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Bryan Randall, a junior studying production, has been fighting off the aviators swooping down to steal a taste of his small fruits garden near the orchard. Bryan is in charge of collecting data which includes the fruit of many cultivars growing on the outskirts of the orchard. Some of the types of small fruits that are there are 23 varieties of Raspberries, 16 varieties of Strawberries, and a few different cultivars of Gooseberries, Currants and Josta berries. All of the different cultivars are being researched to see how well they grow and produce fruit here in Southeast Idaho. The raspberries are almost done producing but the strawberries are starting to see a second wave of fruit. Bryan has recently put together long planters together to be positioned on top of the trellises bordering the strawberry beds. Next spring the trellises will be covered in grapes with lots of color atop of them. The strawberry beds are meant to meander through, head up there while the weather still permits it and take in the relaxing walk it creates.
 
Potager Garden 09/13/2011
 
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Its Harvest time here in the horticulture department. Terri Lee, a production student, has been spending most of her time recording information on the many different cultivars growing in the Potager on the east side of the Apple Orchard. A Potager is a form of gardening that creates a formal Kitchen garden. There are pathways, shape designs, and even a maze made out of everyday fruit and vegetables. In the last Six weeks Terri has harvested almost 700 lbs of Summer squash and is just now coming into her winter Squash. She has planted 76 varieties of tomatoes and 43 different peppers. She also has a specialty heads of lettuce, quite a few varieties of cucumbers, celery, carrots, and even eggplant. Terry has harvested 105 lbs of cucumbers since July 15th with the Mini white cucumbers being the best yielding. Mini white cucumbers are a sweet variety great for sandwiches, snacks, and salads. On August 29th we were all excited as we discovered our first watermelon ready for the picking. Harvest time is what makes everything worthwhile. Our plant friends give back for all the hard work we’ve endured tending to them. If you have some extra time definitely head up to the Potager and see what has been growing and the things you can do in your own backyard.
 
 
Farmers Markets in Rexburg and Idaho Falls are in full swing.  A few students taking Practicum this semester will be at each of the farmers markets throughout the season selling plants to the public.  Farmers markets have an exciting atmosphere with many local vendors selling homemade and/or homegrown products. 

Information:
Idaho Falls Markets
Saturdays until October 30 from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm - Near the river
Saturdays until October 30 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm - On Hitt Rd. just in front of Best Buy (BYU-Idaho Horticulture is not a vendor at this market)
Idaho Falls Market website
Ammon Market website

Rexburg Market
Fridays until October 15 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm - Located in Purrington Plaza, between Taco Bell and the Tabernacle
Rexburg Market website

Our students were featured on the Rexburg Market website this week in their weekly photos (see below).
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