Happy May Day: Weekend Festival, Hot Chili Peppers & Turkeys!

NOTE: This is a slice of our May Newsletter. If you'd like to subscribe, click here. (We send a newsletter about once a month and we certainly don't SPAM... spam can't be composted, so we don't send it!)

Happy May Day!

When my kids were little (and times seemed simpler) we had a May Day tradition, started by long-time customer and neighbor, Vicki.  We'd start by taking flowers in 4 inch pots to the local senior living community.

My kids would place the flower pot near the unsuspecting receivers doors, ring the bell, shout "Happy May Day!" and run.  As the kids scurried down the halls, they'd hear "thank you!" hollered out by the residents... who had no idea who had dropped off the gift, or why.

I encourage you to do something kind, involving a new friend and flowers, to kick off your May.  You won't be dissappointed... and neither will they.

This month is also the month of our Homesteading Arts Festival this Sunday, May 5th from 9a-3p.  It's a gorgeous day of hand-made, local arts and crafts, with dozens of local artists showcasing their hand-made wares. And if you're inclined, here's the Homesteading Arts event on Facebook to share with your tribe.

See you at the farm, -Farmer Bill

IN STOCK: THIS WEEK

Released May 1st and subject to availability. If you're driving from a distance, call ahead to ensure we have things in-stock for you: 619-284-6358.

Dig-em-up's available this week. Tomato varities include: yellow pear, green zebra, black plum paste, sungold, red cherry, health kick and patio. $3.19 each

Assorted bell peppers and chili peppers $2.19 each

Spinach and red kale $2.19 each

Organic Herbs including parsley and chives, in addition to assorted basil, oregano, thyme, mint's, rosemary. 4" Stevia and White sage will be available on Wednesday, May 1st.

Other veggies in-stock: Salad greens, lettuce's, assorted melons, assorted squash, corn, cucumbers, bush and pole beans okra, collards and beets.

And remember, our veggies are organically started and organically maintained, but City Farmers is *not* a certified organic grower (we cannot afford the certification process).  Since 1972, we've done our best to maintain plants as organically as possible - no pesticides are used, organic soils that we mix on-site, and organic fertilizers.

EXTRA HOT CHILI PEPPER ALERT

On Sunday May 5th limited amounts of our on-site started EXTRA HOT chili peppers will be available. Varities include: chocolate habanero, pumpkin habanero, Ghost peppers, and peter piper peppers. These are speciality peppers and are priced at $3.19 each.

TURKEYS HAVE LANDED

Adorable and quickly growing, this Friday, May 3rd, our turkeys will be available for sale.  Here's more information on the cuties...

Pricing details: Broad Breasted Bronze Turkey's are $15.89 each. Because feeding and keeping these sweethearts increases as they get bigger in size, our costs will continue to tick up every week or so.  For latest pricing details, please give us a call at 619-284-6358).

Chicks and Ducklings arrive at City Farmers!

Meet our springtime babies!  The cuties are available while supplies last. For updated pricing and varities, please swing by or call us at 619-284-6358 (M-Sa 9a-5p, Su 9a-3p).

Remember that these little sweethearts need a proper place to come home to.

Please adopt wisely and please make sure your yard:

• is zoned for animals (in the City of San Diego:http://www.sandiego.gov/development-services/pdf/news/keepingchickens.pdf)
• is clean (keeping mud and flies away - and keeping poop scooped - means a healthy pet and fewer vet bills... everyone wins!)
• is safe (from predatory animals)
• offers plenty of room to roam
• keeps chickens and garden separate... they WILL eat what you grow!
• is duck trample-friendly... remember, they have big webbed feet and stomp when they walk!

If you didn't get your favorite breed, or if you need time to prepare their new homes, we should have another batch coming in July.)

City Farmers is bikable - adds fun loop for two-wheeling homesteaders

Love your two wheels?

Happily parked between Normal Heights and the College Area, our nursery nestled in City Heights has some great bike paths available - specifically Orange Avenue - and we're giving you just another unique opportunity to bike our part of town.

We've created a secure bike rack, handmade by Farmer Bill (and gorgeously painted by CFN rockstar Maveh!), to saddle up your ride while you shop at the nursery.

City Farmers is an ideal biking location - with rolling hills on each side of Home and Euclid Avenues (Euclid Avenue to the north, and Fairmont Avenue to the south).

Home and Euclid Avenues have bike lanes and sidewalks, making our little neck of the woods pedestrian friendly... something we've advocated for since 1972.

Here's the link for biking directions.

For public-transport aficionados, the 965 mini-bus stops across the street from us and DOES have front racks to transport your bike.

Our you-dig-em plants wrap up in brown paper bags and fit neatly in to panniers, as do our herb and strawberry plants.

And inside the front door to the nursery is our water fountain - letting you refill your water bottles.

To help hydrate you after your ride and visit to the nursery, swing by the newly-openend Nate's for a freshly fired flatbread and cold drink, or try their vegan reuben. (Yum!)

We look forward to seeing you pedal down to the nursery soon!