Max Mathis seeding the previous onion field with a mixture of cover crop seeds, including peas, oats, radishes, and clover
This week's offerings: Buttercup squash this week, to start the squashes. And red potatoes, too! Melons winding down; maybe the last week. Zucchini also nearly finished. Cilantro bunches will be larger than usual. Cauliflower recipients will receive either a head of white cauliflower, or a head of orange cauliflower, or a head of romanesco. Eggplants and tomatoes and now peppers still cranking out fruit! Our last planting of cucumbers was not a big success, so cucumbers are done for the year. Broccoli for this week looks fine from a distance, but it does have some scattered black spots that are only visible when it is cut open some. We almost threw it all out, but most members here thought that they would still like to receive it, so we warn you ahead of time that it will need a little attention to cut out the bad spots. Jalapeno peppers available for those that like them!
Coming soon: Poblano peppers, spinach, arugula, delicata squash, gold & purple potatoes.
On the farm: We attempt to keep our soil covered as much as possible -- less erosion, and less soil degradation from the sun and elements. So as soon as a crop is finished, we either plant another crop that would be harvested, or plant a 'cover crop' that is intended to build the soil. The cover crop will capture the sun's energy, and turn it into sugars or proteins following the miracle of photosynthesis, and the roots of the cover crops will improve the soil's structure, and eventually the biomass of the crops will become food for the literally billions of microorganisms that populate any living and healthy soil. We got it seeded just before Sunday's rain, so perfect timing! In the photo Max is using a hand-powered broadcaster that spins and shoots out the seed in a 10 to 15 foot wide swath; doesn't take too long to cover an acre that way!
Brussels sprouts growing; they are starting to run shorter on daylengths and warm temperatures, but should still be ready by late October!
Have a good week!
Peter & Bernadette & Crew
