Farm Update 08-10-17

So, the word of the week is TOMATOES. They have finally started ripening in better numbers, and I should have quite a few. While I’ve had tomatoes for the last few weeks, I simply haven’t had many that were ready. As I’ve been telling people at the stand – this is the worst growing season in the 10 that I’ve been growing up here on the mountain top. Most crops have been running a consistent 2-3 weeks late, with some not really properly developing at all.

Looking forward, the growing delay could also be a problem for the Pumpkin crop, but I’m not ready to call that one just yet.

As everyone can see on the What’s Available page, most crops are either now producing well, or at least producing something. I suppose the biggest surprise for me this year is the pathetic performance of Zucchini/Squash, followed very closely by Cucumbers. As most know, once Zucchini get going you usually drown in them, but not this year. I am only able to harvest a mere fraction of what should normally be produced on a daily basis.

On a brighter note, String Beans (Green) are finally pickable, and Snap Peas seem to be doing well, producing fairly large harvests. For the flower lovers, Gladiolus are finally coming into bloom and are available. So far there are mostly yellow ones, but there should be a total of 18 different colors

Back to not so good news for a minute. The various types of Lettuce have all taken quite a beating from the extreme wet weather conditions of July and early August. From the look of it, there will be times well all the various varieties will be unavailable.

While it’s dry, I will be doing my best to get some more Potatoes dug. As I’ve mentioned, Potatoes can only be dug when there’s been no rain for 2-3 days and the ground has had a chance to dry, otherwise the skins pull off. Of course, it would be easier if I actually had the potato digger I had ordered, but since I don’t…

For those interested, the Lexington Farm Market is on for this Saturday 10 – 12, at the Lexington Town Pavilion. There’s lots of great stuff over there, so if you’re in the area, or just want to something to do, then please check it out.

I guess that’s about it for this week. Hope to see you at the farm.