Notes From The Field | September 11, 2022 Rainfall Sandwich by Farmer Derek
Spreading compost and establishing cover crops before Sunday's round of rain.
It's been a long while since we had two perfect light and steady rain events bookending a week. Timing for today's and tomorrow's precipitation isn't exactly ideal (rather it occur on a Friday evening at the end of a workweek) but sincere beggars can't be choosers. The ground is so thirsty that it would take a lot of water to delay work and keep us out of the fields for an extended period of time. We transplant the final round of outdoor crops this week after 5.5 months of doing so weekly and we'll do whatever we can to stay on schedule. I am grateful for the return of weekly rain events; it relieves some serious farming anxiety and warms the heart.
For another month or so we'll be striving to put fields to sleep for the offseason. Two weeks ago we finished cleaning up the zucchini, cucumber, cantaloupe, and watermelon field. Last week the winter squash plot as well as the bean and edamame field were mowed, composted, chisel plowed, and sown with cover crop seeds. Next up is the field that has been home to the other u-pick crops of tomatoes, husk cherries, tomatillos, and flowers. Following closely behind them will be peppers, eggplant, and okra. The sweet potato and leek patches will probably be the final areas sown in cover crops for the season. Most of the fall crops we'll be harvesting and enjoying in October, November, and December will leave enough crop residue behind or have enough 'volunteer' chickweed to keep the soil covered for the winter months. Also, at some point in the fall the benefits of working the soil and trying to establish a cover are outweighed by the risk of minimal plant growth and coverage to keep the soil protected.
This coming week we also pivot to preparing tunnel space for fall greens like lettuce mix, arugula, kale, bok choy, chard, spinach, and mustard. These areas are mostly manually prepped with forks, hoes, and rakes. Timeliness is everything at this stage of the growing season. Adjusting seeding and transplanting dates forward or backward a week or two can shift the harvest date drastically. Shorter, cooler days lengthen the time for crops to reach maturity. Lettuces can take twice as long to mature in the fall as they do in the summer. In the winter, it can triple. Planting early, mid, and late fall crops too soon though and they can grow fast and be more susceptible to frosts and freezes. Making notes and keeping good, accessible records helps navigate this time of year. It's a fun ongoing experiment.
Spreading compost and establishing cover crops before Sunday's round of rain.
It's been a long while since we had two perfect light and steady rain events bookending a week. Timing for today's and tomorrow's precipitation isn't exactly ideal (rather it occur on a Friday evening at the end of a workweek) but sincere beggars can't be choosers. The ground is so thirsty that it would take a lot of water to delay work and keep us out of the fields for an extended period of time. We transplant the final round of outdoor crops this week after 5.5 months of doing so weekly and we'll do whatever we can to stay on schedule. I am grateful for the return of weekly rain events; it relieves some serious farming anxiety and warms the heart.
For another month or so we'll be striving to put fields to sleep for the offseason. Two weeks ago we finished cleaning up the zucchini, cucumber, cantaloupe, and watermelon field. Last week the winter squash plot as well as the bean and edamame field were mowed, composted, chisel plowed, and sown with cover crop seeds. Next up is the field that has been home to the other u-pick crops of tomatoes, husk cherries, tomatillos, and flowers. Following closely behind them will be peppers, eggplant, and okra. The sweet potato and leek patches will probably be the final areas sown in cover crops for the season. Most of the fall crops we'll be harvesting and enjoying in October, November, and December will leave enough crop residue behind or have enough 'volunteer' chickweed to keep the soil covered for the winter months. Also, at some point in the fall the benefits of working the soil and trying to establish a cover are outweighed by the risk of minimal plant growth and coverage to keep the soil protected.
