Greetings from the Garden! This week's box has tomatoes, cucumbers, bok choy, cabbage or Chinese cabbage, peppers, summer squash or eggplant, cutting lettuce or lettuce, leeks, bulb fennel, and parsley.Field Notes. Last night we got .9" of rain and some hail. I ran out and checked and damage to tender greens like spinach is minimal - hurrah! The rain was good for the plants. Today is the last full day of summer; Happy Autumn! These shorter days and cooler nights signal the beginning of the end for several hot weather crops like tomatoes and cucumbers. But other crops thrive in cool weather - like last week's broccoli.
Ken is planning the removal of the hot weather crops so he can space out the hoopettes for this fall and over winter. Some years we have already had a frost and removed tomatoes and cucumbers. This year Ken is also monitoring the temperatures in the high hoop. And he is learning about crops that do well in the hoop and when they do well - Yes, Ken is a lifelong learner!
This week Ken is also working on a new structure for the hogs; he enjoys construction. It is just making the time!
From the Kitchen. Leeks! Leeks are the creamiest of the onion family. Use them raw, baked, or sauteed. Leeks really shine in cream soups.
Fennel is a flavorful addition to vegetables or soups or stews. I like to saute fennel in butter and add to cooked vegetables. Last year a CSA member gave us a recipe with fennel, leeks, tomatoes with shrimp - that sounds good.
Fresh tender spinach is the best - in salad, lightly steamed. The occasional hole or tear is from last night's hail.
Photo is of Oscar following me home from the field. The leaves are starting to change color.
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