Mid June is a beautiful time on the farm. Plants are getting big and the field is starting to look quite full, summer crops are all in, and finally, finally we start to see less frost protective row cover cluttering the view. We're hoping that last week held our last light frosts for the season, but we never are too confident in central Oregon, we've gotten frosts in July and August before. Our few frost sensitive crops in the field (squash, potatoes and corn) will still have row cover at the ready for the next couple weeks just in case.
We've had some especially crazy weather on the farm the last couple weeks, even for our area. Plants have a hard time with hot, hot weather that makes them grow very quickly followed by icy weather. Hardy plants become less hardy as they haven't built up any defenses to the cold as they're preparing for more heat, and we saw some damage to many heads of lettuce that would have otherwise tolerated the cold just fine. Thankfully, plants are resilient and most will recover quite well with the beautiful weather we have coming.
New to boxes this week are some very special new potatoes that we started early in our greenhouse. They have red skin and gold flesh and are absolutely creamy and delicious. This is they first year we've had enough space to grow an early greenhouse bed of potatoes and we're so glad that we did! We've also got the first zucchini in boxes this week, we hope you enjoy this first taste of summer. We've also got some special mini romaine that we're trial growing this season, they're great lettuce 'scoops', just fill with your favorite lettuce wrap filling. We've also got the first bunches of parsley if you've got Italian food on the menu or just need some flavor! The tomato house is looking stellar, and tomatoes and cucumbers will be coming your way shortly!
Back in boxes this week are salad turnips, which we only have growing for another month or so before we take a summer break. We find these are best in the spring and fall, and so focus on growing them then, when they're sweetest! Get your fill now before they're gone! The same can be said for spinach, which we also have just a month more to harvest before it gets too hot and challenging to grow this cold loving crop. We've also got the first Lacinato Kale available this week, which we know is a crowd favorite. We hope you're hungry!
Your Farmers,
Ashley, Caleb and the Sungrounded Crew
