f 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.
Notes From The Field | August 21, 2022
Notes From The Field | August 21, 2022 Getting There by Farmer Derek
Transplanting the final round of fall beets last Friday. Per Farmer Dana's request, we're growing golden beets as well as the standard red.
Last week we enjoyed a taste of the consistent cooler weather that is sure to come. Unfortunately that too-brief respite was followed by a return to the heat of summer. No matter, we still crushed it. We spent a lot of time harvesting, cleaning up, and transplanting. Harvesting takes up a lot more of our schedule this time of year. Cucumbers, zucchini, and melons need to be harvested three times a week, eating up a couple of hours each time. Ripening peppers are peaking, which is wonderful, and take a couple of hours on harvest days to collect. Potatoes have all been harvested, probably about 5,000 pounds worth. A big thanks to members for helping with that! With the conclusion of potatoes, it's now time to turn our attention to the thousands of pounds of pie pumpkins, butternuts, and other winter squashes that beckon our call. We'll probably begin harvesting the early varieties this week.
Even though it's been very dry, grasses and other weeds have been growing like mad, probably robbing our crops of their irrigation water. We're still playing catch up, but we made great progress last week getting the 2023 strawberries mowed and almost fully weeded. In two weeks they went from being fairly neat and tidy to an insane jungle where they were barely noticeable. Fall broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower had towering pigweed (amaranth), bind weed, and grasses in the aisles that were trying to assert their influence over the beds of crops. After weed whacking for six hours over two days the patch now is more-or-less picturesque. Still to be mowed are peppers, eggplant, and leeks, to be easily accomplished this week.
So many crops went in the ground last week; it was the final large outdoor planting and forced us to even work late on a Friday, which we strive to avoid. Red and golden beets, dinosaur/toscano/lacinato kale, lettuce, chard, arugula, napa/chinese cabbage, kohlrabi, red and purple daikons, salad and watermelon radishes, salad turnips, cilantro, and dill all went in. Satisfyingly, we're now left with only about 3,000 feet of unplanted field space, all nestled together in one location. This space will be filled over the next four weeks, then we'll begin planting inside our tunnels. It's hard to believe we're at this stage of the season already and are thankful to have made it this far with (what we think) have been nice and steady harvests and shares. Hope you've been enjoying everything!
Mid-day sun and heat were hard on the pup, and us. The soil was hot to the touch even before lunch. Using the water-wheel transplanter is essential this time of year.
Transplanting the final round of fall beets last Friday. Per Farmer Dana's request, we're growing golden beets as well as the standard red.
Last week we enjoyed a taste of the consistent cooler weather that is sure to come. Unfortunately that too-brief respite was followed by a return to the heat of summer. No matter, we still crushed it. We spent a lot of time harvesting, cleaning up, and transplanting. Harvesting takes up a lot more of our schedule this time of year. Cucumbers, zucchini, and melons need to be harvested three times a week, eating up a couple of hours each time. Ripening peppers are peaking, which is wonderful, and take a couple of hours on harvest days to collect. Potatoes have all been harvested, probably about 5,000 pounds worth. A big thanks to members for helping with that! With the conclusion of potatoes, it's now time to turn our attention to the thousands of pounds of pie pumpkins, butternuts, and other winter squashes that beckon our call. We'll probably begin harvesting the early varieties this week.
Even though it's been very dry, grasses and other weeds have been growing like mad, probably robbing our crops of their irrigation water. We're still playing catch up, but we made great progress last week getting the 2023 strawberries mowed and almost fully weeded. In two weeks they went from being fairly neat and tidy to an insane jungle where they were barely noticeable. Fall broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower had towering pigweed (amaranth), bind weed, and grasses in the aisles that were trying to assert their influence over the beds of crops. After weed whacking for six hours over two days the patch now is more-or-less picturesque. Still to be mowed are peppers, eggplant, and leeks, to be easily accomplished this week.
So many crops went in the ground last week; it was the final large outdoor planting and forced us to even work late on a Friday, which we strive to avoid. Red and golden beets, dinosaur/toscano/lacinato kale, lettuce, chard, arugula, napa/chinese cabbage, kohlrabi, red and purple daikons, salad and watermelon radishes, salad turnips, cilantro, and dill all went in. Satisfyingly, we're now left with only about 3,000 feet of unplanted field space, all nestled together in one location. This space will be filled over the next four weeks, then we'll begin planting inside our tunnels. It's hard to believe we're at this stage of the season already and are thankful to have made it this far with (what we think) have been nice and steady harvests and shares. Hope you've been enjoying everything!
