarmsart.blogspot.com/
   Karen


Planting Garlic - better late than never!

I have a tradition of planting the last of the garlic on Thanksgiving morning. Generally it's a warm day and I just have a bit more to fill in some gaps. This year with snow coming every weekend it was hard to find a time when the soil was dry enough to plant.
one field half-planted

Planting in muddy soil
Luckily on Thanksgiving some sections were
planted up to the beautiful sunset time!
dry enough to plant (and some friends cooked dinner!) And the next day I planted all day in the high winds to take advantage of the drier soil before the next predicted snow which never materialized. This week I was able to finish up and enjoy the prospect of a snowy weekend coming.
I have a little left over that I didn't have room for which I'll sell at Winter Market on Sunday then I can relax a bit...
Ahh....

Here's the link to the Winter Market details-
https://www.bcfm.org/markets/wintermarket/

and Harlequin's Gardens where I have my art for sale. And my art blog:
http://weebeefarmsart.blogspot.com/


Tuesday, October 2, 2018

Longmont date • Garlic Storage • Stay healthy with garlic!

Unfortunately, last Saturday was our last market at the Boulder Farmer's Market. Because of some Spring pests and problems the crop was 60% of the usual. We have a small amount of garlic left over and will sell that at the Longmont Farmers' Market on October 13th. That market is at Boulder County Fairgrounds and goes from 8-1 (It may sell out well before 1pm.)
There are some larger heads for eating or planting - about 4 kinds. And 3 types of regular size garlic that is strong, tasty and great for cooking. And some small/ medium garlic that will store a while. In fact most of the garlic will store until December or through the end of December.
Garlic Storage Be sure to keep your garlic in a paper bag if you want longer-term storage.  You can keep it in the fridge in the paper bag, but keep in mind it will start to sprout as soon as you take it out. You can squeeze your bulbs to check for signs that it's time to use it up. If cloves are going soft use those first. You can rehydrate them in some hot water (or soup!) to use if they are drying out.
Use your garlic to stay healthy! Look at the top right section of this blog page, click on "Pages" and select the page called "Health Benefits of Garlic". Our family has had great results using garlic mixed with honey for treating colds and sickness.

Thursday, September 20, 2018

WeeBee Farms at market through Sept. 29th

It looks like we have enough garlic left to sell for this Saturday and next. We should have a decent amount each week before selling out.
If there is garlic left over on the 29th we may be at the Longmont market on October 6th. Check back here to see.
Chesnok Red


bags for stocking up

Friday, August 31, 2018

Longmont Market • Predicted sell out date • Seed garlic

Longmont Farmer's Market Day: 
September 15th.
Come see us in Longmont on the15th. This will likely be the only day we will be in Longmont but check back on the blog to see if we will come to Longmont another time.
Longmont Market garlic Sept. 2017

Predicted Sell-out Date: Sept. 22nd at Boulder Farmer's Market
How I wish I had a giant barn full of garlic still, but the reality is that Spring troubles have meant less garlic than usual although what I have looks great. Come and get it while you can! If we have enough garlic to sell on Sept. 29th I will post it here, so stay tuned.

Garlic "Seed"
For seed garlic I suggest buying now from the regular bins and using those for planting. I will have some larger bulbs available which you can ask for as well. I will make up some "planting bags" but won't have as many as previous years. Also be sure to use your own seed to plant if you can. That is the best plan of all!

Wednesday, August 1, 2018

Garlic for Sale August 4th!

Garlic Report
The garlic is finally ready to sell and we look forward to seeing you on Saturday. This years' harvest was fairly good considering the challenges we had during the Spring (cutworms eating the garlic and other issues). Most of the types of garlic turned out to be a good medium size and looks pretty. This upcoming week we will have several kinds to sell including Tzan (Mexican Red), Persian Star, Chesnok Red and German Extra Hardy. We look forward to seeing all our favorite garlic aficionados again!
Roadwork on Arapahoe
There is some construction on Arapahoe, but if you park at the RTD garage and walk over from the North it shouldn't affect you too much.

Wednesday, July 4, 2018

When do I harvest my garlic?


Quick answer: When half the leaves are brown.  
Harvest- Dig up when half of the leaves are brown (including the bottom leaves which have fallen off), usually June 25- July 10 for me. "Turban" garlics such as Tzan and Shantung Purple are usually ready 3 weeks before the rest (June 15 or so). 
When harvesting, remove the biggest chunks of dirt from the garlic by giving a gentle twist to the dirt clump. I leave on the roots and stems. After harvest shade immediately. Hang or put on ventilated shelves for 3 weeks to “cure” with stems on. They must have good air circulation and shade.


