Celebrate the Harvest: How Summer Squash and Zucchini Survived the Storm!

With a heart full of gratitude and a spirit of resilience, I am thankful to celebrate another week of our 2024 harvest! Despite the challenges of months of excessive rain and even a menacing hail storm that came too close for comfort, our beloved summer squash and zucchini have triumphed against the odds.

This week, these fresh vegetables are ready for your table, bringing the farm-to-table experience right to your home. By choosing to eat seasonal, you are not just enjoying delicious, locally grown produce; you are supporting small and sustainable farming practices that nourish both the land and our community.

Local Harvest Resilience

Surviving the Storm by 5000 Feet

Our farm narrowly escaped disaster, with a hail storm halting just 5000 feet from our field. This close call highlighted the unpredictable nature of farming and the resilience needed to thrive.

Months of excessive rain had already put our harvest at risk, making this storm an added threat. Yet, our crops stood firm and bravely, a testament to sustainable farming practices that fortify plants against harsh conditions.

The farm stand had quarter sized hail come down. Our neighbors experienced golf ball sized hail which seems like a small difference. We had nearly no damage at the farm stand while the golf ball sized hail looks like a mower went through each row of their field.

Resilience of 6th and Last Planting of Yellow and Green Squash

Our sixth and final planting of yellow and green squash this season stands as a testament to perseverance. Despite the odds stacked against them, these plants have flourished, showcasing the strength and adaptability of sustainable farming techniques.

I staggered the plantings over 6 groupings across fields that have different combinations of strengths. I make those decisions during the season in order to be able to pivot as the weather starts showing it's patterns. The first two plantings brought a sweet harvest to our baskets. The next 3 struggled with the excessive rain clogging the roots and preventing them from thriving.

When soil is waterlogged, roots use up the oxygen in the soil quickly. This causes the roots to switch to anaerobic respiration, which is less efficient and produces toxic byproducts.

The longer roots are deprived of oxygen, the more damage they suffer. Eventually, the roots die and decay, which prevents the plant from getting nutrients and water.

Overwatered plants are more likely to develop root rot, which can cause the plant to wilt even though the soil is still wet.

This year's planting cycle was marred by unusually harsh weather patterns, yet the squash managed to thrive, proving the importance of resilient farming methods. The careful selection of planting times and diligent care have culminated in a successful harvest, ready to grace your tables.

Each vibrant squash embodies the dedication of our team and the unwavering support from our community. By choosing to support our farm and enjoy these locally grown treasures, you're participating in a tradition of resilience and sustainability. Your choice empowers us to continue nurturing the land and delivering fresh vegetables, season after season.