On August 29th, I was lucky enough to attend the Coquitlam Farmer’s Market Long Table Dinner, to which the wonderful event was held at Red Barn Plants and Produce, in Maple Ridge. It was great to be at the source of such wonderful food, all growing fresh around us!
All of the food that was served came from local food producers, and primarily from the vendors that frequent the weekly market on Sundays. The funds from this event go directly to the market’s Power of Produce kid’s club. This program happens at the market each Sunday, and teaches kids about local, fresh food through information and a fun activity.

Below is a photo that was a simple salad made from in season radish, cooked beets, tossed with fresh salad greens, candied walnuts and cheese from Golden Ears Cheese Crafters.
But then I thought, while looking at this fantastic plate, and the greens growing around me, of my tired garden. Spring and summer are rushed times at the nursery and in life, but I was inspired to go back to my garden, as now is time for fall clean-up of tomatoes and bolted lettuces. While it may be a bit late to direct seed many veggies, now is perfect timing for cool season starts, such as lettuces, arugula, cabbage, broccoli, kale and cauliflower. Garlic can go in now for next summer too!

Share with us! Have you planted a fall/winter garden? Do you have fresh garden to table veggies planted? Send us your photos. Or, have questions on fall gardening, come on into the nursery and ask us! And while you are here, grab some fresh starts for your garden.
For more information on the Coquitlam Farmer’s Market, and their Power of Produce kid’s program, please visit: https://makebakegrow.com/contact-us/ Or visit the market on Sunday’s at the Dogwood Pavilion on Poirier Street from 9 am to 1 pm.


Written By Amanda Smith