Farm News – July 31, 2017

Hi Folks!  So the weather this past week was copacetic.  Most of the rain that was forecast didn’t materialize, and the cool temps were a relief from the heat.  I am hopeful that the week to come will develop similarly; as it stands now rain is in the forecast every day from Wednesday until Wednesday next except for Sunday. 

We have been working hard to bring in the onion crop. As the top begin to die back and dry, they are susceptible to rot when conditions are wet.  We bring them into the barns and spread them out on racks to dry and cure.  We have a tremendous crop, provided we don’t lose too many.  We have some nice red onions for you this week and they will be in many of the shares for the duration of the season.  Next week we are planning on leeks and garlic- an allium double header.

Tomatoes are ripening prolifically, although many were sun scalded during the heat wave.  This is a consequence of the loss of the lower leaves of the plant due to the blight caused by all the rain.  We will have a few slicers for you this week, with more volume and heirlooms varieties ensuing as the summer progresses.  We ran out of broccoli last week – also a result of heat and too much rain damaging much of the crop.  Some groups received red cabbage instead, and we will try to compensate for that in the fall.  We are planting tens of thousands of broccoli for the fall as well as cauliflower and other brassicas.

The share for this week will be:  Carrots, peppers, red onions, summer squash, cucumbers, lettuce, Russian banana fingerling potatoes, choice of kale or chard, tomatoes, eggplant, beans or cherry tomatoes, red cabbage (unless you got it last week).  Celery for premium shares.  For extras, there are tomatillos and hot peppers.

The fruit share for this week will be peaches and organic blueberries from upstate NY.

Enjoy!    Farmer John