8-28-2022
we had rain we have sunshine and it is warm, all good for crops and farmers. I am eventually trying to go myself to the Friday farmers markets in Canton to mingle with folks and get out. But this week I stayed back and planted 420 broccoli plants that have been waiting for a while and fall lettuce. The gods were with me and it was thundering far away, but not here. We were thundered out for three hours last Monday which made harvest day late and long, although we got to cut down all the garlic hanging to dry in the upstairs of the barn.
The gardens are lush and everything is growing well.
9-6-2022
Time goes by fast. We dropped off Kira at college and I am enjoying the last weeks with my brother and his wife. We are hoping to go canoeing this weekend. I am in the kitchen eating lunch after stacking 300 bales of hay for the cows winter feed. I am hot and sticky and itchy from the hay. Watermelon tastes really good. I bet the cows are going to be really excited when they come to the barn tonight.
We are all planted, I got the last mizuna and ruby streaks mustard for the mixed greens in this Sunday before the rain. We can focus on weeding now. Carrot, parsnips and hilling potatoes. The potatoes got in late and we have a week before the next planting is at a size for harvest. they look lush and good. This past weekend Nathaniel and Sarah came back to visit and is was lively and so fun to have all here. I send them off again with a bag of veggies which they of curse missed eating college diner food.
One more thing, the students who have limited fridge space asked if all needs to be refrigerated?
-leafy greens, kale, broccoli, cucumbers, carrots and beets yes
-summer squash and beans can do a day without
-potatoes can do 3 month not refrigerated since they were just harvested
-tomatoes change taste if refrigerated, best not
-peppers don't need it
-basil will turn black if too cold, better not in the fridge
I hope this helps.
the following recipe is good for all cooked greens like kale, chard or collards.
Birdsfoot Sesame dressing:
1/2 cup of olive oil
1/2 cup of nice vinegar
1/2 cup of water
1/8 cup or less of soy sauce
1-2 cloves of garlic or pureed garlic scapes
1/8 cup of tahini or toasted sesame seeds
pepper)
1/2 minced onions
a little honey or maple syrup
mix all and marinade coked greens like chard, kale spinach for some time. ( I like my kale cooked soft and gray, not green and crunchy that's German)