Notes from the Field:
Weeds. Warm wet weather in June means weeds, weeds, weeds. People often ask if being organic makes it hard to control pests or diseases, but the truth is that weeds are the number one problem on our farm. Weeds can reduce yield and make harvesting and washing much less efficient.
But this year we actually have the weeds somewhat under control. Although I should be careful because the outcome of this annual weed battle is not yet settled. The reason we have done ok at weed control this year is that we have mechanized our weeding more, which means we use the tractor to drag metal cultivators in between the rows of veggies to turn up the weeds, rather than relying strictly on hoeing or hand weeding. And we also have an awesome crew who have put a fair amount of time in with the hoes and hand weeding. Hopefully we can continue to stay ahead of those pesky weeds which will mean more veggies from our farm!
In the Basket:
One bunch of beets with greens - Peter likes beets shaved (with a veggie peeler ) raw into salads – he says they bleed less that way. Mark Bittman suggests raw beet salad: Peel and grate the beets (in a food processor). Add nuts; dress with orange zest and juice, and olive oil. Add bits of goat cheese and herbs.
Choice of a cooking green: kale, collards, or chard – see the pie recipe on the back!
Choice of mesclun or spinach (half pound)
Garlic scapes - The last of the season, but fresh garlic coming in a few weeks!
One pound of zucchini – The first of the season! Check out the pie recipe on the back.
One big bunch basil
One pound tomatoes – The first tomatoes of the season! These tomatoes are a variety called buffalo which is a Dutch greenhouse variety grown for taste. Enjoy!
One quart strawberries quart - Strawberries!!! This week’s strawberries are getting from Too Little Farm, in West Barnet. Too Little Farm is a diversified, certified organic farm, run by Elizabeth and Peter Everts, about a half a mile from our farm, as the crow flies. You can go there and pick your own strawberries starting Sunday, every day from 7:30 a.m. to 12 noon (or whenever they are picked out).
