I have found that there are two kinds of market goers. The "regulars" and the "sight-seers." The first will be there in a thunderstorm in 45 degree weather and will buy a good amount every time. The others hardly ever buy anything. You can here the sight seers say things like "Wow, its the same price as the grocrey store!" I want to wack them and scream "TRY IT! Its a heirloom that tastes fantasitic and it was picked less then 24 hours ago, so all the enzymes and nutrients have not started to die yet!" They carry a bag with mostly baked goods and crafts, a $2 cookie makes more since to them then a $.50 zuccinni or $3/# heirloom toms. But the regulars are always there and they will buy until the last day of market. These are your gold! We actually have diverted a few of these people to our CSA. But these are your late season buyers, so try to get your own regulars as early as possible in the season and it will help you later. (Typically there are also fewer farmers after first frost, you can grab their regulars to, and if you are there early enough the next year, maybe make them your regulars the next year.)

I checked most of the walmarts and nurseries in the NYC metro area and still no cold hardy palms up for sale yet. I saw one at the Metropolitan Plant Exchange by the George Washington Bridge, but it was loaded with ants and aphids :-( I guess the main chains around here haven't received their shipments yet. I hope the area gets them soon. I want a larger windmill palm and a larger sabal minor soon........I'm what you call an addict.

cleo, The 2 'Tainers are just used to "incubate" the seedlings outside, for the next 30 days, or so. Then I put 2 plants per 31 gallon container. The pipe is to send water to the reservoir underneath the plant base. See this link for additional info. Raybo Here is a link that might be useful: EarthTainer II WaterMizer Edition Guide

Yesterday it snowed and inch or two in the morning and all day never got past 28 degrees- no sun, but some brightness. In the afternoon I went out and it was 46 in the tunnel so I picked all the kale I would need. I bagged it in the barn, (very cold on the hands) packed it in ice packs, and put it in my van in the garage. This is the earliest I have ever picked for a Saturday market but this is winter and like jrslick it's better to pick early than not have anything at all. In the summer I take pride in picking nearly everything the day before market. I wish I had more greens but I cleaned out all the matured spinach for the December markets. I hope the spinach will show new growth in February. I have tons of carrots in the tunnel but have not used any yet as I had been able to dig outside up until last Monday when we got 6 inches of sleet and snow. Tonight is expected to reach 10 degrees with tomorrows high of 20. Winter marketing is a bit harsh but it still makes me happy to do it since my customers appreciate it so much. jrslick- What varieties of lettuce are you able to keep going in winter? Mine had all started getting brown on the outside leaves.