FARM WEEK # 4 - June 7, 2012 MINI SHARES START THIS WEEK!

Two week old Welsh Harlequin duckling

Good morning, good people!

Everything is growing: ducks, chard and kale, chicks, spinach, snapdragons, you name it.

MINI SHARES

This week will be the first of the Mini Shares.  Thanks for waiting, you folks.  Remember to come get your share between 1:00 and 7:00 this Thursday.  Bring a bag for your share and a jar for your flowers.  I'll be around, (probably in the garden planting more vegetables), but come say hello and ask for help, if you wish.

Mini choices week #1 - Pick two or I will choose for you.

mesclun

head lettuce

kale

chard

1/2 dozen eggs

Farmer's Choice (I give you 2 items from the garden, from this list or not, based on general preferences you have shared with me and based on the harvest.)

As a GIFT TO ALL FARM MEMBERS, I grew some Pistou basil plants.  These plants have small leaves with a big flavor.  They can be grown inside or outside, in the ground or in a container.  If you haven't gotten yours yet, please take one home to enjoy.

FARM NEWS

It was a big week at home for me, mostly setting out plants (tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, okra, brussel sprouts and more!) and weeding.  Lots of rain!  Which was kind of good because I needed to catch up on paperwork and it was great weather for transplanting.  I got a lot planted but there is a bunch more for this week.

Welsummer rooster

We have hen setting on 9 eggs that should hatch around the solstice.  The eggs are from out own Welsummer and Araucauna hens, crossed with our Welsummer rooster.  We noticed that the ducklings have a regular routine down, first they run around in circles, then eat, then preen under their heat lamp, then take a nap.  Repeat.

Germinating Royal Burgundy bean 

The corn is growing well, some is already almost knee-high!  The beans are up after only a few days.  I guess they like the warm weather and rain.  The fava beans in the hoophouse are getting big and some are filling out.  Same thing on the kohlrabi and escarole.  The eggplant, hot peppers and snap peas are starting to bloom.

Mayan Jaguar lettuce

I'll be planting the rest of the transplants, and seeds for squash, cukes, shell beans, more salad and greens this week.  Next after that: more carrots and beets.

PICK UP NOTES

Leaving a cooler or insulated bag here is a good idea, if you have one to spare.  Make sure it is bigger than you might think.  Even for a mini share it would need to hold a large bunch of greens.  I will be home to answer questions.  Bring a tote bag or box for your vegetables.  Some things will be packed in bags but as much as possible I am trying to leave that to you.  Please return clean, dry bags, esp. the big freezer bags.  Thanks!

THIS WEEK'S SHARE

radishes

mesclun

head lettuce

cauliflower (if not enough, some shares will get them this week and some a different week)

kohlrabi?  nearly ready

kale/chard

baby spinach

lemon balm

mint

snow peas? - a hand full

flowers: peonies, snapdragons, sweet william and more.

See you Thursday!
Laura

Laura Timmerman
910 Greenfield Rd
Leyden, MA 01337
413-773-8325
laurat-at-crocker.com

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