Mid-day sun and heat were hard on the pup, and us. The soil was hot to the touch even before lunch. Using the water-wheel transplanter is essential this time of year.
August 21, 2022
August 21, 2022 Herb of the Week: Oregano By Gia Yaccarino
Oregano (Origanum vulgare)
I’m Italian (California Italian, but my parents are Jersey Italian). Growing up, oregano was a staple in our house: my mom didn’t just put out salt and pepper, she also put out basil and oregano!
Benefits
Anti-inflammatory
Enhance mental wellbeing
Aid in digestion
Antibacterial
Antiviral
Uses
Toss into a salad
Add to a sauce (aka – gravy)
Make a pesto or salad dressing
Season up some roasted vegetables
Add to tomatoes and basil in balsamic vinegar
Safe for cats: NO – fresh or dried, oregano is toxic to cats
Safe for dogs: Yes
Cautions:
Consult a physician if you are on medications for bleeding disorders or diabetes
Those allergic to mint might experience some discomfort
FYI: 1 teaspoon of dried oregano = 1 tablespoon of fresh oregano
I’m Italian (California Italian, but my parents are Jersey Italian). Growing up, oregano was a staple in our house: my mom didn’t just put out salt and pepper, she also put out basil and oregano!
Benefits
Anti-inflammatory
Enhance mental wellbeing
Aid in digestion
Antibacterial
Antiviral
Uses
Toss into a salad
Add to a sauce (aka – gravy)
Make a pesto or salad dressing
Season up some roasted vegetables
Add to tomatoes and basil in balsamic vinegar
Safe for cats: NO – fresh or dried, oregano is toxic to cats
Safe for dogs: Yes
Cautions:
Consult a physician if you are on medications for bleeding disorders or diabetes
Those allergic to mint might experience some discomfort
FYI: 1 teaspoon of dried oregano = 1 tablespoon of fresh oregano
Expected Harvest | August 14, 2022
Expected Harvest | August 14, 2022 Summer Classics by Farmer Derek
A lot of fall crops are readying themselves for transplanting including kale, kohlrabi, salad radishes and turnips, daikon/storage radishes, napa/chinese cabbage, arugula, beets, chard, lettuce, and radicchio.
Harvest #13 (Week A) should include watermelon, cantaloupe, beets, cucumbers, carrots, garlic, zucchini, sweet peppers, hot peppers, okra, shishito peppers, lettuce, herbs, eggplant, italian dandelion, tomatoes, onions, and scallions. Some items will be a choice. U-pick should include a handful of herbs, husk cherries, cherry tomatoes, tomatillos, edamame, and flowers.
A lot of fall crops are readying themselves for transplanting including kale, kohlrabi, salad radishes and turnips, daikon/storage radishes, napa/chinese cabbage, arugula, beets, chard, lettuce, and radicchio.
Harvest #13 (Week A) should include watermelon, cantaloupe, beets, cucumbers, carrots, garlic, zucchini, sweet peppers, hot peppers, okra, shishito peppers, lettuce, herbs, eggplant, italian dandelion, tomatoes, onions, and scallions. Some items will be a choice. U-pick should include a handful of herbs, husk cherries, cherry tomatoes, tomatillos, edamame, and flowers.
August 14, 2022
August 14, 2022 Workshifts for Week of 8/15/22 by Farmer Derek
There are leeks in there I promise. The grasses are trying their best to mature and make some seed before another round of mowing. All of these weeds are in the aisles and don't interfere with the leeks too much. The aisles were mowed only two weeks ago.
This week we'll probably continue harvesting potatoes as well as pull some weeds. We're nearing the end of peak weed season but can definitely use some help with the final few rounds of clean up.
This week's workshift schedule:
Tuesday 8/16 10-12pm
Wednesday 8/17 10-12pm
Wednesday 8/17 6-8pm
Friday 8/19 10-12pm
Sunday 8/21 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.
There are leeks in there I promise. The grasses are trying their best to mature and make some seed before another round of mowing. All of these weeds are in the aisles and don't interfere with the leeks too much. The aisles were mowed only two weeks ago.
This week we'll probably continue harvesting potatoes as well as pull some weeds. We're nearing the end of peak weed season but can definitely use some help with the final few rounds of clean up.
This week's workshift schedule:
Tuesday 8/16 10-12pm
Wednesday 8/17 10-12pm
Wednesday 8/17 6-8pm
Friday 8/19 10-12pm
Sunday 8/21 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.