How To Store- Clip off the stems after they are cured. Store at room temperature or cooler, out of direct sunlight. Cool basements and garages can work well for storage. The bulbs need air circulation, but storing in paper bags is recommended for long-term storage to keep them from drying out too much. Many people have luck storing in the fridge in paper bags. Hardnecks generally store up to 5 months. Softnecks up to 9 months. Turbans stay firm til December or January, but send up random sprouts starting in November (still great to eat).
Garlic that has been in the ground too long will start to lose the skins and will not store as long but is otherwise fine.
Cleaning-  After curing just rub off the dirt, and maybe one layer of dirty outside skin and they will look gorgeous. 


Note from 2018- several types of our garlic have been harvested already as of July 3rd. The cutworm damage we had in Spring made it smaller which made it dry out quicker,  and the recent hot weather also sped up the ripening process. More updates later!

Friday, June 22, 2018

Scapes Galore! Veggie plants for sale. National pollinator week. Last week til August 4th.


We have lots of curlies- otherwise known as garlic scapes- to sell this week. We harvested the last batch yesterday while they are still young and tender.

How to use cooked: Put in your eggs, beans, potatoes, pasta, soup, stir fry, burrito.  Sautee for a minute, add salt and serve as your pasta topping. You may want to cut off the bottom part if it is tough, and the tip. You can use the flower part in your food if you like. They are great grilled whole too!
How to use raw: Slice thinly and add to a green salad, potato salad, hummous, tabouli, tuna salad, dips.
Make pesto (puree with olive oil and salt) and spread on bread, sandwiches, pizza crust.
For more ideas go to http://www.dailycamera.com/garlic-scapes
Scapes will store for 2 months in the fridge in a plastic bag!!
We will have generous bags (about a handful) for $2.25 (or $2 if you bring your own bag). 
 
Come get them at the Boulder Farmer's Market this Saturday! The garlic harvest will start next week so we will not be at market again until August 4th.

We'll also have some tomato, basil, pepper, cucumber plant and a few other plants for your garden. 

We specialize in selling plants for pollinators- come celebrate National Pollinator week with us. Bee friendly plants from organic seed, no chemicals, especially grown for pollinators and flowering beauty.

Wednesday, May 23, 2018

WeeBee Farms will be at 2 markets this Saturday! Longmont and Boulder

Come get your plants at the Longmont Farmer's Market this Saturday or in Boulder. Creekfest is happening in Boulder.  8-10 is the nicest time to come if you don't like crowds.


Oranos sweet peppers

Belcanto peppers

basil- we have several kinds

Black plum tomatoes

Holy basil, bees

true hyssop

Nasturtim plants will be for sale

Asian, lemon, pickling cukes

purple poppies!

Scarlet Sage

We will have lots of Tomato and Pepper plants. Basil, cucumbers, zucchini, herbs, flowers greens and much more!!!

Saturday, May 19, 2018

Not at market today- come next week. Pepper plants coming...

We are not at Market on May 19th but will be there May 26th.
Come early before the Creekfest crowds arrive! Before 10am it'll be peaceful and free parking is available at the RTD station .
Pepper plants will be for sale May 26th and June 2nd- we have LOTS this year!

Friday, May 11, 2018

Start your gardens!

Come see our selection of Salad Bowls for Mother's Day!

Should be a beautiful days, with just a little drizzle.
WeeBee Farms is bringing LOTS of plants so come by and see us.

Friday, April 20, 2018

Will Sunday be the day to start your garden? Come Saturday for plants...

A drizzly day is predicted- the market won't be too crowded and there will be lots of starts for your garden. Sunday may be the perfect day to plant!

From today: These are now in the van, ready to bring to market!
Come check out our plant starts: peas, lettuce, kale, mustards, onions, arugula and cilantro! Also Salad Bowls, kitty grass, Flowers for Pollinators and other hardy plants. These have been outside in 20 degree weather, wind, and full sun. They are REALLY ready to plant!

Friday, April 13, 2018

WeeBee Farms first market of the season will be April 21st.


We will have Salad Bowl planters, kale, lettuce and greens for your garden.
And plants for pollinators. Poppies, flowers that attract bees and other pollinators, hummingbirds and lots more.

Sorry we will miss you at tomorrow's market- we had planned to be there but I injured my knee during garlic weeding and will give it a rest before the big season begins. - Karen