Ripe pumpkins in July! Such a strange season we're having where everything seems about 2 weeks ahead of schedule...and in the case of this pumpkin, quite a bit more than 2 weeks! We were surprised last week with the scent of vine-ripened melons and sure enough, it was time to start harvesting them. Melons are notoriously difficult for us to gauge for our harvest estimate into Harvie because we are still relatively new to growing them and also because they are picked at just the right time (no sooner, no later) and so there is very little wiggle room to cushion a bad estimate. Even so, this week, we are entering enough melons to make sure everyone in the CSA should get one in their box (unless of course you didn't want melons when you set your preferences), and there should be some extra built in as well for those that want to customize or order a Farm Stand box. But melons are a very popular crop for us especially when they just begin for the season, so we expect that all of the melons that we are comfortable guaranteeing for next week will be snatched up fairly soon. SO...any extra melons that we are able to harvest, we'll be bringing to market with us!
Harvesting melons is a daunting task to do on your own (which Rudy has typically done the lion's share of). Each melon has to be 'slip-tested' or at least laid eyes on it so that we can determine if it's time to slip test it. That means essentially swimming through the field parting all of the melon vines so that we can actually see the fruit underneath. It can be tiring and tedious especially on a hot day. So today, we're working on a new system and training our whole crew on 'the art of meloning' so that we can go out routinely and grid the melon patch so that the task isn't so overwhelming, and we can spread the back ache around so it isn't too bad!
Melons aren't the only summer favorite that are in production now, we have much more quantities of cherry tomatoes, tomatoes, and even some delicious new crops like tomatillos and cayenne peppers.
Be sure to get into your Harvie profile to customize your box for next week (or to purchase a one-time Farm Stand box), or don't! Some people love the surprise of finding out what they get when they pick up. This week, we have lots of great items from other local producers, including:
- Bagels from The Gracious Table, no breads for a couple of week's as the Gracious Table will be short-staffed
- Farm Fresh Eggs from the Miller Farm
- Honey from McLaury Apiaries
- Fresh Pressed Apple Cider AND Apple Butter, from Farm to Market Store, both of these products are made right here in Libby!
- Locally Raised hot Italian sausage, pork sausage and pork chops from Double N Farms
- Beautiful gladiolus bouquets from yours truly!
Have a wonderful weekend!
Cheers, Rudy & Bonnie
