The weather has not been completely easy (why would we ever expect that), but we have been getting our plants in the ground, working around the rain and the intense heat. In truth, good plants really want to live. We might plant them during the worst part of the day, just because that is when we have the time. Then they get all dramatic and lie down and look terrible. But in the night, they have a moment to recuperate and by the next morning they are up and looking perky. We usually try to plant before a rainy period, just to make it easier on them. So now we have over 3/4 of an acre of broccoli and cauliflower, cabbage and kohlrabi, Chinese cabbage and kale just marching over the horizon.
In Vienna we have been too wet for too long. The weeds are really settling in, loving this time when we can't get a tractor in the field. They have nothing better to do than fill the gaps between plants, establish deep roots and cover the soil. We keep losing bean plantings to too much water and not enough cultivating.
But the good news is that the first fall carrots and beets have germinated beautifully on both farms. That is not always a given since it takes moisture and cool temperatures to get those seeds to pop. Now all we have to do is weed. That is actually a lot easier than getting seeds to germinate, so we are feeling very hopeful about the fall.
If you want to buy canning tomatoes, you need to get in touch with Becky as soon as possible. They are $25 a box for a mix of ripe, imperfect tomatoes that need to be processed immediately. They will be at peak flavor. If you want a box of Italian tomatoes (25 pounds), those are $40 a box. We will have Italian tomatoes this week but not necessarily next week. We will have regular canning tomatoes for most of August. We can take orders for about three boxes a day Tuesday through Friday and then up to six boxes a day on the weekend. We do not deliver bulk tomatoes; they must be picked up on the farm.
To reserve your boxes, please email becky@potomacvegetablefarms.com with your order and note:
Your name,
What day you would like to pick up your tomatoes,
How many boxes you would like, and
What roadside stand you will be picking up at (Purcellville or Vienna).
Once she emails you back confirming we have them available at the time you wish, you're all set!
For more recipe ideas you can find us on Pinterest!
