Happy Summer Solstice!
This weekend we enjoy the longest days of the year and the official start to summer. Farmers throughout Colorado have been sprinting as fast as we can to get our crops in the ground before the milestone of summer solstice. At Kilt Farm, we have been planting our final successions of peppers and eggplants and preparing beds for our fall crops. It might be crazy to start thinking about fall as summer starts, but farming in Colorado requires you to think at least a season ahead.
I am so excited about all of the amazing food that lies ahead of us. We are still solidly in the early season where greens and roots are in their prime-time. That said, as you can see from the photo above, our Summer crops are taking off. This week we are going to start with a little taste of summer by adding basil to the shares. Hopefully, our high tunnel tomatoes will start ripening soon so we can start sneaking in some decadent early fruit. Even though we are neck-deep working in the spring crops, you can't fault me for dreaming about all of the amazing flavors that lay ahead of us!
Western Slope Fruit Update
As you may recall the Western Slope was hit hard with a late freeze. This was a devastating event for our Colorado fruit growers. There have been major losses across the fruit growing regions of Western Colorado. We partner with Ela Family Farms to provide you with Colorado Fruit. Much like you support our farm by purchasing a vegetable share, those of you who purchased a fruit share give support to Ela Family Farms. Gratefully, the fruit CSA members are the first in line for fruit and in years like this, it is the place to be. Even though some varieties may be leaner than in years past, Ela Family Farms is confident that they will be able to provide fruit for us.
Our Fruit Share starts the first week of August and runs for 12 weeks. I will keep you updated as we move forward.
Have a wonderful solstice weekend and enjoy the beginning of your summer.
Michael, your Kilted Farmer.