This coming week we also pivot to preparing tunnel space for fall greens like lettuce mix, arugula, kale, bok choy, chard, spinach, and mustard. These areas are mostly manually prepped with forks, hoes, and rakes. Timeliness is everything at this stage of the growing season. Adjusting seeding and transplanting dates forward or backward a week or two can shift the harvest date drastically. Shorter, cooler days lengthen the time for crops to reach maturity. Lettuces can take twice as long to mature in the fall as they do in the summer. In the winter, it can triple. Planting early, mid, and late fall crops too soon though and they can grow fast and be more susceptible to frosts and freezes. Making notes and keeping good, accessible records helps navigate this time of year. It's a fun ongoing experiment.
Off farm river bath.
Expected Harvest | September 4, 2022
Expected Harvest | September 4, 2022 Greening by Farmer Derek
Thirsty cover crop sown a couple of weeks ago.
Harvest #16 (Week B) should include potatoes, pie pumpkins, leeks, garlic, sweet peppers, tomatoes, arugula, swiss chard, kale, lettuce, herbs, beets, eggplant, italian dandelion, hot peppers, okra, and shishito peppers. Some items will be a choice. U-pick crops are slowing down but should include a handful of herbs, tomatillos, edamame, and flowers.
Harvest #16 (Week B) should include potatoes, pie pumpkins, leeks, garlic, sweet peppers, tomatoes, arugula, swiss chard, kale, lettuce, herbs, beets, eggplant, italian dandelion, hot peppers, okra, and shishito peppers. Some items will be a choice. U-pick crops are slowing down but should include a handful of herbs, tomatillos, edamame, and flowers.
September 4, 2022
September 4, 2022 Workshifts for Week of 9/5/22 by Farmer Derek
Farm animals in the morning.
If you signed up for a CSA share with work discount but are unable to work please consider remitting payment in lieu of work sooner rather that later.
This week's workshift schedule:
Wednesday 9/7 10am-12pm
Wednesday 9/7 5:30-7:30pm (new time, less daylight!)
Friday 9/9 10-12pm
Sunday 9/11 7-9am (early bird special!)
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.
September 4, 2022 Herb of the Week: Thyme By Gia Yaccarino
Hungry swallowtail larva on bronze fennel in the herb garden.
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
FYI
Thymol (thyme’s most active ingredient) is found in Listerine mouthwash and Vicks VapoRub
Dried thyme was originally mixed with water and baking soda, heated until it became frothy and then poured into containers for use as toothpaste!
Thyme helps deter pests
Planting it around the perimeter of you garden can help keep numerous pests such as ants, moths and spiders away
Hanging some fresh thyme in your closet can help repel moths
Benefits
Excellent source of Vitamin C (try Thyme tea)
Helpful for cough and sore throats (another reason to try Thyme tea!)
Antibacterial
Antifungal
Insecticidal
Mood boosting
Fighting acne (when steeped in alcohol for day-weeks to become a tincture)
Appetite stimulant
Uses
Thyme can be used with roasted vegetables, in soups and meat dishes
Thyme Tea – steep 4 or more sprigs of fresh thyme in 1 ½ cups of boiling water for at least 20 minutes, covered (Note: A sprig is a 4-6 inch long stem)
Safe for cats: Yes
Safe for dogs: Yes
Cautions
Thyme is another member of the mint family (who knew there are so many!) so for those who are reactive to mint, you may also be reactive to Thyme
Prior to adding new herbs and spices, please consult your doctor if you are on medications or are pregnant/breastfeeding
Hungry swallowtail larva on bronze fennel in the herb garden.
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
FYI
Thymol (thyme’s most active ingredient) is found in Listerine mouthwash and Vicks VapoRub
Dried thyme was originally mixed with water and baking soda, heated until it became frothy and then poured into containers for use as toothpaste!
Thyme helps deter pests
Planting it around the perimeter of you garden can help keep numerous pests such as ants, moths and spiders away
Hanging some fresh thyme in your closet can help repel moths
Benefits
Excellent source of Vitamin C (try Thyme tea)
Helpful for cough and sore throats (another reason to try Thyme tea!)
