Types of produce to expect on June 23rd: cilantro, head lettuce, garlic scapes, kale, snow peas, swiss chard, scallions, summer squash
Welcome to summer… our first true hot-weather crop has arrived in the form of summer squash, and we’re happy that we’ll be able to share them with you this week. Not a ton yet (keep your wheelbarrows in the garage) but I think we’ll do as many little guys as possible: 4 for full share, 2 for partial. Good for sautéing up a small side-dish or adding to a risotto.
Late June can be a tough time for produce on the farm, because it’s generally too hot for spring crops (they are petering out) and the summer delights haven’t quite come in yet. But to be able to share Swiss Chard with you is another treat… two new crops in one week!
This week we’ve been trellising and pruning the tomatoes, part of our anti-blight holy trinity: extra spacing (four feet where others give two), attentive pruning, and high-tunnel growing/trellising. My hope is that if we maintain adequate airflow between the leaves of these plants they will never provide an environment conducive to blight. Airflow and a prayer.
You might be familiar with “World-Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF),” the organization which sends many of the farm crew in our direction. Over the years we’ve had many remarkable wwoof-ers, and this week is no exception. On Monday I met our newest, a cheerful German woman named Delia who is here with her daughter Tiffany. Delia started the conversation by announcing: “my daughter would love to work with the farm crew, but I would love to clean the house!”
Speechless, I managed to say “Ja” and before I knew it the kitchen was spotless. Rose Wisseman- who has cleaned this house for 35+ years and was born in Germany- is in heaven and Sylvester Manor is looking better than ever. I am reminded again what a special place we have on this remarkable island, that people want to come volunteer just to be a part of it. You, dear CSA-ers are no exception and I feel lucky to be farming with you. See you on Saturday.
Bennett
