We had several firsts this week. As we hoped, the first of the tomatoes are ripening and being sent out. These cherry tomatoes came first, but the large slicers are ready to be picked and sent out with the Monday gleaners. We planted  hundreds of basil, parsley, and dill seedlings alongside our tomatoes this year and I am hearing the recipients are loving these fresh herbs.
More about bugs, good and not so good. The pumpkin flowers are so large that they are causing a bee-fest in every blossom. We were counting 5 to 6 bees packing away the pollen in each flower. It is amazing as we walk around the farm and see the bees and butterflies everywhere. Even though we are small, I think we all feel we are making a positive impact on healing, not hurting our planet. I had to include this photo of Paul encountering Tomato hornworms for the first time. He was equally appalled and fascinated. These destructive caterpillars are now on our most wanted list.
Last week I mentioned Carol and all her hours of seed starting and transplanting. This week I want to acknowledge Nathan and his expertise at making soil blocks. He knows just the right amount of water to add to create a perfect soil block. This might sound silly, but it’s not easy and Nathan has made thousands throughout the summer. Soil blocks make all the difference in transplanting seedlings. Just dig a small hole and plop one in, no transplant shock.  Thank you, Nathan. 🙂
The onions and leek crop look healthy and bountiful. I hope to start sending out onions this week. There is absolutely no weed stress on these crops or any other crops due to our staff and volunteers. It is also helpful that our no-till approach is not bringing up new weed seeds.

 

Our Friday “team building” potluck theme was  the letter B,  any food that starts with the letter B. It was Grace’s birthday on Friday so she got a Birthday cake!
Several friends of G2G stopped by to pick flowers from our donation flower garden. Lots of fun colors and unusual plants are blooming right now. Come check it out!
To end the week, John and Kyle organized a tunnel raising. Twelve volunteers arrived at eight to help erect 3 new 50′ tunnels. The ribs of all three are up and ready for covering. Thanks to all for the tremendous push.
Those are some of the highlights of our week. The welcomed rain is causing the farm to look lush and green. It’s a good time to visit and enjoy the beauty of everyone’s hard work.
Sincerely,
Theda