Antibacterial
Antifungal
Insecticidal
Mood boosting
Fighting acne (when steeped in alcohol for day-weeks to become a tincture)
Appetite stimulant
Uses
Thyme can be used with roasted vegetables, in soups and meat dishes
Thyme Tea – steep 4 or more sprigs of fresh thyme in 1 ½ cups of boiling water for at least 20 minutes, covered (Note: A sprig is a 4-6 inch long stem)
Safe for cats: Yes
Safe for dogs: Yes
Cautions
Thyme is another member of the mint family (who knew there are so many!) so for those who are reactive to mint, you may also be reactive to Thyme
Prior to adding new herbs and spices, please consult your doctor if you are on medications or are pregnant/breastfeeding
September 4, 2022
September 4, 2022 Maple Syrup and Honey For Sale! by Susan Klikus
Susan and Todd Klikus of Augusta Acres Farm will be at Anchor Run CSA on Thursday, September 15, 2:00-6:00pm to distribute their maple syrup and honey. Preorders are encouraged again this year. There will be a small amount available to purchase the day of.
To order, follow this link. Products, payment options, and pricing are shown on the order form. Orders are due by Tuesday 9/13.
Augusta Acres is located in Beach Lake, PA and is a family-run operation. They farm using only organic methods and are members of Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture and the Pennsylvania Maple Producers Association.
Sap from trees located strictly on the farm is boiled down in small batches on their wood fired arch to produce a maple syrup that is dark and robust. Their honey is extracted from on-farm apiaries and is an "all season", raw honey which is dark and very sweet.
Pints are $15 (honey, maple syrup); Quarts are $25 (maple syrup only).
If you can't make it to the farm during those hours and you would still like to participate in this opportunity your order will be left here in a labeled box/bag which you can pick up during another pick up day. You must prepay for this option.
Susan and Todd Klikus of Augusta Acres Farm will be at Anchor Run CSA on Thursday, September 15, 2:00-6:00pm to distribute their maple syrup and honey. Preorders are encouraged again this year. There will be a small amount available to purchase the day of.
To order, follow this link. Products, payment options, and pricing are shown on the order form. Orders are due by Tuesday 9/13.
Augusta Acres is located in Beach Lake, PA and is a family-run operation. They farm using only organic methods and are members of Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture and the Pennsylvania Maple Producers Association.
Sap from trees located strictly on the farm is boiled down in small batches on their wood fired arch to produce a maple syrup that is dark and robust. Their honey is extracted from on-farm apiaries and is an "all season", raw honey which is dark and very sweet.
Pints are $15 (honey, maple syrup); Quarts are $25 (maple syrup only).
If you can't make it to the farm during those hours and you would still like to participate in this opportunity your order will be left here in a labeled box/bag which you can pick up during another pick up day. You must prepay for this option.
Notes From The Field | September 4, 2022
Notes From The Field | September 4, 2022 Incoming Rain (?) Preparations by Farmer Derek
Anchor Run customized cover crop mix of 3 parts oats and 1 part buckwheat.
What looks to be the first real and promising rain event in months is forecast to descend on us early this week. Hopefully it's not a dud. Last week and this weekend we spent a lot of time working towards this eventuality, preparing for a nice soaker. Fields that were previously home to spring and summer crops like zucchini, cucumbers, potatoes, cantaloupe, watermelon, onions, chard, peas, herbs, and lettuces were cleaned up, mowed, amended with compost, chisel plowed, sown with cover crops, and disked to incorporate seeds. About 20,000 feet of beds, or almost 3 acres, was put to sleep for the winter.
We're hopeful this rain event stimulates direct sown carrot seeds also. Our sowing from a month ago didn't tolerate the heat and dry weather so we had to try again. Early last week we received just under a quarter inch of rain. Crops are very thirsty, but rather than add our own water, we're trying to patiently wait for rainfall.
