May 15 | 2023

NATURAL PEST CONTROL + PLANT SALE

Herbal Workshop + Tea Party

We had an amazing turnout for our free herbal workshop and tea party led by local certified herbalist, Ivy Ham. Ivy provided a great introduction to the history of herbalism, and the general uses of herbs for health and well-being. Ivy provides personalized consultations, and you can find out more on her website here​. Did you know that we carry organic herbs for tea here in the store?

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Along with long warm days come mosquitos and other pests that can make spending time outside a drag. Conventional pest control options are full of harmful chemicals that not only effect your long-term health by being absorbed through your skin, but can also have negative consequences on the well-being of our pets, beneficial pollinators, and environment. We have numerous natural options when it comes to pest control, and hope that you will try something different this season to keep your family and the planet just a bit healthier.

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Essential Oils That Repel Bugs

All of our natural essential oils come from Dreaming Earth Botanicals (Asheville, NC), and they offer a great selection of oils that naturally repel pests. Cedarwood, Eucalyptus Citriodora, Citronella, Lavender, Lemon, Lemongrass, and Peppermint are all wonderful to apply topically directly to your skin or on your clothes to keep those little biting critters at bay. I will often rub some Citronella oil on our dogs' legs and bellies before going on walks to help keep them safe from ticks.

Baltic Amber Flea + Tick Collars

Traditional flea medicine and collars contain numerous toxic chemicals that end up in our beloved pets' bodies. Amber flea & tick collars work naturally by creating static on your pet's fur, preventing bugs' ability to cling to his/ her coat. These collars are organic, waterproof, handmade, 100% safe, and last up to 12 months! They can be used on dogs and cats. We ask that you measure your pet's collar/ neck before purchasing so that you choose the correct size. These collars are adjustable and come in a range of sizes from 8" to 25.5".

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Natural Dog Shampoo

Another great natural solution for our furry family members is Paper Plane's all natural dog shampoo bar. With minimal ingredients, it uses neem oil as a natural bug repellent, and is safe for dogs with allergies. Bonus: it smells amazing!

Plants That Repel Bugs

Lemongrass and Citronella (Mosquito Plants) are a great way to help prevent pests from bothering you while hanging outside or on your porch. You can plant them around the yard or keep them in pots near your outdoor sitting area. They are great for repelling flies and mosquitos. Lavender, mint, basil, sage, oregano, parsley, catnip, thyme, rosemary, and marigolds are also great plants that bugs naturally shy away from. We have a nice selection of these herbs and flowers available.

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Scott Dawson

Put Up a Purple Martin and/or Bat House

Feeling ambitious? Maybe you would like a fun project? Birds and bats are some of our best natural pest control allies. There are many great pre-made purple martin and bat houses, but if you're interest in trying your hand at building your own, you can get a free detailed birdhouse guide on Cornell Lab of Ornithology's website here. They have numerous birdhouse plans available, and will even detail which species' populations are in decline in our area. We love seeing birds at our bird feeders, but in reality, the majority of birds' diets are insects. Many bird populations are in decline due to lack of nesting sites and their food sources (those pesky bugs we are trying to repel) being killed off by insecticides and yards being sprayed for mosquitoes. 

Locally Made Natural Bug Spray

We are grateful for The Organic Nest (Mooresville, NC) and their all natural bug spray that utilizes essential oils that repel bugs, instead of chemicals. This is a great option if you want something more diluted than pure essential oils.

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20% OFF ALL VEGETABLE/MELON PLANTS

Our plant sale continues this week. I am still getting things in the ground at home, and I am so thankful for our long growing season. We have a great selection of vegetable plant starts that are waiting for their new homes. Take 20% off all remaining vegetable/melon plant starts: tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, cucumbers, kales, broccoli, cauliflower, collards, Brussels sprouts, cabbages, Swiss chard, spinach, beans, onions, squashes, okra, watermelon, and cantaloupe. We are also offering 30% off all remaining strawberry plants.

