Week #9, 2025
Onions
Green onions
Chinese broccoli or broccoli
Kale
Kohlrabi
Zucchini
Sugar snap peas or cabbage
Lettuce
Basil or parsley
Cilantro or dill
Beets
Most of the onions are done with their first round of weeding. They get weeded 4 times before harvesting in August. If you missed your chance on round 1 step up for rounds 2-4. The weeds have gotten away from us in all of the hoop houses as we turned our attention to the crops outside. We now have to circle back and clean them up and get ready for fall planting. I am excited to think of radicchio and the 40 varieties I will seed on the summer solstice. I seeded the fall cabbage on Friday. I also started the first round of fall broccoli and cauliflower. Year round farming is hard as one has to hold all four seasons in their head and hands. We harvest summer planted onions today in June and seed for January rains. The persimmons bloom for the November harvest. Just a reminder that all is a cycle and we are in it with the rest of earth's creatures.
It is graduation season. So many people we have known since early childhood are graduating from high school or college or advanced degrees. Our nephew graduates this week from OSU as an engineer and we will celebrate with him this Friday. Congratulations to all the graduates and their families for the hard work it takes to meet this goal.
We helped celebrate the life of a dear friend to many yesterday. The farm is a place of gathering, community and sharing. Although we did not know Hans well, his life was celebrated and his presence was felt. This piece of a longer poem was shared at the end from the Native American Prayer on Grieving:
I give you this one thought to keep –
I am with you still, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush,
I am the swift, uplifting rush –
of quiet birds in circled flight,
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not think of me as gone –
I am with you still, in each new dawn.
Remember to continue to do your strong work. Love those around you and your neighbors. The work we do as a community is what really matters. Your farmers are holding you in our thoughts as we bunch green onions and pull weeds. Have a great week.
Sue Kass’ favorite greens go to recipe:
https://bakinghermann.com/zhingyalov-hats-armenian-stuffed-flatbreads/
Here is an idea for the kohlrabi building up in your fridge:
https://www.flavourstreat.com/kohlrabi-curry-knol-khol-curry/
Here are some ideas for beets:
A new lettuce salad to try:
https://www.themediterraneandish.com/lettuce-salad-recipe/