The last of the winter squash (butternut) was retrieved from the field this past week. Winter squash and pumpkins will likely be part of shares for around month or more. The room in the barn they're currently being stored in will eventually be the home of sweet potatoes, assuming there are some in the ground after what has been a very dry summer. This year's July/August rainfall combo is, in fact, our driest in 14 seasons. At the farm during that span we did receive 5.5" of rain, which isn't terrible, and is probably better than too much rain. I haven't checked temperature records but I don't think it's been hotter than other seasons. Either way I'm glad it's September and we're beginning to rest and restore fields.
Broadcasting cover crop seed where onions grew earlier this year.
Anchor Run customized cover crop mix of 3 parts oats and 1 part buckwheat.
What looks to be the first real and promising rain event in months is forecast to descend on us early this week. Hopefully it's not a dud. Last week and this weekend we spent a lot of time working towards this eventuality, preparing for a nice soaker. Fields that were previously home to spring and summer crops like zucchini, cucumbers, potatoes, cantaloupe, watermelon, onions, chard, peas, herbs, and lettuces were cleaned up, mowed, amended with compost, chisel plowed, sown with cover crops, and disked to incorporate seeds. About 20,000 feet of beds, or almost 3 acres, was put to sleep for the winter.
We're hopeful this rain event stimulates direct sown carrot seeds also. Our sowing from a month ago didn't tolerate the heat and dry weather so we had to try again. Early last week we received just under a quarter inch of rain. Crops are very thirsty, but rather than add our own water, we're trying to patiently wait for rainfall.
The last of the winter squash (butternut) was retrieved from the field this past week. Winter squash and pumpkins will likely be part of shares for around month or more. The room in the barn they're currently being stored in will eventually be the home of sweet potatoes, assuming there are some in the ground after what has been a very dry summer. This year's July/August rainfall combo is, in fact, our driest in 14 seasons. At the farm during that span we did receive 5.5" of rain, which isn't terrible, and is probably better than too much rain. I haven't checked temperature records but I don't think it's been hotter than other seasons. Either way I'm glad it's September and we're beginning to rest and restore fields.
Broadcasting cover crop seed where onions grew earlier this year.
September 4, 2022
September 4, 2022 Holiday Pick-Up Observations by Farmer Dana
Labor Day pick up on Monday will run during normal hours, 1-8 pm. Please note that many members tend to come right at the beginning of pick up (1 pm) on holidays. If you're able, we suggest coming at a later time. The 3-4 pm time is particularly quiet, if you're interested in a speedier pick up.
Labor Day pick up on Monday will run during normal hours, 1-8 pm. Please note that many members tend to come right at the beginning of pick up (1 pm) on holidays. If you're able, we suggest coming at a later time. The 3-4 pm time is particularly quiet, if you're interested in a speedier pick up.
August 29, 2022
August 29, 2022 Herb of the Week: Sage By Gia Yaccarino
Sage (Salvia officinalis)
Sage was always in my mom’s spice cabinet and is in mine too – for when a recipe included it. But how to use it otherwise - I admit, I was clueless! But looking at the benefits of adding a little sage- Wow! I am definitely motivated to incorporate it more into my cooking!
Benefits
Packed with vitamins and antioxidants
Supports memory and brain health
Anti-inflammatory effects
Strengthen immunity
Digestive aid
Uses
Add to a roast
Add to a soup
Combine in mashed potatoes – I can't wait to try this!
Add to a tomato sauce
Combine chopped leaves with butter to make a Sage Butter
Note that Sage is part of the mint family, so individuals who suffer from allergic reactions to the mint family, should be aware of the potential for a reaction.
Sage was always in my mom’s spice cabinet and is in mine too – for when a recipe included it. But how to use it otherwise - I admit, I was clueless! But looking at the benefits of adding a little sage- Wow! I am definitely motivated to incorporate it more into my cooking!
