WSU Master Gardeners

Ah, New Year's Day is behind us but it’s not too late to make resolutions or work toward completing those already made. One of my resolutions is to read a couple of good books. Winter is an ideal time to read books that will enrich my mind and give me diverse ideas that I can mull over when I get too busy in the summer to read. I am more inclined to read books about food than novels. I like to learn more about industrial farming, sustainable agriculture, and our political food history. There is much to learn about the social, ethical and environmental impact of our food choices.

Last winter I read Omnivore’s Dilemma by Michael Pollan and his follow-up book In Defense of Food. This winter I resolve to read Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver. She and her family spent a year eating only local food. And speaking of resolutions, I resolve to eat more locally this year. I think we do a pretty good job of that, what with what we grow ourselves and the availability of good, locally grown vegetables, fruit and meat here in Wahkiakum County. I can always do better, however.

Of course, now is the time to read gardening books, too. There is a plethora of seed catalogs that keep me busy many winter evenings. There is no better way to eat locally than right out of your own garden. Even if you have only large containers or small raised beds, you will be surprised at what you can grow. But be forewarned! It’s so easy to get over exuberant what with all those beautiful pictures and lovely descriptions. It makes me desire a package of every variety and even though I have a large garden, it has only so much space.

And then there are cookbooks that I dearly love to read. Two of my newest finds are Greens Glorious Greens! by Johnna Albi and Catherine Walthers which I bought at the Farmer’s Market and The Farm to Table cookbook by Ivy Manning which I found at Redmen Hall. I’m sure Trillium Books would order either, too. Cookbooks that teach us how to prepare local, seasonal foods are the best at helping us eat the food we grow, buy at the Farmer’s Market or find in our CSA bag. I also resolve to learn to bake better bread. I’ve baked bread for years and think I bake a pretty good loaf but again, I can do better. Two excellent books I’m reading are Breads from the La Brea Bakery by Nancy Silverton and The Bread Bible by Rose Ley Beranbaum.

I encourage you to resolve to eat more local, seasonal food and prepare it in the most healthful manner, read books which educate you about our food sources and most of all…pass away the long dark days of winter with delight and a hot cup of tea!

Do you have questions for WSU Master Gardeners? We will try to answer as many questions in future articles as possible. E-mail: twietl@co.wahkiakum.wa.us. or call 795-3278.