As October approaches, the roadside gardens on the Great Northern Peninsula get harvested. I planted a small crop this season that consisted of kale, cabbage, turnip and carrot. Also the family grows lots of potatoes.
I purchased some small kale plants from Nature’s Seeds Greenhouse in Roddickton. They were great producers and so was my cabbage. I made a delicious meal of cabbage rolls and they were used for Sunday dinners and to make a batch of homemade pickles.
There is something satisfying about being able to go to the garden and freshly pick your own produce. I made a red lentil soup and incorporated my carrots and kale into it. It served to be delicious in lieu of our regular turkey neck soup.
Growing your own food requires time, attention and hard work, but it’s very rewarding when you reap what you sow.
Fresh carrots, turnip, potatoes and greens help produce the staple vegetables that make up the traditional Newfoundland Sunday Dinner.
It’s a great time to plan for next season, to look at securing a box at a community garden, making your own or tilling some land. Also, to consider the variety of vegetables and herbs that can be grown. I’m looking forward to expanding on my crop next season and also trying new dishes, while holding on to many of our own local Newfoundland favourites.
Live Rural NL –
Christopher Mitchelmore
