Farm Notes is online. Generations and history mean so much in farming. In this edition of the newsletter, we talk about a few of those ways it has meaning for us.
With the recent advent of such delicious weather, we are really getting ready for fall. We don't actually want summer back at this point. The tomatoes have been lovely, but midsummer is not nearly as interesting as mid-fall. Our CSA lists have been short, our market loads have been tomato-heavy. We are so ready for the next season!
In the last few weeks, we have planted thousands of seeds that will turn into the flavors and colors of autumn—carrots and beets, arugula and mixed mustards, radishes and turnips. Today we planted the last set of kale and cabbage and broccoli in the field. Sometimes in the middle of August these tasks are a struggle. The carrots won't germinate, the cabbage just lies down on the ground and looks dead in the heat. But these last few days have made planting a dream.
And the winter squash is ready to harvest, even though it is still summer. We have started to collect up bushels of Red Kuri, and the spaghetti squash is getting riper by the day. The delicata should be ready any minute now.
We are thrilled to be weeding carrots again. That sounds unlikely, but crouching on the ground pulling little weeds is kind of a break after lifting all these heavy baskets of summer vegetables.
If you still have intentions of making tomato sauce for the winter, don't delay. If you want a box of Italian tomatoes (25 pounds), those are $40 a box. We will have Italian tomatoes this week but not necessarily next week. We do not deliver bulk tomatoes; they must be picked up on the farm.
To reserve your boxes, please email becky@potomacvegetablefarms.com with your order and note:
Your name,
What day you would like to pick up your tomatoes,
How many boxes you would like, and
What roadside stand you will be picking up at (Purcellville or Vienna).
Once she emails you back confirming we have them available at the time you wish, you're all set!
For more recipe ideas you can find us on Pinterest!