FIRST STOP INCENTIVE

We would love to be the first place you stop on your weekly shopping trip. When you purchase $150+ in grocery, household, and personal care essentialsyou automatically receive 10% off those items. This includes, but is not limited to: produce, meat, dairy, canned goods, coffee, bread, oral care, soaps, shampoos + conditioners, feminine care products, laundry detergent, dish washing products, and more! 

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COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY

In order to be more sustainable in our daily operations, we ask that you bring your reusable bag(s) when you shop with us. We have many wonderful bags available for purchase here in the store, all of which give back to the environment with each sale.

We have paper bags available for a fee... while they last. 

THIS WEEK'S LOCAL + SEASONAL PRODUCE

VEGETABLES

Bradford Farm - organically grown

  • Lacinato "Dino" Kale
  • Red Russian Kale
  • Swiss Chard

Green Thumb Gardens - Concord, NC - organically grown

  • Arugula (arrives mid-week)
  • Fennel (arrives mid-week)
  • Kohlrabi (arrives mid-week)
  • Red Slicing Tomatoes
  • Salad Mix (arrives mid-week)
  • Snap Peas

Street Fare Farm - Concord, NC - organically grown - arrives late Wednesday

  • Arugula
  • Baby Bok Choy
  • Broccoli Shoots
  • Easter Egg Radishes
  • French Breakfast Radishes
  • Pea Shoots
  • Sunflower Shoots

The Fit Farmer - Concord, NC - organically grown

  • Microgreens (sale!)
  • Salad Mix


Organic Baby Bella Mushrooms - PA

Organic Broccoli - NC

Organic Carrots - NC

Organic Covington Sweet Potatoes - NC

Organic Eggplant - FL (sale!)

Organic Fair Trade Acorn Squash - Mexico

Organic Fair Trade Avocados - Mexico (arrive Tuesday)

Organic Garlic - CA​​

​Organic Green Cabbage - FL​

Organic Leeks - CA (sale!)

Organic Lettuce Mix - NC (arrives Tuesday)

Organic Murasaki Sweet Potatoes - NC

Organic Purple Top Turnips - NC (sale!)​​​

Organic Purple Sweet Potatoes - NC

Organic Red Beets | loose + bunched w/tops - NC

Organic Red Cabbage - FL

​Organic Red Grape Tomatoes - NC (arrive Tuesday)

Organic Red Onions - NC

Organic Red Skin Potatoes - CA

Organic Rhubarb - WA

Organic Russet Potatoes - WI

Organic Shallots - CA

Organic Shiitake Mushrooms - GA

Organic Slicing Cucumbers - NC (arrive Tuesday)

Organic Spinach - NC (arrives Tuesday)

Organic Vidalia Onions - GA (arrive Tuesday)

Organic Yellow Gold Potatoes - WI / CA

Organic Yellow Onions - CA

Organic Zucchini - FL (arrives Tuesday)


FRUIT

Organic Biodynamic Navel Oranges - CA

Organic Biodynamic Raisins - CA

Organic Blood Oranges - CA

Organic Blueberries - SC

Organic Fair Trade Limes - Mexico (sale!)

​Organic Fair Trade Pineapple - Mexico

Organic Fuji Apples - WA

Organic Granny Smith Apples - WA

Organic Honeycrisp Apples - WA

Organic Lemons - CA

Organic Minneola Tangelo Mandarins - CA (sale!)

Organic Murcott Tangerines - CA

Organic Pink Lady Apples - WA

Organic Strawberries - NC (arrive Tuesday)

Fact of the Week:  Despite claims from companies that spraying for mosquitos is safe, the chemicals are actually incredibly harmful to native pollinators (such as butterflies and bees), pollute natural water sources harming aquatic life, and can have long-term effects on humans and pets. You can read more about this topic from the National Wildlife Federation here​. #researchbeforeyouspray

Check out our new (in progress) website HERE​!

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By shopping with us, you are supporting your local farmers, artisans, and the economy.

We thank you.


Correne + Frank LaRoche

Follow us @thebradfordmarket