Harvest #10 (Week B) should include beets, carrots, garlic, fennel, zucchini, green peppers, swiss chard, lettuce, herbs, eggplant, italian dandelion, tomatoes, onions, and scallions. Some items will be a choice. U-pick should include a handful of herbs, green/string/snap beans, cherry tomatoes, tomatillos, blackberries, and flowers.

What time is it? Irrigation time! We've now added water to all of the crops we're physically able to. Those less fortunate include the u-pick flowers, sweet potatoes, herb garden, and regular potatoes. Adding water to the fields is a serious investment in resources. Sometimes we don't have enough material or enough time to set up the necessary infrastructure and sacrifices have to be made. It comes down to which plants tend to tolerate water stress better and where they're at in terms of maturity. For example, everything in the herb garden appears to be doing just fine, possibly due to the addition of infinite amounts of wood chips over the years (thanks Gareth!). Many of the potato varieties are nearing harvest readiness and aren't bulking up anymore. Sweet potatoes seem to do well no matter what as long as they're able to outcompete the weeds when they're young. The flower patch is probably thirsty and could probably use a drink, but that's hard to justify right now. If the next round of rain misses us we may consider setting up some overhead sprinklers out there.

I think by now we've fully adjusted, mentally and physically, to this new weather pattern. I'm not afraid anymore. Dry, windy, 100 degrees, no problem. Accept and adapt. Surely we'll see more of these types of events in the years to come and knowing how to prepare and survive is key. We're fortunate that we have a nice deep well that supplies enough water. We're fortunate that we have the ability and time to give all these food crops a drink when they need it. Things could change but for now we utilize what we can to ensure an ample harvest. Stressful? Sure. Satisfying? Maybe later. Tired? Nope, energized because August is almost here, then September and the glory of fall.

This week's workshift schedule

Bring gloves, water, a hat, sturdy shoes, and a pad for kneeling (if necessary for you)!

We meet under the large red maple at the end of the barn by the pick up room.

Workshift Guidelines - Workshift Sign Up Instructions

The flowers and leaves are edible. Try throwing some into your next salad. The flowers have a bit of a peppery taste.

I made a “pesto” with the leaves – I pureed the following together: Nasturtium leaves, Kalamatta Olive juice, garlic scapes, Romano cheese.

Some wonderful ways to use Nastrurtium can be found here: https://askthefoodgeek.com/nasturtium/

Safe for cats: Yes

Safe for dogs: While not palatable to most dogs due to the peppery taste, it can cause GI upset if ingested