August 30, 2012
Quote of the Week:
“To receive everything, one must open one’s hands and give.”
-Taisen Deshimaru
Reflection from Norm
I thought that I would give an overview of the crops in the field at this point and time in the season. It has certainly been on the hot and dry side of things for most of the summer, which has created challenges with some of the crops. Currently we have had three rainless weeks and have irrigation in full swing again after a reprieve of almost a month. Many of our trees are losing leaves, the grass is brown and most of the goldenrod has already bloomed. I believe the current heat will be short lived and am hoping the frost will stay at bay for most of September.
We have a few crops still waiting to be transplanted, namely beets, some herbs and lettuces. Other greens will still be field planted as seed until Sept. 10th or so.
Most crops now growing are looking very good as long as we receive some rain in the next couple of weeks. The second sweet corn, winter squash, watermelon, fennel, carrots, brussel sprouts, fall brasicas, green beans, soybeans, potatoes, sweet potatoes etc. should all produce fine for us in the coming weeks.
It is very sad to see all of the apple trees with 1-6 apples on them. I guess they can rest up for next year and give us an abundant harvest then.
We are losing a few of our summer help as they go back to school now. Our three interns will also taper down as we progress through the fall. Our weeding and planting is pretty much complete once September rolls in and most of our hours are put into harvesting of the crops. We will also be planting some vegetables in our hoop house for the fall shares and our own winter consumption. Consider joining us for 3 bi-weekly bushel box deliveries of fall and storage produce. These deliveries begin in late Oct. and go through Thanksgiving. And make sure to join us for our Harvest Gathering on Sat., Oct 6th beginning at 2:00. We hope you are enjoying the season so far!
Farmer Notes on this week’s delivery:
- Full shares have a cucumber/romaine farmer’s choice
- Cantaloupe for all this week and next
- Last of the basil for this season
- Cilantro will start next week to go with the tomatoes, etc.
- Hot peppers are Hungarian Wax and Jalapeno – both fairly hot
- Lots of tomatoes for everyone – next week Roma tomatoes begin
- Purple eggplant is Japanese and white is Italian
- Braising mix is bagged and contains: green and red mustard, kale, tatsoi, and tsai tai –use it in a stir fry
- Try making your own salsa this week – make it as mild or as hot as you like
- Wash all produce before you eat it
