Wow – the end of main season has come upon us… Which brings to mind “If you are continuing and were paying seasonally now would be a good time to think about $ending $ome cash… Okay, that is done time to move on.
On Tuesday the pick for one of are farm call folks was great – spread it all out (minus the flower and the winter squash):
It was kinda shocking how well things have been holding on – it is as though there is a second Spring going on here, other than the crops moving to life support… There is a high probability of a frost in the next couple of weeks – probably the 27th or 28th which will really put a crimp in things holding on, especially the soft tissue plants like potatoes and tomatoes. The winter squash were all picked and put on a couple of pallets and in a garden wagon (also posted this on FB):
That looks like a lot of squash (and it is) but when you ship out 8-12 a week for this week and the next four weeks it goes fast. The current distribution is to alternate big squash and little squash over that time – the big green dudes in the front right are called “Oregon Sweet Meat,” by the way – and as you can discern there aren’t enough for everyone to have their very own giant squash.. Other than the famous candy roaster. It isn’t obvious that all of you actually read these emails – that said, if you have had all the winter squash your heart could desire, you really need to speak up. The wagon load contains Gill’s Golden Pippen, and a zillion decor squash. Before the farm intern spent four hours picking it was not at all clear how many of those existed. Well, now it is known. There are two more of you that have asked for “a lot” – and the farm will use some – anyone else, you have to ask.
In other topics, the usual jar of crab apple jelly for the last week was canned today – Quince comes next. The jars are bigger than the ones used last year. After some biscuits were whipped up the jelly can be given a farm 5 stars. The reviewer made himself have several test biscuits to ensure a thorough evaluation. 🙂
So – as the season wraps it looks a lot like last week – with the exception of corn. It looks like the corn is at the end of the row, so to speak. The ears left on the stalks are not full of kernels, and tend to be pretty runty. So – decor stalks anyone? The rest go to compost or to the obese horses.
Oh – and the carrots – such lovely carrots! Did you know we have amazing carrots? And it looks like they will last through the extended season. Wish the same could be said about the slicer tomatoes – few and ugly are left. Cherries are happy campers, slicers think it is way to cool and dark, and so are sulking and getting uck.
But that is another story for another time. Here’s the box report:
| Lettuce | Muir or Nevada or red Iceberg – they are all good and will be for a couple more weeks – new plants should be set out and might be ready for the very last week of extended season. TBD |
| Brassicas | Small heads of Red, Algosa (wrinkled) and green available – generally going light on the distribution saving for extended season. Kale is really nice – again, you will need to ask for some unless you are a known Kale-o-phile. |
| Roots | Carrots, Beets, and Dragon Radishes. Beets are a puzzle – some have okay sized roots and giant leaf, some are neither and it isn’t known until it is picked. Carrots are awesome. |
| Greens | Arugula, Chard, Mustard – farmer’s choice unless you are a known “always” or “never.” |
| Herbs | Basil, small amount of Parsley, once again, ask if you want some knarly Oregano or Mint. Really not very pretty. |
| Misc | Potatoes, Tomatoes, a green Kuri or a couple of Gill’s Golden winter squash, some summer squash although it is grumpy, green or yellow beans – probably enough for the standard lunch sack as usual. There may or may not be apples, TBD. |
Zinnias and some dahlias are in great shape so far. When it frosts, all is lost. If you want some apples you need to hop in the car and come on down…
End of Main Season!
