We are so pleased that the fields are starting to dry out and we are looking forward to the beautiful chaos that is a vegetable farm in August. The sweet corn will be coming along soon (and we hope the coyotes are chasing the deer away and not just snacking for themselves) and the onions are still plumping up in the rows. The second planting of summer squash and zucchini is coming slowly but surely and will hopefully be ready next week. We may see celery this week and the garlic is drying and will be sorted out soon to be included in shares.
While most plants have been either seeded and or transplanted into the field by now, this is the last big push to get seeds in the ground for autumn harvest. At the same time, more and more crops are coming into production each week and we are always scouting to find the next item to bring into your shares! Sometimes items come into production slowly and some folks may see them in shares while others may not. We want to give you a little more information about how the Harvie system works in case you have questions about why you may or may not see an item in your share.
One of the ways that the Harvie system helps farmers and members is that when there are certain items that are in low supply (maybe they are just coming into fruit, such as the cherry tomatoes and larger tomatoes, or we had an unexpected pest or weather event that decreased the planned amount available) they are placed into the Harvest list by me, the farmer, with a certain amount/number available to members. The Harvie algorithm then randomizes the list of members getting shares on that particular day, and will fill the boxes of people that indicate a preference for that item in random order, until the item has been "used up" or fully distributed. The algorithm then goes through the list with each available crop until each member's box is filled to their size level.
Any "left over" items are then listed as available for Swapping, or to purchase as Extras when members get their customization emails. The specific items available for swapping may change throughout the customization period (which for a Thursday pick up is on Tuesday; pretty much from dawn until 1030pm, when I need to make the harvesting list for the next morning.)
Another reason why items may be in some shares but not in others is also time dependent. For example, last Tuesday I learned around noon that we actually had some eggplants available for harvesting that I had not expected when I sent out the customization emails that morning. So at that point, members' boxes had already been "filled;" but those who logged into make swaps and buy extras after I had added the available eggplant were able to put it into their shares.
So, the take home message is that when items are in short supply, the Harvie system will distribute them in random order to the folks that want them, until we run out, and that the items available for swapping or adding may change during the day of the customization period, so if you don't see something you are looking for, maybe check back in later in the evening.
Some of the produce you receive today has been rinsed from the field, but like all fresh produce, should be thoroughly washed and often, refrigerated by you at home. Exceptions to the refrigeration rule are uncut tomatoes and eggplants.
The weekly Pinterest page for the farm has plenty of recipes too.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS SUMMER, AS YOU ARE PACKING YOUR OWN CUSTOMIZED SHARES, WE WELCOME YOU TO BRING YOUR OWN BAGS AND BOXES!
