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Good Eating, Green Living

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 3, 2008

Mike and Angela Lancaster had an idea for a new way to grow and share herbs, vegetables and produce.

Before they started, they prayed about it, and following God's lead, they have come up with services that are most unusual these days.

True, they are not the only ones growing strawberries, herbs and vegetables hydroponically. But few growers also are using organic methods. The Lancasters started their hydroponic growing in late 2006.

"As we watched over 50 different varieties of vegetables sprout and start to grow, we were like proud parents of these special babies," they say on their Web site. "We saw God's awesome handiwork and then decided to incorporate organic practices to give our babies a natural upbringing, therefore producing very healthy children. We were very pleased with our little farm and knew that the Lord had truly blessed us."

They offer non-organic produce as well, and buy fruits and vegetables from local growers - even from homeowners who have a surplus.

You may have seen their country store and the hydroponic units on the east side of Lithia-Pinecrest Road, just north of FishHawk Boulevard. It is open from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.

You can stop there and look around, meet the friendly people and buy fresh vegetables, fruits, jams, jellies, honey, a wide assortment of breads, muffins and other baked goods, pickles, salad dressings and barbecue sauce.

They also offer smoked or rotisserie chickens with no preservatives or hormones; all natural, smoked spiral hams; farm-fresh goat milk and goat cheese and organic eggs.

Check out the offerings at www.Lancasterfarm.net. Because I did not see all of what is offered on the Web, it might be better to order first, but what I did see was well worth the stop.

Behind the store is a nursery section, with potted trees and shrubs. On the porch were flats of blooming annuals.

There is even a market day every Wednesday from noon to 6 p.m., at which vendors of other related products set up their booths.

The big innovation is that customers can join their Produce Club for $20 a year, and then have baskets delivered weekly or bi-weekly for $28 right to the door of anyone living in their delivery area, which includes Brandon and surrounding areas. How can they do this? They have three young adults in the family who enjoy driving.

Each basket is about half a bushel in size, and a vegetable basket usually includes such basic items as lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, fresh herbs and peppers, plus two jumbo muffins and a loaf of French bread.

Depending on the season, baskets may also include some collards, mustard, squash, zucchini, bok choy, kale or Swiss chard. Members are learning to enjoy new tastes, and the Web site offers a wealth of good recipes.

Fruit baskets may include, depending on the season, bananas, grapes, mangos, peaches, pineapples, apples, nectarines, plums, cherries, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, oranges, lemons, limes, key limes, avocados, kiwis, pears, cantaloupes or watermelons.

Fresh fruit is more abundant in Florida than are vegetables. The fruit is not all organically grown but comes, as much as possible, from local growers.

Members can get a fruit basket one time, a vegetable basket another, or a combo that also contains fresh herbs and two muffins. Or, they might sometimes want a dinner basket with a smoked or rotisserie chicken, Asian bread, an easy-to-prepare vegetable and salad makings. The company also makes up special baskets and delivers them to the recipients.

Stop by and see them, check their Web site or call them at (813) 482-2008. A membership and the first basket could be an ideal gift for some of the people on your list. Or get a membership for your own family and send some of the first baskets to friends in the area.

Today's Pick

Cabbage and the related cole crops, broccoli, cauliflower, collards, mustard and even Brussels sprouts grow well in Florida gardens all winter long.

You can start them from seeds from September through February or find many of them for sale in local nurseries.

They grow slowly at first because the days are short, but once the days begin to lengthen, they grow more quickly.

I like the red varieties better than the green because they have more eye appeal and fewer pest problems.

These are heavy feeders, so fertilize often. You may have some problems with cabbage worms, but no more in Florida during winter than elsewhere in summer. Usually, insects are not too pesky, but be ready with Bt if the worms attack.

Ornamental cabbage or Kale also thrives here and is edible, as well as decorative.

Now's The Time To ...

Thank everyone who came to my open garden and showed so much interest in the various plants.

Thanks also to those who brought plants for me or to give away. All of them found a good home. I had a dream that everyone brought me plants, and it was quite overwhelming, so don't think I'm dropping hints. Such gifts are never required but always appreciated.

We had good weather and a great time. Thanks especially to my children and grands, and to Sharon Knarr and Verna Dickey, who gave of their time and make it all possible. I couldn't do it without them.

Monica Brandies can be reached at monicabrandies@yahoo.com.

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