30 Aug Sun 2009
Week of August 24, 2009
Week of August 24, 2009
Dear All,
As we advance towards fall the sun does not come up as early as it did so I am sitting at my desk this morning at 6:15 rather than heading out to work in the garden. I am an early morning person and like being out when the sun is coming up so now my routine changes somewhat while I wait for the sun.
The cool weather has slowed things down somewhat. The tomatoes don’t seem to be ripening as fast. The next two days are supposed to be near ninety so that will help speed things along. This summer has been one of the best growing seasons I can remember. The cool weather has delayed some things but for the most part it has helped.
There is a recipe in today’s newsletter for Thyme Corn Bread. We are at the end of the corn so we are only putting a couple of ears of corn in the baskets today. This recipe seemed like a good one to try with this late corn. The Harris O’Brien household will probably have it for supper tonight – it’s Larry’s birthday so we need to make something special.
Today you will get a cabbage and some broccoli. Those are two crops the cool weather has really helped. Usually in July and August the brassicas (cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower) wither away in the hot weather. Not this year!
You will also receive some melons. Some of you will get watermelon and others cantaloupe. The cantaloupe is Ambrosia and is pretty tasty. The watermelon is Sugar Baby and is also quite tasty. Not all of the melons are ripening at the same time so not all of you will get the same type of melon. We will keep track of what you are getting so you can eventually have both types.
With the help of Catie and Emily this year we have managed to keep most of the weeds at bay – not a small task during a wet summer. Catie left last Thursday and is hopefully enjoying a week at the beach with her family. When Catie came to Iowa she was hoping for sunny and warm. Much of her time here was wet and cloudy so I am hopeful that she is experiencing sunny, hot weather.
Emily will be with us for another two weeks thank goodness. Her leaving will give me a month to continue to deliver your produce. During that time, my reliance on Kent, Kathy and LaVon will increase substantially. Fortunately Catie and Emily have worked hard to keep the garden producing and our transition will not interrupt the quality and quantity of food.
Last week I planted two types of lettuce, radishes, spinach and onions. With the moisture and coolness those crops are coming along quite nicely so there should be some good salads for you for September. The plantings of green beans, beets and some pak choi are growing well – you can expect those in your baskets in the near future. There are all sorts of winter squash on the vines as well. Varieties such as acorn, butternut, kabocha and delicate will be ready during September.
Our household will be busy for the next two weeks with the upcoming wedding. Caia, our youngest daughter will be coming home next Tuesday in advance of her September 5th wedding. We have been busy creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for those coming to the farm on that special day. There should be no disruption of food deliveries during this time.
Until next week……