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.
August 14, 2022
August 14, 2022 Herb of the Week: Wild Dandelion By Gia Yaccarino
Surplus sunflowers for the pollinators and the birds.
Dandelion Greens (T. officinale and T. erythrospermum).
Editors note: Cultivated Italian Dandelion that you see in the pick up room is actually in the chicory family and only looks like its wild cousin. The greens can be used similarly.
Dandelion greens are amazing! In early springtime, before the first pick-up of the season, I have been known to pick dandelion greens from my yard for a salad! (Please only pick wild dandelion greens in yards which are untreated!) My mom tells stories about when she was growing up, her aunt would go to the circle at Trenton Train Station and pick dandelion greens!
Dandelion greens have more vitamins and nutrients than kale or spinach!
Try mixing in a little dandelion green into your next salad!
Cooking helps reduce the bitterness of dandelion greens. If sautéed dandelion greens are still too bitter, try quickly blanching before sautéing.
Benefits
Anti-inflammatory
Excellent source of Vitamin A and K
Great source of lutein and zeaxanthin (which are important for healthy eyesight)
May reduce blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol
Aid in detoxifying the body
Improves digestion
Uses
Add to a salad for a little kick (dandelion greens can be a little bitter)
Sauté in olive oil with garlic
Add to a soup
Make pesto (this is my go-to solution for most greens!)
Safe for cats: Yes
Safe for dogs: Yes
Cautions
May cause an allergic reaction in those allergic to ragweed and related plants
Surplus sunflowers for the pollinators and the birds.
Dandelion Greens (T. officinale and T. erythrospermum).
Editors note: Cultivated Italian Dandelion that you see in the pick up room is actually in the chicory family and only looks like its wild cousin. The greens can be used similarly.
Dandelion greens are amazing! In early springtime, before the first pick-up of the season, I have been known to pick dandelion greens from my yard for a salad! (Please only pick wild dandelion greens in yards which are untreated!) My mom tells stories about when she was growing up, her aunt would go to the circle at Trenton Train Station and pick dandelion greens!
Dandelion greens have more vitamins and nutrients than kale or spinach!
Try mixing in a little dandelion green into your next salad!
Cooking helps reduce the bitterness of dandelion greens. If sautéed dandelion greens are still too bitter, try quickly blanching before sautéing.
Benefits
Anti-inflammatory
Excellent source of Vitamin A and K
Great source of lutein and zeaxanthin (which are important for healthy eyesight)
May reduce blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol
Aid in detoxifying the body
Improves digestion
Uses
Add to a salad for a little kick (dandelion greens can be a little bitter)
Sauté in olive oil with garlic
Add to a soup
Make pesto (this is my go-to solution for most greens!)
Safe for cats: Yes
Safe for dogs: Yes
Cautions
May cause an allergic reaction in those allergic to ragweed and related plants
Notes From The Field | August 14, 2022
Notes From The Field | August 14, 2022 Re-Energize by Farmer Derek
Sunrise in North Carolina.
A big shout out, feeling of gratitude, appreciation, super large THANK YOU to our crew for taking care of the farm this past week!
We're now feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Frolicking in the surf, viewing ocean and shore dwelling species, paddling to our hearts' content, ignoring the world-at-large, was just enough playtime. We're excited to buckle down and hustle through the final month of summer. Plant growth, both the wanted and unwanted kind, is at the end of peak growth. Weeds, particularly, are growing quickly and trying their best to set seed to continue their genetic line. This coming week we'll try our best using our toolkit to subdue these foes and tidy up the place. After this last gasp, germination of summer weeds like amaranth and galinsoga ends, our main competitors this time of year. Wanted summer crops like zucchini, cucumbers, tomatoes, and eggplant are slowing down somewhat, especially during this respite from hot weather, but also because diseases that plague these crops are slowly getting a foothold. Peppers this year are perplexing. We're harvesting a ton, but there are a lot of culls in the field due to blemishes on the fruit. We've never seen them suffer this much but overall yield is adequate. Every time we harvest we have to do a thorough fruit check. Ripening fruit are especially hard hit by the annoying blight. Tomatoes, on the other hand, have been awesome (and backbreakingly heavy). Moving tomato production inside was one of the best decisions (and investments) we've ever made. They've peaked but should be around for another month or so. In September we'll have to begin preparing the tunnels for fall lettuces and other greens and bid farewell to the 2022 tomato harvest. Before we know it the Fall Equinox and the glory of Autumn will be here.
