There seems to be a routine built around having an inch or two of rain the last half of each week – frantically weeding, mowing, planting on Monday and Tuesday, pick and deliver on Wednesday, watch it rain on Thursday – pick and deliver in the rain on Friday, and then the farm call people play shower roulette on Saturday. Honestly, when the 10-day forecast came up for this week it looked identical to last week!
Look at all that nice mowing and bed prep.
At this point lots of beds are prepared for additional planting. The postponed “spring” delayed things like beans, corn, carrots and their friends are all heading out between showers – although a nice set of beans were seeded. Speaking of beans – the farm ran short of personal use green beans this last winter. The plan is to add another 80′ row of beans for pick-n-blanche-n-freeze. That can be increased if any of you would like a large quantity of green beans to put up. It is probably the easiest preservation known, and the frozen beans are great – especially compared to the dreaded store bought. Just a bit of fear – mongering: rumor has it that California farmers aren’t getting the water they need for the major bulk produce put into the frozen produced section…
Perhaps it is worth adding that when and if summer actually happens the nominal box of veggies can be augmented with larger quantities. Obviously, that is not the case right now – but tomatoes have started setting fruit, potatoes are starting to make small potatoes, bulb onions are grimly determined to wait out this cold weather nonsense… Your box gets a nominal amount of what is available. If you want more or less of something in particular, speak up! The little baggie with sprigs of basil, mint, oregano – more or less is okay to ask for. Speaking of herbs – Garlic Scapes are thinking about showing up. Not everyone likes or wants garlic scapes – some folks have not heard of them. So – when you see them on the list, ask.
You might take a moment to grieve the (temporary) loss of Carrots. This week should wipe out what is left of the greenhouse carrots, which means 8 weeks till they reappear. Blame the weather. That actually covers the situation nicely. There actually are some new items showing up this week to offer solace and comfort: Cabbage and Snap Peas. As is usual with first week, the quantities are pretty low. The second week is pretty good, then the third week you will see a nice supply – well, except there aren’t that many heads of cabbage. If you do not want either, your fellow members will call you blessed.
enough of that – here is the official in the box list:
So – the “in the box” list:
| Lettuce | Winter Density, possible a Newham Romaine or two. Lettuce is small right now – outside problem. |
| Brassicas | Bok Choi, there are three heads of Cabbage ready… You could plead or wait for your turn. |
| Roots | Carrots – this is getting close to the end. There are also a small number of beets left. |
| Greens | Mustard … getting to the end of life – smaller leaf, plants are very leggy. New Mustard in 4-5 weeks. Chard – Red or White, smaller leaf. Spinach – reserved for anti-chard/mustard/cabbage members. Arugula – A bit less than last week. But still quite a bit. Vit – Nobody asks, so “farmer’s choice” is happening. Usually in a 1/2 pint till. Small, dark green leaf. |
| Herbs | Mint, Oregano, Chives, Cilantro, Parsley, Mustard Flower, Basil, Celery leaf or two. Garlic Scapes if you ask.. |
| Misc | Asparagus, small number of snap peas to each of you. New Potatoes. |
Coming very soon: Cut Flowers, Small bulb onions, Tomatoes in about 3-4 weeks. Cucumbers are refusing to grow…
Did you hear about the bad weather? /s
(in case you are wondering, /s is internet shorthand for “that was a sarcastic comment I just made in case you didn’t notice.)
