The Green Market Alternative

Gardening the Organic Way

One would think that when I moved out of a small townhouse with a tiny garden a home with a large outdoor space I would have mastered organic gardening.  But sadly no; I did however manage to grow without chemicals one tasty cabbage of the three I had planted, two prolific tomato plants of four and one healthy baigan (eggplant) of two.  Only the fittest survived while caterpillars, aphids, whiteflies and little green bugs destroyed the weak.  In time even the survivors fell defeated to the armies of insects, so I gave up. In fact, I now have greater respect for gardeners.  They know how to grow the stuff that nourishes our bodies, from seed to harvest and my attempts clearly demonstrate thadoing it without the use of chemicals to control pests and weeds requires specialised knowledge, strong commitment and immense manual effort.

I prefer effortless gardening; like the piece of ginger I simply stuck in a flowerpot two months ago that is still doing well;  all I do is water it three times a week. I  sprinkled tomato seeds in the same pot and one of the plants is doing really well.  No bugs.  At least not yet.  It could have something to do with the strong taste and smell of the ginger, I think.  

Tropical Fruits; Source: Peter Hendrie, Getty Images

The Alternative

In the meantime, I get some of my 'organic' produce at the Santa Cruz Green Market  also known as San Antonio Green Market.  This farmers' market is the first of its kind in Trinidad and Tobago and brings together produce vendors, craftsmen and artisans in the lush, rain-forested valley of Santa Cruz.

I have wondered whether the produce is really organic, and if so how is a buyer to know in a country like ours where there are no measures in place even for the monitoring the levels of chemicals used by farmers on their crops...more on this in a future blog.  For now, let's go with the Green Market's  Vendor Policy statement  which gives me some level of comfort, particularly because it states, "The Green Market will visit your farm or garden before you can sell at our Market".

They are open this Saturday although it is a Public Holiday in Trinidad and Tobago.  'Make a turn' and come visit the Santa Cruz Green Market... get yourself something organic, taste the difference and let me know what you think.  Maybe I will see you there!

Cheers!

Omgrowntnt