Farm News – June 12, 2017
Hi Folks! Well we’re havin’ a heat wave (in case you hadn’t noticed). While the workers are a little wilted, the soil fortunately has sufficient moisture that even the cool weather crops can tolerate the heat. And the warmth loving crops — tomatoes. peppers, squash etc. — are looking great and are finally beginning to grow.
I am pleased to proclaim that we are picking peas. They were planted a bit late but they have been thriving in the cool, moist spring we have had. It is with doubt the most beautiful crop I have ever grown. So, while we must continue to hope and pray for a world of peas, there will at least be plenty of peas in the share this week. I expect them to be abundant for the next 4 or 5 weeks, which is convenient since it will take me that long to use up all my pea puns and p-alliteration.
Also new this week are garlic scapes — these are the flower tops of the garlic plant. They can be grilled, minced and sautéed, or blended with olive oil, nuts and cheese to make a basil–less pesto. They are said to have a mild garlic flavor, although personally I find them almost as strong as the bulb itself. We continue to have lots of gorgeous lettuce, spinach, herbs, and other greens. We expect zucchini to begin next week and probably baby beets. And yes, kale (and broccoli) are coming soon. The growth of these crops was slowed by the brutal attack of the flea beetles, but they have overcome this adversity and are growing well. In the case of the kale I wanted to give it one more week to grow before we begin stripping all its leaf away.
Don’t forget: the farm visit will be Saturday June 24. It will be a potluck barbecue with farm tours. The main day for CSA members will be Saturday, however if you cannot make it on Saturday you are welcome on Sunday the 25th .
The share for this week will be: Red leaf or red romaine lettuce, arugula, either radishes or salad turnips, spinach, garlic scapes, either Sugarsnap or English (shell) peas, choice of 2 herbs (dill, cilantro, garlic chives, or mint) and Swiss chard (premium share only).
Enjoy! Farmer John
