Here we go – the hopefully last gasp of winter cold is here. Your veggies are all tucked nicely into their warm beds, though – well. Except for the carrots and parsnips! Here’s what is happening this week, and what to expect for your box choices:
Carrots and Parsnips are in plentiful supply. The plan is to pre-pick before farm call as it is likely the first wash will need to be up at the house where the hose spigots aren’t frozen. Once that is done, the rest is all in the greenhouse. On sunny days it can easily hit 90F in there – almost too warm for the veggies. However on a day like today (Wednesday, 2/22) it only is about 60F – while outside is 36F. So – the lettuces, spinach, root crops and Bok Choi are all growing nicely.
This is the 8 week before last frost plan date – so a large number of flats of seeds were started. 54 Tomatoes of 12 different types, four trays of lettuces, three trays of bulb onions, and a couple of trays of Asian Mustard. In another two weeks the “4 week before last frost” seeds will be started, including more brassicas. At about that same time the earliest root crops will be direct seeded – more turnips, beets, carrots.
The Lettuces are at a high growth point finally, as are the bok choi and green cabbage. The green cabbage is out there a few weeks, but bok choi is ready now. Peas are still reaching up, it is probably 4 weeks before the first snap peas.
Earlier this week an email was sent out asking how well you like the Japanese Salad Turnips – The farmer taste test is a bit broken right now due to an oral problem, so your opinions are important. If they are something you like, they are interesting and quick to grow. So – please give an opinion. It would be best if each member got 6-8 (a small bunch) if the on-line recipes are to be trusted. As it is, the token Turnip seems to be the plan.
The FarmCraft craft person just put out of these – there are two other things besides towels under consideration. One idea is a “Shilofarm CSA” Apron. There are also ‘plaques’ suitable for wall hanging. Anyone interested?
And here is what you can expect this week:
Lettuce | Three varieties: Winter Density and Cegolaine look best this week. Red iceberg is the best although not very ice-bergery… |
Brassicas | Over-wintered cabbage (very ugly), only a few left) … and Bok Choi. |
Roots | Salad (Japanese small white) Turnips, three different types of radishes, over wintered Parsnip, and Carrots |
Greens | itty bitty Arugula, mustard is out there a few weeks. Kale (is Kale a Brassica?) is available. Still a bit small. |
Herbs | Chives are the herb of the day… oh wait – ask about Arugula. Small but mighty. |
Misc | If something comes around, this is where it will be. Chard is about 3″ tall, and waiting for space in the bok choi bed… |