The Field Crops
All the possible fields have been cleaned up; the black plastic is gone; plowing has been done and cover crops have been seeded. A few fields will not get anything done to them because they currently have Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, or turnips in them. The winter squash have all been gathered from the fields and is in storage, as are the onions, carrots, beets, and most Diakon turnips.
The garlic is being planted as we speak. So we will be ready for more great garlic next July. We are planting some garlic bulbs in raised beds for fresh garlic in April and May.
Believe it or not we are still picking black and red rapsberries. They are not as sweet since the day length is shorter, but they have incredible antioxidants. The hardy kiwis are picked and the figs that are mature are also picked. There are an unusual amount of figs that are still hanging, but unripe enough to pick! Too Bad!
The garlic is being planted as we speak. So we will be ready for more great garlic next July. We are planting some garlic bulbs in raised beds for fresh garlic in April and May.
Believe it or not we are still picking black and red rapsberries. They are not as sweet since the day length is shorter, but they have incredible antioxidants. The hardy kiwis are picked and the figs that are mature are also picked. There are an unusual amount of figs that are still hanging, but unripe enough to pick! Too Bad!
The Tunnels
We are getting a lot of spinach and lettuce from the new tunnel. We are picking kale and a little bit of Swiss chard from tunnel two. The spinach has been planted for harvest in February as well as lettuce and beets. Everything has been weeded. The colder weather will be nice because we will not have to water all the tunnels so often. It takes at least one and one-half hours every day to water when the weather is sunny and hot. Thankfully the new tunnel has drip irrigation. We are beginning to plant bok choi for harvest is March and April.
We pulled all the cherry tomatoes out about one week ago. The one issue we are fighting this year in the tunnels is white flies. I believe it has to do with the weather. We were plagued with them all summer in the fields and in the cherry tomatoes. Now they are still there in the spinach, chard and kale. We are hoping that the colder weather will take care of the problem. Last year there was not one white fly in the tunnels at all even into May and June.
We pulled all the cherry tomatoes out about one week ago. The one issue we are fighting this year in the tunnels is white flies. I believe it has to do with the weather. We were plagued with them all summer in the fields and in the cherry tomatoes. Now they are still there in the spinach, chard and kale. We are hoping that the colder weather will take care of the problem. Last year there was not one white fly in the tunnels at all even into May and June.
Greenhouse Seeding
We are finished seeding in the greenhouse until December. Yea!
CSA
The CSA is nearing the end for 2023. November 16 and 18 is the last pick up for this year. We are grateful for each of our CSA subscribers. You provide incentive (and money) to help us through the winter.
Canning, Gardening, Grilling and Preserving
I canned the last things on Saturday for this year. I did a couple pints of applesauce and a couple half-pints of figs. Last weekend I made shepherd’s pie using ground beef and sausage instead of ground mutton. It was delicious.
I have been back to making homemade bread every week again. We love to eat it. It makes great toast and French toast if it gets a little too stale. We do not have a conventional toaster. We make toast on the stove in a cast iron skillet.
I usually make a batch of some kind of soup every week. Yesterday we finished up the last of the vegetable soup made with the last tomatoes, some potatoes, carrots, and beef cubes. I used a bone broth stock for the base and it was delicious and good for us too.
I could not resist and made a batch of apple fritters on Saturday. They are a good substitutes for donuts. But I am sure they are healthier than donuts:) We are still eating them for breakfast, but they will be gone soon. Time for the next great treat! What next?
I hope you are enjoying the fall weather and the unseasonably mild temperatures. Get outside; enjoy the smell of rotting maple leaves and drink a cup of cider!
I have been back to making homemade bread every week again. We love to eat it. It makes great toast and French toast if it gets a little too stale. We do not have a conventional toaster. We make toast on the stove in a cast iron skillet.
I usually make a batch of some kind of soup every week. Yesterday we finished up the last of the vegetable soup made with the last tomatoes, some potatoes, carrots, and beef cubes. I used a bone broth stock for the base and it was delicious and good for us too.
I could not resist and made a batch of apple fritters on Saturday. They are a good substitutes for donuts. But I am sure they are healthier than donuts:) We are still eating them for breakfast, but they will be gone soon. Time for the next great treat! What next?
I hope you are enjoying the fall weather and the unseasonably mild temperatures. Get outside; enjoy the smell of rotting maple leaves and drink a cup of cider!
Farm Stands and Markets
The St Luke’s Farm Stand is open every Saturday from 8 – 1 pm. Come out and support the local farm on Saturdays!
The Belle View Condos Farm Stand is open on Thursdays from 2 – 7 pm. Last day Thursday, November 16
East Columbia Library Farm Market is open on Thursdays from 12 noon – 6 pm. Last day Thursday, November 16
Fairfax Community Market is open on Saturdays from 8 – 1 pm . Last day Saturday, November 18
Have a Great Day!
Louise
