It's
amazing that even though we plant almost the same thing each year, the
results are always different. Some summer harvest highlights:
We
began our jalapeño harvest last week: 20 pounds!
Sweet
potato greens are back! A few years ago we had too many, we almost couldn't
close the car door after one particularly glorious harvest. I think I was
scared for awhile that there would be a riot in the CSA, so we took a break.
They say absence makes the heart grow fonder, and certainly we all have been
enjoying these greens! I daresay we've all forgotten that infamous year when we
ate too many?
Another
surprise: the abundant bunching onions. I was afraid that we'd lost some trays
in the early spring when the temps went down again, so I re-seeded more and we
ended up with the best harvest ever! Of course, too much of a good thing is
still too much, and I know everyone on the harvest team is glad to know that
this is our last week of the spring onions until late fall.
Green
tomatoes: those bobcats did not let us down. We harvested some great green
tomatoes this summer for frying, making pies, making salsa.
That was summer?
This
summer was incredibly fast, and not too hot and humid considering what we had
prepared for at the farm. Normally it is too unbearable to work past noon in
the summer, so we cut the work day in half and try to do as many early mornings
as possible. While we're at it, everyone on the crew takes some time away, and
the farm rests as well. Currently almost half of our beds are in a summer cover
crop mix.
I
would have thought, looking at the calendar, that July and August promised
abundant free afternoons to catch up on work in the office and maybe even have
some free time? Alas, somehow the time went faster than the blink of an eye. Or
I made a list too long? Probably a combination of both.
In
any event, this week marks a chance to get an early start on the fall planting
and we certainly aren't going to miss a chance for that. It seems incredibly
auspicious to plant in the shadow of the moon.
As
the farm looks ahead to fall, there are a few highlights:
The CSA (community supported agriculture) picks
up again after Labor Day, with a new fall session. Each week, members receive 6
items (a single size share) or 12 items (a family size share. The multi-farm
CSA typically has vegetables, herbs and flowers from Three Part Harmony Farm along with eggs and produce from Rainbow Hill Farm, fruit from Kuhn's Orchard, and medicinal herbs from
Little Red Bird Botanicals. We
feature additional produce from partner farms.
If you are local to D.C., sign up here or contact me if you have questions.
Volunteer at the farm, on
Fridays or Saturdays
Beginning
on September 8th, we'll open up volunteer slots again between 9 and 1 on
Fridays and Saturdays. RSVP at least 48 hours in advance by email, or calling.
To sign up for our work exchange program, please email me and I'll send
additional info. The work exchange is three hours of work and you harvest your
own vegetables, up to a family size share each time you come. Work shares can
come during the Friday and Saturday volunteer hours, or schedule on additional
days including our Wednesday harvest day.
Annual Fall Festival
Yes,
the end of summer means it is time to organize the annual fall festival. This
event is held on a saturday in late october or early november. This is a
potluck affair with music, games, community, art, and of course garlic
planting. The fall festival is a time to celebrate the season, and celebrate
the community surrounding the farm. I hope all volunteers, CSA members,
Brookland (NE Washington, DC) residents, family and friends will come out! If you have ideas or
want to get involved in the planning, please let me know.
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