The second week of CSA harvest and field work is going smoothly. We received about 1 inch of rain over the course of the weekend which was a blessing on the newly transplanted sweet corn, peppers, tomatoes, and eggplants. The farm activities are heavy on transplanting this time of year. Our goal is to empty out the greenhouse of plants. While we are always planting more crops and re-filling up the greenhouse, the bulk of the Spring planting is done.
The rain this week makes me think of gratitude. The temperatures have been cool which is kind to our Spring broccoli, lettuce, peas, cabbage, kohlrabi, radishes and more that do not love the heat. How lucky we are to have this gentle, quantitive, free water falling from the sky, in such an intermittent and timely fashion. It feels like a compliment and a gift that makes me feel seen and appreciative, while I know it has nothing to do with me, perhaps I resonate with the plants as they too feel seen and appreciative.
Our family life is adjusting to the changes of the CSA season. The kids are getting used to Mom and dad working more. Well, mostly Mom working more because dad has been out on a tractor somewhere on the farm for two months now. We’ve transitioned away from the structured, scheduled homeschool regimen and into the “wild-and-free” regimen. To my amazement, the kids are adjusting wonderfully. Perhaps they’re learning and feeling our families’ seasonal rhythm and know what “the start of CSA deliveries” means. Our four-year-boy still loves to follow mom around everywhere she goes. Even if it means sitting on the back of the transplanter for four hours because that’s what mom is doing our weaving his bicycle around the legs of the people working in the packing shed for an afternoon because that is where mom is working. I feel thankful that he doesn’t need me to hold him while I work this year and he still wants to be close to me. How much longer will he want to be so near to me? I kiss him as often as I can. Our seven year old is fascinated with bird’s nests, moths, beetles, toads, and does not struggle to amuse herself. So far the 10 year old wants to read all day when she isn’t doing chores, music practice, playing with friends or art projects.
We see the least of our oldest in the fields these days. Perhaps she will be lured to the fields when the strawberries come into season, the peas are ready for the picking or the carrots are ready to be pulled. The fruits of all this labor are attractive and appealing to a hungry pre-teen.
My mother has helped immensely to make the transition into the CSA season smooth and painless. Momma Jane lives next door in her own house on her own 5 acres. Some days she’s over here more often than she’s at home. She’s retired now and is grandma extraordinaire. She mows our huge lawn, helps feed and wrangle our three kids, runs curious farm errands far and wide into the boonies and feeds us. She happens to be an amazing cook too! After a full day of work on the farm when our bodies and minds are tired, we often come in to a warm and clean house smelling of home-made deliciousness which is a saving grace when we’re holding it together by threads some days and all we need is a nourishing meal together around the table to feel settled and re-connected. She is the matriarch who we are endlessly grateful for. She has been with us for all 17 years and without Mama Jane, I know that our farm would not be what it is today without her.
Pac Choi- This Asian green was greenhouse grown to give an extra head start to the growing season. Pac Choi are difficult to grow in the Spring. We cover them with Remay (a thin, white, sheet-like material) to keep the bugs off of them. Many hungry creatures including rabbits, birds and a few others are also kept at bay with the use of Remay! These tender, Spring greens are very tempting for all!
Red Buttercup Lettuce- These red buttercups are also greenhouse grown. Lovingly tended to with daily care, watering, covering and uncovering. I love these extra tender buttercup varieties that can only be grown in the Spring and Fall because they will not tolerate the heat of the summer.
Cherry Belle Radish- Gorgeous, stunning red radishes satisfying our urge for that which is crunchy, crispy and a wee-bit spicy. Did you know that radish greens are edible as well? Radish greens can be used in egg dishes, on pizza, or snuck in to your diet in creative ways if your goal is to increase your greens intake! Check out the Radish Greens Creamy Soup recipe one member shared with us from last week below!
Asparagus- Asparagus is the one and only vegetable that we buy for CSA Boxes. Purchased from an organic asparagus farm nearby at Spears R Us.
Herb Packs- Basil, thyme, rosemary, and oregano plants. These herbs can be transplanted into your garden, planted into trays or containers for “container gardening”, or potted up and put in your window in the house. They will prefer full sun and plenty of water, especially at transplant. There is nothing like fresh herbs in your summer cooking!
Overwintered Beets- Believe it or not, these beets are actually from last summer! We kept them in our cooler all winter and saved them to give to you on our Week 2 delivery box. They will store best in a plastic bag in the fridge.
Spinach- A .96 lb bag of spinach for everyone this week. We were very pleased to have a nice giving of Spinach for the second CSA giving of the season!
Creamy Radish Top Soup – Thank you Mary M. for the recipe contribution!
