Wow, this is some rain! I don't know about everyone else, but it's been almost non-stop since around 4pm yesterday afternoon here in Soda Creek. Just seeing some sun poking through now. It sure is nice to get the ground good and soaked though. It can make some jobs tough, like weeding and putting seeds in the ground (which we're still doing!) because it's just so mucky.
There is actually somewhat of a lull this time in August. I hesitate to call anything a lull in market gardening season, but compared to other months like May or September, it could be appropriate! Many of the crops we're harvesting now are faster to pick and wash (some don't need washing at all), and we're not planting as much anymore. It's a window of opportunity between the craziness of spring, when tons of things need planting and setting up, and fall when all the crops need to come out and we start shutting things down. Even though we still have to push really hard in October, this is the month when we usually have to say goodbye to a couple of our staff, as the labour needs change and/or they have to go back to school.
One of the last few plantings I'll do in the next week will be cover crops: if you have the chance to get one established in a garden, it is the best kind of mulch. While any mulch is better then none, cover crops provide nutrients for microbiological activity through their root systems while you don't have a vegetable growing there, which will benefit the next round of plantings. They will also provide weed suppression, relieve compaction, add organic matter, and some will add nutrients like nitrogen (legumes). At this time of year, I will plant buckwheat in the weediest areas of our garden, as it grows super fast, especially when it's warm, providing an excellent canopy. Other areas will get oat/pea/vetch mixes or rye. I find they're really beautiful to look at, as some are just really pretty but it also feels great knowing that it's feeding the soil and keeping it protected during the winter season.
See you all Tuesday!
- Brianna and the Puddle P Team
