Farm News – October 3, 2016

Hi Folks!  So after 3 days of overcast and drizzly weather, we received about a quarter of an inch of total precipitation.  It was good for germinating the seeds that I recently planted, but not nearly what I would like for the acres of brassica crops that I have growing.  This family, which includes broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower, needs a lot of moisture to make large heads.

We did not quite complete the broccoli rotation among the groups last week, but nevertheless we will be starting another round.  If you have not had broccoli yet this fall, you will this week.  Cauliflower is beginning to head, but grows slowly with the shorter days and cooler nights.  Those who received radishes last week will be getting salad turnips this time around, and vice versa.

We have decided to take a break from white potatoes this week and go sweet on you.  The first variety that is ready is a white one; they are really sweet but a bit drier than the orange types.

With the cooler temps and a little bit of rain, the kale crop has recovered and we can begin harvesting it again.  We are still in a gap in our lettuce production – it should be back in the shares next week.  We also have a small amount of edamame soybeans for you this week.  For those not familiar, these are typically boiled in the pod; then when sufficiently cooled, the beans can be popped from the pod using your teeth.

The share for this week will be:  White sweet potatoes, choice of arugula or tatsoi, eggplant, leeks, choice of kale or chard, radish or salad turnips, string beans, peppers, spaghetti squash, choice of cilantro or dill and broccoli (for some).

The fruit share for this week will be: Empire apples and Devoe pears.

Enjoy! Farmer John