Benefits
Packed with vitamins and antioxidants
Supports memory and brain health
Anti-inflammatory effects
Strengthen immunity
Digestive aid
Uses
Add to a roast
Add to a soup
Combine in mashed potatoes – I can't wait to try this!
Add to a tomato sauce
Combine chopped leaves with butter to make a Sage Butter
Note that Sage is part of the mint family, so individuals who suffer from allergic reactions to the mint family, should be aware of the potential for a reaction.
Expected Harvest | August 27, 2022
Expected Harvest | August 27, 2022 Incoming Fall Flavors by Farmer Derek
Pumpkins meant for eating will be in shares for a week or two. Healthy brassicas in the background. Photo courtesy of Farmer Sarah.
Harvest #15 (Week A) should include potatoes, pie pumpkins, leeks, cantaloupe, beets, garlic, sweet peppers, tomatoes, arugula, swiss chard, kale, lettuce, herbs, eggplant, italian dandelion, zucchini, cucumbers, hot peppers, okra, shishito peppers, and scallions. Some items will be a choice. U-pick should include a handful of herbs, husk cherries, cherry tomatoes, tomatillos, edamame, and flowers. As you've probably noticed, the flower patch hasn't fared well during this extended period of dry weather. Our sincere apologies, we could not find the time to add water when it was most needed.
Farmer Sarah loading pumpkins on our currently un-trusty farm truck. After having not wanted to start for a couple of weeks, the truck decided to fire up for us when we needed it most, hauling thousands of pounds of winter squash and pumpkins to the barn last week. Another round of temperamental behavior left it idle in the fields for a couple of days following. Photo courtesy of Farmer Gabby.
Pumpkins meant for eating will be in shares for a week or two. Healthy brassicas in the background. Photo courtesy of Farmer Sarah.
Harvest #15 (Week A) should include potatoes, pie pumpkins, leeks, cantaloupe, beets, garlic, sweet peppers, tomatoes, arugula, swiss chard, kale, lettuce, herbs, eggplant, italian dandelion, zucchini, cucumbers, hot peppers, okra, shishito peppers, and scallions. Some items will be a choice. U-pick should include a handful of herbs, husk cherries, cherry tomatoes, tomatillos, edamame, and flowers. As you've probably noticed, the flower patch hasn't fared well during this extended period of dry weather. Our sincere apologies, we could not find the time to add water when it was most needed.
Farmer Sarah loading pumpkins on our currently un-trusty farm truck. After having not wanted to start for a couple of weeks, the truck decided to fire up for us when we needed it most, hauling thousands of pounds of winter squash and pumpkins to the barn last week. Another round of temperamental behavior left it idle in the fields for a couple of days following. Photo courtesy of Farmer Gabby.
August 27, 2022
August 27, 2022 Workshifts for Week of 8/29/22 by Farmer Derek
Farmer Gabby harvesting pie pumpkins last week. Photo courtesy of Farmer Sarah.
If you signed up for a CSA share with work discount but are unable to work please consider remitting payment in lieu of work sooner rather that later.
This week we'll continue retrieving winter squash (butternut) as well as pull some weeds and do general field clean up.
This week's workshift schedule:
Wednesday 8/31 10-12pm
Wednesday 8/31 5:30-7:30pm (new time, less daylight!)
Friday 9/2 10-12pm
Sunday 9/4 7-9am (early bird special!)
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.
Farmer Gabby harvesting pie pumpkins last week. Photo courtesy of Farmer Sarah.
If you signed up for a CSA share with work discount but are unable to work please consider remitting payment in lieu of work sooner rather that later.
This week we'll continue retrieving winter squash (butternut) as well as pull some weeds and do general field clean up.
This week's workshift schedule:
Wednesday 8/31 10-12pm
Wednesday 8/31 5:30-7:30pm (new time, less daylight!)
Friday 9/2 10-12pm
Sunday 9/4 7-9am (early bird special!)
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.
