FALL HARVEST GATHERING IS SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11 2-8 P.M.
Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier.
-Mother Teresa
Slow the Water
A watershed is a web of water that drains a geographical area of land. It is an intricate system of springs, creeks, streams and rivers. Our farm here is located in the Root river watershed that dumps into the mighty Mississippi.
We often take water for granted, but it is as fundamental to life as the sun that gives this planet warmth and light and the air that we need to breath. Water shortage has taken more center stage recently as the western U.S. struggles with water shortage, more floods are devastating landscapes, and we grapple with the meaning of climate change. I rarely experience the soft, ‘three day soakers’ that I remember as a child. The rains come less frequently and, more times than not, fast and furious. These situations often wreak havok on our soils and streambeds.
A month or so back, we hosted a ‘kitchen table discussion’ on our values around water and shared methods of conservation that were working for us and challenges to our endeavors. This gathering with a few neighbors was organized and led by the Land Stewardship Project of S.E. MN. This organization is centered in White Bear Lake and has several out state offices to serve the state of Minnesota and beyond. They are a great resource for sustainable agriculture and have a strong political presence/voice. They are integral to continuing health care conversations, silica sand mining, and all sorts of environmental concerns. They are especially sensitive to small farm practices and conserving our soils.
We have implemented more cover crops into our planting rotations this year. At times it has hindered the growing crops as the growing buckwheat steals the sun from the melons and forces us to spend valuable time with the weed whip. Using cover crops is dynamic and one must consider: type of cover crop, planned use of the land planted, time of year and amount of rain, ability to manage the cover etc. etc. We look forward to continuing our steps forward in this regard. We all have a part of slowing the water. Rain barrels and water gardens are possible examples that you may consider at your place. Also, less impermeable surfaces and more drainage ponds would benefit our communities.
Farmer notes:
- Sign up open for the 3 biweekly Fall Share – delivery dates are 10/30, 11/13, 11/25. Storage and root veggies, herbs, hardy greens, honey, popcorn etc.
- Beans and cherry/roma tomatoes are a bit dirty from several downpours we have had this week
- I hope you like potatoes and green beans as they are doing great this season
- Mint shows its face one more time with flowers and all – blooms are edible. Mint pares well with the carrots, potatoes or any Middle Eastern foodCucumber planting #1 is over and the second crop just beginning – there are also Asian cucumbers producing now in the hoop house
- Everyone will get some sort of tomatoes in their box this week, but they are cutting out early this year from early blight in the wet spring
- Carrots for full shares only – single will receive them next week
- Mark your calendars for our annual Fall Party celebration – there will be pumpkin picking, hayrides, bonfire, farm tours and food/drink. It is a great time to bring your family to see where your produce has been coming from!!
- Summer squash and Zucchini are back to one crop and each of you will get one or the other for another week or two yet
- Melons and #3 sweet corn up for next week
- Wash all of the produce please
