What's Harvesting?

We now understand why farmers are always lamenting the weather! Last month's drought demanded a lot of irrigation, but Steve "weathered" through it lugging the huge hoses from one dry area to another.   The recent rains have been just what the gardens needed- a thorough soaking! So what have these much needed rainstorms nourished to ripeness? Tomatoes, tomatoes, and more tomatoes! The vines are overflowing with red and sungold cherry tomatoes great for snacking. 

The Brandywine, Cherokee Purple, and Martha Washington heirlooms are unique in color and full of flavor lending them beautifully to salads with basil, fresh mozzarella and a splash of red wine vinegar.

 The Celebrity and Big Beef are picture worthy, hefty, and just the right accompaniment to a sandwich or burger. 

Also just beginning to harvest is the edamame or soybeans. Edamame is a complete plant protein food. See this link for more info on this bean’s health benefits. Health Benefits

If you have not tried edamame before, then prepare yourself for a surprise. The easiest way to prepare the beans for snacking is simple. The beans are cooked in the pod in boiling water. You can salt the water if you like. Cook for about 10-15 minutes.  Drain water. Sprinkle with sea salt and enjoy by pressing the beans out of the pod and right into your mouth! See the link below for more recipes using edamame.

Recipes

So, we will keep praying for a regular rain shower to keep the gardens growing, and we hope you will continue to enjoy the summer harvest!

Happy Eating!

Here We Grow!

Back in early June, when we were still enjoying regular rain and cooler temperatures, Steve and I made the certain decision to start a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture). We felt like the time was right. We had been receiving interest from people who knew about our gardening, and we felt like if we started with 5 members, we could supply them with weekly vegetables and learn the process without too much pressure. So began our 12- week session with 5 families willing to take a chance with us in the hopes they would receive a hearty portion of fresh, nutritious, seasonal vegetables each week.

 Last week was our first week.  We awoke early Monday morning in hopes of a few hours of work before the intense heat of the day set in.  The harvest was good, picking tomatoes, green beans, kale, squash, flowers, and herbs. Steve was digging potatoes when a snake caught his eye.  A timber rattler was making its way through the garden crossing from one green patch to another.  It is always a surprise to look up and see a snake, but when it is a deadly, poisonous one, surprise turns to action.  It was a big snake measuring over 4 feet and had 12 rattles.  Steve was able to kill the snake with the hoe. It was relatively docile and certainly had made its way to the garden in search of water or cooler temperatures.  Once we caught our breath and settled our beating hearts, we got back to work.  At the end of the day, we were able to deliver a full pail of veggies and flowers to our CSA members.

So summer is here in all its glory- heat, drought, bugs, and even snakes!

We realize each day we are in the gardens, there is more to learn about the earth and its unfolding nature. While we cannot predict or control the rain or the heat or even the arrival of bugs and snakes, we can choose to be a part of the rhythms of the land. In so doing, we gain wisdom and guidance in moving forward.

Our First CSA Pails!

From Pail to Plate!
Thanks to CSA member Leah Muelemans for sharing!