Got an Itchy Green Thumb? Go Ahead and Plant

A customer with a tale of chicken woe is at the front counter. His flock is old and losing the will to eat, or even lay eggs. Gene Harrington listens. Then, he recommends a new feed, which seems to satisfy the situation.

There will be others seekers through the door before this day is over – those with soil questions, fertilizer quandaries, you name it, Harrington will field it, and help find the answer, no matter what the question might be.

He and his wife, Judy Rotta Harrington, have been guiding local green thumbs to gardening greatness at Nashua Farmers' Exchange since the late 1970s. And while the chilly days and lingering snow mounds might lead a less educated farmer to think it's too early to hit the soil running, Judy Harrington has her hands quite literally full of bare root vegetables crated in the back, ready for planting.

"These are Walla Walla bare root onions," she says, lifting a hefty bunch of stringy vegetation from a crate. "These are bare root strawberries. And these – these are one-year crown asparagus. They meet two-year-old standards."

To the uninitiated, that point of pride translates to a full year head start on growing – the root system is nearly a foot long already, which means once established, these asparagus will have staying power, and can thrive for 15 to 20 years in your backyard.

And if it should snow between now and the end of May?

No problem for these particular early planting crops, which are hardy enough to survive a cold snap or two.

You don't need a full-fledged farm, or even years of experience. Just the will to till and ability to learn what's needed to grow happy plants.

That's what Nashua Farmers' Exchange has been all about, in its various incarnations, serving local growers for about 75 years.

Last year the Harringtons overhauled the old train depot, which sits just this side of the railroad tracks along Bridge Street. Inside the store you can find tools, sprays, gadgets, accoutrements – even toys and treats for your chickens.

Aside from getting your early crops in the ground, it's also time to start fertilizing your lawn, says Judy Harrington, who is all stocked up on Blue Seal Safe 'N Simple four-step lawn care system.

"This will desiccate the primordial root as it germinates," she says, which is some sort of fancy farmer talk for "crab grass killer."

Because it's an organic mix of alfalfa, soy and fish, and the weed control is primarily corn gluten, the organically inclined Harrington's recommend it, above all other brands.

"This is what we use at home," says Judy Harrington, who figures she and her husband each bring about 50 years of farming experience to the table.

"Gene's family were half farmers – but his dad was a scientist at Tufts, so he has that science background. He's an entomologist," she says, which means he knows his way around garden pests.

Everything they know about farming and gardening and growing they have learned by trial and error and education.

"Between the two of us, we've produced quite a bit over the years," says Judy Harrington.

Interest locally in what they know and sell has been on the rise, as more customers come in seeking information on growing their own organic fruits and vegetables, and raising chickens.

"There's a lot of concern out there about genetically engineered products. People are getting into organic, and 'sustainable living' is now a buzz world, which thrills us," says Judy Harrington. "Our biggest competition here isn't the big box stores; it's Disney World – you can't leave your garden for a two week vacation."

Over the years the Harringtons have seen a shift in more than their client base.

"Oh yes, global warming has meant drastic changes. Tapping maple trees has changed dramatically, and the kinds of insects coming up from the south – evolution can't keep up. There are trials and tribulations for gardeners, who are paying attention to the culture of gardening, and how to best help plants resist problems," she says.

From proper fertilizer to sufficient sunlight, the Harringtons have a lifetime of  tips and best practices which they throw in for customers, no charge.

They also like to promote local and Made in the USA products when possible, including:

• Badger skin care products

• Hand made in New Hampshire Cats in the Cradle soaps

• New Hampshire made Lewers nature gift cards and boxed note card

• Burley Clay bird baths hand made and painted in Ohio

• Made in the USA Corinthian Bells wind chimes

• Cascata rain barrels

Nashua Farmers' Exchange is located at 38.5 Bridge St., Nashua. Store hours are Mon - Fri: 8 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.; Sat: 7:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.; Sun: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. You can get more information at their website, or click here to find them on Facebook. Phone number: 603-883-9531