Week 12

The newest addition to our "fleet"
This past week we purchased a new (to us) Farmall 140 tractor! These tractors were manufactured between 1958 and 1973. They are great for cultivating our crops because the engine is offset so that you can see the crops below you as you drive over them. This particular tractor has a set of "sweeps" cultivators designed for one-row crops. The cultivators look like little arrowheads that are dragged through the soil to uproot weeds around the crop. It saves a lot of time because it dramatically cuts down the amount of space we have to hoe or hand weed for our one-row crops. One of our big projects for this winter will be to find more cultivating equipment for our 2- and 3-row crops to further improve our efficiency as we increase the acreage that we grow on!

In the CSA:
  • Golden Beets - These beets are a sweet colorful treat. Because they don't germinate as well as Chioggia and Red Ace when direct seeded in the field, we start these as transplants in the greenhouse first.
  • Collards - This dark leafy green is very nutritious. These greens should be cooked and are great in soups or sauteed. You can also try substituting collards in your favorite kale recipe!
  • Baby Bok Choi - We took a break from baby bok choi during the hot summer months when the plants don't do as well. With the cooler weather, though, we should have this favorite more regularly available.
  • Spaghetti Squash
  • King Richard Leeks
  • Swiss Chard
  • Yellow Watermelon
  • Sweet yellow, orange, and red peppers
  • Slicing Tomatoes
  • Red Potatoes
  • Eggplant
  • Summer Squash and Zucchini- Production is slowing down but we will still have a limited amount available this week. 
  • Lettuce - may be somewhat limited as we transition from the summer crisp varieties back to the regular lettuce varieties that do better in cooler weather.
  • Kale
  • Nelson Carrots
  • Arugula
  • Cucumbers- pickling and slicers

CSA pick-your-own:
  • Husk Cherries
  • Tomatillos
  • Cherry Tomatoes - Very limited amount will be available for picking.
  • Hot Peppers - Jalapeno, Serrano, Capperino, Cayenne, Thai Hot 
  • Dill and Cilantro 
  • Oregano
  • Thyme
In the store:
Most of what is available in the CSA will be available in the store, with the addition of sweet corn.