Week 5 of our CSA adventure...and what a crazy gardening summer it has been: heat heat heat and no rain (except a violent inch and a half last week).

Everything in the garden, in it's rush to complete the life-cycle, came to fruition almost simultaneously, or at least way earlier than it normally would have. I answer phone calls all day long from folks who want fresh things from the garden - but our CSA members come first, and I can only turn everyone else away. Our focus now is gathering all of the available produce...cutting okra, hauling in the eggplants,

and this week: watermelons! yea! I don't remember when we have EVER actually had watermelons ON the 4th of July! We always try (or, rather, Will does) but it never seems to happen right on time. Not so this year...all of our members will have one for Saturday!

Also, Will hauled in the bee boxes this past week. Amazingly, the bees have come through, even in these desperate-weather times. Some of the most beautiful (and bountiful) honey we've ever had. With help from a member family and a friend, we spent two evenings spinning. Everyone also gets their honey this week. fabulous.

Will had the foresight to put in a little bed (relative term) of lettuce late in the season, so we can harvest for this week, and that's a good surprise this late in the game>

In the meantime, value-added days are upon us: this means pickles, tomato sauce, jalepenos, and anything else we can can or freeze or dry. All I've done so far this morning is cut the okra: well, one row of it anyway. Got to get out and water plants and hose down all of the porches etc. Think I'll get to it. They say it'll be 100 degrees today. Oh boy, can't wait.
I stumbled upon your blog today looking for local produce stands. I'm so inspired! Do you have a stocked pond as well? I love the sustainability you've created. Truly inspiring. I would love to get tips from you...you should post some. Do you sell your produce at a market? I'd love to get my hands on some purple hull peas...thank you for sharing such wonderful pictures.
ReplyDeletethank you so much for your kind words! We are doing a 'CSA' this season...(Community Supported Agriculture). we have 23 families who have bought into the farm for the season. They are so inspiring! They come to work in the garden and help pack all the market baskets each week. We will be doing this again next spring. If you are interested in becoming a member, please email us at drthais@cox.net and we will put you on the list. thanks again,
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