We are starting to sound like a broken record: it is hot and dry so we are irrigating as much as we can to keep things growing! Mist has hit the farm but not a significant amount of rainfall so we have our pump running daily to keep up with both maintaining mature plants as well as getting water to newly planted and seeded fields. One big milestone of every summer is getting the fall plantings in the ground. This past week we planted and irrigated some of our fall brassicas such as fall broccoli and cauliflower. More to come this week! As we've been planting you've probably seen our bright new addition to the farm this season, two large yellow water tanks that attach to the back of the tractor. This is our transplanter which has wheels with spikes that mark the spacing of our crops. As we drive the bed before planting, water from the yellow tanks flows out to put water down in the hole created by the spike. We come behind and hand plant a seedling in each water-filled spot. This upgrade (thanks to the help of a Mass Department of Agriculture grant) has been a critical addition this season, as the added water at planting time has improved our transplant seedling health and resulted in faster growing plants.
In the Vegetable CSA:
- Red Gold Potatoes- This red skinned and yellow flesh variety of potatoes is a big hit every year! This year our yields are low as a result of pest pressure and dry weather but we hope you all enjoy them while they last!
- Cucumbers - both pickling and slicing varieties available!
- Summer Squash
- Zucchini
- Purple Haze carrots
- Nelson carrots
- Red Ace Beets
- Mini cabbage - purple, green and Caraflex.
- Kale
- Lettuce
- Arugula
- Baby bok choi
CSA Pick-your-own: The green beans are ready and are looking great! Picking is easy and the resulting beans are tasty! This variety is one of my favorites called Provider. There is also a new planting of basil, cilantro, and dill ready for picking.
Pick-your-own Flowers: The flower field is in full bloom this week, it is a great time to pick lots of zinnias, bachelor button, ageratum, gomphrena, statice, straw flower, celosia, snap dragons and more. The field is open to both PYO Flower CSA members and the public, so stop by the farm stand to grab a jar to pick!
In the store: Everything available in the CSA will also be available in the store. In addition, we'll have mushrooms, eggs, the first green peppers of the season, and possibly some blueberries again by the end of the week.
Middle Eastern Green Beans
Thanks to a CSA Member who wrote down this recipe for us on Saturday when she came by the farm!
1 onion minced
1 lb green beans ends snipped and cut in half
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 small can tomato sauce
1. Saute onions in olive oil over medium high heat
2. When just yellow add grean beans, saute turning frequently until beans are soft 10-15 minutes depending on size of bean.
3. Add tomato sauce and serve. Great at room temperature!