Plain Jane: Part 2
By D. Baratta, Local CorrespondentSun, Jun 14 2009 at 7:10 PM EST
By early June, Pat Jenkins is usually looking after lush rows of bean and tomato plants and harvesting sweet, red strawberries.This isn't the typical year, though. Following nearly 90 days of above-flood-stage waters along the Illinois River, the Great Plains farmer is just trying to stay afloat.
She had to plant beans five times in order for them to take and hopes her other vegetables will thrive in often waterlogged soil. As for the strawberries, they did ripen in time for the start of market season. But Jenkins had concerns because they tasted sour at first.
"All the rain has really taken a toll out here," she says, "I was relieved that the berries finally sweetened and we could pick. There was a lot of taste testing involved!"
Despite setbacks, Jenkins seems optimistic. She took me on a tour of her hoop houses -- enclosed greenhouse-type structures -- where she planted broccoli, tomatoes, beets and a variety of other crops.
"These guys are doing a lot better in here," she says, running her hands through leafy bunches of lettuce. Using the hoop houses gives Jenkins the benefit of a more stable growing environment. She can harness sunlight inside and keep the soil relatively dry.
As part of a series called Plain Jane, I've been following this local farmer through the seasons. During my first visit in early spring, I learned about Jenkins' eco-friendly practices.
Now you can take a walk with me as I visit her farm in June and get a tip on how to incorporate more vegetables into your diet. I also drop by for a peek at the Wednesday farmers' market in Peoria Heights...
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