A big shout out, feeling of gratitude, appreciation, super large THANK YOU to our crew for taking care of the farm this past week!
We're now feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Frolicking in the surf, viewing ocean and shore dwelling species, paddling to our hearts' content, ignoring the world-at-large, was just enough playtime. We're excited to buckle down and hustle through the final month of summer. Plant growth, both the wanted and unwanted kind, is at the end of peak growth. Weeds, particularly, are growing quickly and trying their best to set seed to continue their genetic line. This coming week we'll try our best using our toolkit to subdue these foes and tidy up the place. After this last gasp, germination of summer weeds like amaranth and galinsoga ends, our main competitors this time of year. Wanted summer crops like zucchini, cucumbers, tomatoes, and eggplant are slowing down somewhat, especially during this respite from hot weather, but also because diseases that plague these crops are slowly getting a foothold. Peppers this year are perplexing. We're harvesting a ton, but there are a lot of culls in the field due to blemishes on the fruit. We've never seen them suffer this much but overall yield is adequate. Every time we harvest we have to do a thorough fruit check. Ripening fruit are especially hard hit by the annoying blight. Tomatoes, on the other hand, have been awesome (and backbreakingly heavy). Moving tomato production inside was one of the best decisions (and investments) we've ever made. They've peaked but should be around for another month or so. In September we'll have to begin preparing the tunnels for fall lettuces and other greens and bid farewell to the 2022 tomato harvest. Before we know it the Fall Equinox and the glory of Autumn will be here.
Expected Harvest | August 8, 2022
Expected Harvest | August 8, 2022 Peak Produce by Farmer Derek
Full edamame pods hang loosely on plants.
Harvest #12 (Week B) should include watermelon, cantaloupe, beets, cucumbers, carrots, garlic, zucchini, sweet peppers, hot peppers, okra, shishito peppers, lettuce, herbs, eggplant, italian dandelion, tomatoes, onions, and scallions. Some items will be a choice. U-pick should include a handful of herbs, husk cherries, cherry tomatoes, tomatillos, blackberries, edamame, and flowers.
Edamame treat: boil for 15 minutes in heavily salted water, strain, and enjoy!
Harvest #12 (Week B) should include watermelon, cantaloupe, beets, cucumbers, carrots, garlic, zucchini, sweet peppers, hot peppers, okra, shishito peppers, lettuce, herbs, eggplant, italian dandelion, tomatoes, onions, and scallions. Some items will be a choice. U-pick should include a handful of herbs, husk cherries, cherry tomatoes, tomatillos, blackberries, edamame, and flowers.
Edamame treat: boil for 15 minutes in heavily salted water, strain, and enjoy!
August 8, 2022
August 8, 2022 Workshifts for Week of 8/8/22 by Farmer Derek
Monarch on the verbena!
This week's workshift schedule is very light due to farmer vacation but will pick up again next week:
Sunday 8/14 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.
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.
Notes From The Field | August 8, 2022
Notes From The Field | August 8, 2022 Notes from Vacationville by Farmer Dana
Cantaloupe harvest photo from some years ago.
Our family left the farm for a much needed vacation and handed the reins over to our wholly capable and incredible crew for the week. Since the beginning of March this swath of land has asked 7 day work weeks of us and we have obliged devotedly, tending and coaxing productivity, in constant conversation with the myriad of variables that is our diversified organic farm. By the time August rolls around we are spent and, while it feels like an impossible task to extricate ourselves from this habitat, it's a respite we afford ourselves in order to restore physical and emotional reserves. We are so so grateful to Sarah, Craig, Gabby, and Meghan for allowing us this break and taking such great care of the farm and animals while we are away! Please cheer on our indispensable crew if you see them this week, they truly deserve it! We'll see you farmside next week, refreshed and ready for the remainder of the season.
Our family left the farm for a much needed vacation and handed the reins over to our wholly capable and incredible crew for the week. Since the beginning of March this swath of land has asked 7 day work weeks of us and we have obliged devotedly, tending and coaxing productivity, in constant conversation with the myriad of variables that is our diversified organic farm. By the time August rolls around we are spent and, while it feels like an impossible task to extricate ourselves from this habitat, it's a respite we afford ourselves in order to restore physical and emotional reserves. We are so so grateful to Sarah, Craig, Gabby, and Meghan for allowing us this break and taking such great care of the farm and animals while we are away! Please cheer on our indispensable crew if you see them this week, they truly deserve it! We'll see you farmside next week, refreshed and ready for the remainder of the season.
