Farmers always worry about the weather. Will there be too much rain? Will it rain enough I winter to fill up the irrigation pond? Can we set out the tomatoes or is possible to have a frost? The weather is our most important variable and the one we have no control over. We just have plans to adapt to whatever happens. Irrigation if it doesn’t rain. Raised beds so that too much rain can drain off. Shady areas, south-facing slopes, windbreaks to mitigate heat, cool, and winds. But we cannot protect the farm from the BIG ones.
In late May 2008, I stood in my barn and watched a hail storm drop 4 inches of rain in 20 minutes, quarter-sized hail, and roaring wind. At the end of the 20 minutes, the entire farm was destroyed and plants lay in shreds. In 2018, Hurricane Floyd swept through and a deluge caused water to overflow even the raised beds and damage most of the fall crops. More seriously, we had just thrown up beds for a winter cover crop and lots of our topsoil was swept into the grassy area that we maintain so soil will not wash into streams.
Naturally, we were worried when we heard of the approach of Hurricane Isaias. We were not able to go into the fields most of Tuesday; there were over 4 inches of rain; and the power was out for 8 hours. However, all that rain came down over many hours, and our bed structure held up and drained it away from the plants. We were delighted.
We continue with lots of tomatoes. Remember you can click on the link and get our pamphlet of Tomato Recipes This week we recommend you try the Instant Tomato and Basil Soup which is a cold soup you can make in a blender or Vitamix. There is no cooking. Another is a cold salad with chicken, tomatillos, and cherry tomatoes. It is called Summer Green and Gold Chicken Salad in the recipe collection because I originally used Sungold tomatoes. Red cherry tomatoes will also be good.
Wishing you delicious and healthy eating,
Judy for all the farmers at Harlands Creek Farm, LLC
