email

Question for the farmer? Email esporch@yahoo.com

Sunday, July 27, 2014

Strange Summer Weather

The last few weeks at the farm have brought some really hot days and some unseasonable cool ones as well. We keep bouncing between heat waves and polar vortices. There has been a good amount of rain at even enough intervals that I haven't had to do a lot of irrigating, which has been really nice for me and for our well, I'm sure.

7:03 AM, JULY... strange

In other news, both Puddy and I have been diagnosed with tick diseases this summer. Puddy had Erlichiosis and I had Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. We were both diagnosed with blood tests before showing any serious symptoms, which is luck because both are easily treated with Doxycycline if caught early. A full recover is expected for the two of us but it is frustrating to have to be on antibiotics again after having to take them last year for Lyme Disease.  I am still feeling pretty run down but its hard to tell at this time of year if that is because I was sick or because it's July.


We also got some nice press along with The Pig in DC Eater. See the article here.


Harvest





You may remember that two of our hives did not make it through the winter. However, in the process of turning them over our beekeeper harvested 12 pints of honey. The honey is really nice, sweet and complex. Each of the restaurants got some and I am looking forward to seeing what they do with it. 











In the harvest bins the last few weeks: Kale, Radicchio, Rainbow Chard, the last of the spring Mustard Greens, Rainbow Carrots, Yaya Carrots, Dragon Carrots, Zephyr Squash, Patty Pan Squash, Troboncino Squash, the last of the first round of Zucchini, Mexican Sour Gherkins, Marketmore Cucumbers, Baby Bear Pumpkin, Baby Beets, the last of the spring Snow Peas, Green Beans, Heirloom Pole Beans, Herbs, Cherry Tomatoes, Heirloom Tomatoes, Zinnia, Sunflowers, Nasturtium...


Radicchio

















Trailer full of greens
Mexican Sour Gherkins


Zinnia and Sunflowers

First Heirloom Tomato Harvest

Baby Rainbow Carrots

2.2# Striped German Tomato from the Hoop House

Summer Squashes

Baby Bear Pumpkin

Pumpkin, Watermelon (so close to ripe), Cantaloup (not ready yet)

Striped German

Black Krim

Italian Heirloom

Chris, Farm Hero, helping weed and harvest on a HOT day

First big tomato harvest


Production and Cultivation

This time of year is a challenge for sure. The weeds (the GRASS!) are growing like crazy and hard to keep up with while simultaneously harvesting a summer bounty, delivering it and planting for the fall. Some areas of the farm have gotten out of control which is hard to see and also hard to avoid. It is a test of my time management and prioritization skills which always feel lacking when there are more things to do than time to do them. 
A Sample CSA Share

The long wait for the tomatoes is finally over!

Tiny baby Mexican Sour Gherkin
Mexican Sour Gherkins growing on old deer fencing


Fall planting, direct seeded Kale, Mustard, Radishes, Arugula and Choi

Heirloom Pole Beans reaching for the sky



Sugar Cherry Tomatoes

A few shots of the Heirloom Tomatoes in the Hoop House using the leaning and lowering technique...




Eating Well

L:Pickled, R: Fresh, Mexican Sour Gherkins at The Pig
Like little pouches of happiness, you must try these


Striped German Tomato, lunch


Tasting Menu at The Pig featuring our
Zucchini and Carrots

Logan Tavern- Grilled Pork Loin
on our Mustard Greens






Puddy Time


Maddie at the farm


Puddy helps out on planting day

Frozen treat from Rita's after a long day

Doing time

Ever vigilant, Puddy watching the fence line. 

No comments:

Post a Comment

I love feedback! Let me know what you liked about this entry or what you want to hear more about. Tell me what you're growing in your garden and which veggies you love the most. Anything goes!