Farming requires being very aware of the current conditions (weather, crops ready for harvest, etc.) all while thinking about the next day, week, month, season, and year. In August, we start pivoting to fall. We’re undeniably still in summer, even with cooler temperatures over the weekend and continuing into this week, but autumnal elements are starting to creep in. Here’re a few examples from the past week:
First, we arrived at the office on Monday morning to see assorted winter squash on Dru’s desk. Everyone groaned and proclaimed “it’s too soon!” but it is in fact the time of year when we start harvesting winter squash. It’s a process spread out over the next month or so and some varieties have lengthy curing periods before they’re ready. It’s funny to see melons and winter squash, two cucurbit cousins, next to each other and folks who went to the Saturday farmers market got to see that dichotomy too. Winter squash won’t be showing up in CSA boxes until summer crops start slowing down.
Second, lots of Hoes Down prep happening! October 5th will be here before you know it – get your tickets here (and tell a friend too) today!
Third, mowing down summer cover crops, with tractors and with sheep. If you want a summer cover crop refresher, you can find that here.
Lastly, for the next six to seven weeks we will be planting our fall crops so that when it cools down, we have lots of roots and greens to harvest. Last week, Ellis led a broccoli and leek transplanting team (including Rose and Saeko in the pictures below) and Andrew direct seeded carrots and beets. This week they will be transplanting chard, collards, kale, and broccolini, and direct seeding other crops (broccoli raab, boy choi, mizuna, daikon, rutabaga, and more). The cooler weather couldn’t be coming at a better time! Hot temperatures are not good for transplants or germinating seeds.
All of this while normal summer activities continue (including almond harvest!), plus the less normal things. On Thursday Paul and Naoki went to the Yolo County Fair Opening Night Gala to share melon and cherry tomato samples, on Friday we had our August Pizza Night (there’s one more in September) and the next cohort of Japanese Agricultural Training Program interns arrived. Lot’s going on!
Elaine Swiedler, CSA Manager
