This Week’s Harvest
Fairytale Eggplant
Garlic Bulb
Candy Onions
Red Onions
Salad Mix
Cucumbers
Summer Squash and/or Zucchini
Bulk Beets
Tomatoes
Heirloom Tomatoes
Sungold and Juliette Tomatoes
Fruit Share
Blueberries from Berryhill Farm in Xenia and Molly Delicious apples from Downing Fruit Farm in New Madison
Farm News
Shortly after the June rains started, I mentioned on the blog how we were grateful that we got the sweet potato slips planted just in time. Well, not surprisingly, sweet potatoes do not like to grow with constant moisture for the first 6 weeks of their lives. We spent last week trying to save them– finally had a chance to weed– but it seems our efforts may be for not. I have pictures of last year’s sweet potato crop taken on August 11 and of this year’s crop taken on the 9th. 
The difference is striking. By this time of the season the crop should really be taking over the field. In last year’s crop you can’t see the paper mulch or drip tape irrigation lines under the plants. The fields are weed free and the crop is super healthy.
This year’s photographs show how little growth the slips have put on. You can still see the paper mulch and drip lines in the beds. You can also see all the grass weeds that have just exploded this season.
It is important that we are a diversified vegetable farm so that when one crop isn’t realized there are usually a handful that are working out. The fall crops that we have transplanted the past three weeks look good. Ben has been out cultivating regularly and applying compost tea. So despite a rough looking sweet potato crop, this final picture makes me think of a promising fall to come.
Employee Spotlight: Brittany
For 2 seasons now, Brittany has come to the farm one day a week to make market bouquets. Brittany and I met back in 2007 as baristas at a Boston Stoker Coffee Shop (back when the farm was just beginning and Ben and I had off farm jobs). I would bring a bouquet to the coffee shop each week and Brittany always enjoyed them and she often supported us at our market stand.
With a passion for flowers, native plants and nature, Brittany wanted to experience working on the farm. Brittany also does container plant design at a greenhouse operation so coming out to the farm one day a week works well for her schedule.
We are thrilled to have her affable presence on the farm and enjoy the pretty bouquets she makes!
Recipes
Three cheese and grilled vegetable panini (you can substitute or add one layer of caramelized candy onions)