Good morning, farm members,
FARM NEWS
Heather and I have been busy and happy farmers this week, weeding and planting and fertilizing. It is so good to see some order appearing in the garden. With all the rain, the weeds were trying hard to get the better of us but I *think* we are gaining control. The warm sun is making the plants grow, especially the tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, basil and squash. On Monday I had an odd experience while picking radishes; the sun was in my eyes! AND at last the flowers are reappearing. We've had some really pretty dahlias and the lilies are starting. AND (more good news!) my hip is feeling much better. I am not completely strong again but it is terrific to be able to pick, weed and plant. Phew.
This past week I have planted arugula, leaf lettuce, kale, collards, endive, radicchio, Chinese cabbage, pak choy, radishes, calendula, sunflowers, carrots, broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower! Today I'll be planting mesclun, broccoli raab, and zinnias. This is my idea of fun.
Another fun thing around here is hunting for babies. Right now there are 6 kinds of beans with teeny tiny beans (less than 1/2 inch), baby carrots about 1/3 inch in diameter, 1 little hot pepper, lots of 1 - 2 inch green tomatoes, several golf ball sized pumpkins, and a 3 inch summer squash! All are very, very cute.
THANKS to all you folks for returning your jars, plastic bags and containers. They are so useful when we pack the shares. Right now we are sort of neck and neck. We seem to have just enough bags and containers to pack up the shares each time. That means it is especially good that you have been helping us to reuse them.
I happen to love gardening, and the sun has been so welcome that it's a real treat to get out and weed, etc. If you folks ever feel the urge to play in the dirt, your help and company are always welcome. There is no requirement here, it's just an option for those who enjoy this sort of thing and want to get closer to their vegetables. Most (but not all) Saturdays I am here in the garden. Picking early Friday mornings is another option. Just give me a call.
SHARE # 9 - July 17 Delivery and July 20 Pickup
FULL AND HALF SHARES:
peas - we are still getting snaps, snow and shell peas
head lettuce - lots - this needs to be harvested before it bolts.
mesclun?
greens - chard, kale or collards
Upland cress
arugula
fava beans?? these are SO close! Check the recipe blog. http:/lastingimpressionsrecipes.blogspot.com/
raspberries! I am pretty certain there will be enough for the full shares. We'll just have to see if there are any for the minis...
bouquet
MINI-SHARES - 2 of these
head lettuce
snap or snow peas
greens
(raspberries if there are enough)
bouquet
Enjoy your week,
Laura
