This week, the farm made a big transition: we now have three brand new tunnels. I asked our Saturday volunteers what they thought as they drove in and saw the new landscape. Everyone was excited to see G2G’s growth and expansion. I personally was taken aback a bit. This is now an opportunity for us to make an even greater impact on growing food for our communities, especially in the early spring and late fall when fresh vegetables are scarce. I am humbled by everyone’s trust in my abilities to manage all this. There is a huge support group behind me, Patty, John, Carrie, our interns and the WOOFERS who are involved daily. The volunteers, friends, our board, business sponsors and donors all have a part in making this come together and work.
This Saturday is our Farmyard Jam. Yes, it is a fundraiser for Growing to Give, but it is also an opportunity for us to thank all of you and enjoy each other’s company while listening to live music and enjoying the beauty of the fam. I hope to see a lot of you there. I promise not to ask anyone to weed, move sand bags or plant anything! 🙂
One of our newest tunnels went over a late crop of zucchini that seem to be flourishing. New baby squash are emerging just as our older plants are winding down. We are hoping that the later planting will also mean they miss out on some of our pest issues.
Kelly came on Saturday to volunteer. She loves working with tomatoes. She happily went out into the fields to harvest all the tomatoes she could find. Here are some of the beauties which include; Ox Heart, Cherokee Purple, San Marzano, Moskavich and Wisconsin slicer. This Ox Heart came in at 1.86 pounds! She easily harvested 100+pounds on Saturday, Thanks Kelly!
We will have beets soon and have sent out some beet greens to recipients that we know enjoy a lot of greens.
Amy has been picking berries all summer for her jam business. She didn’t mind when I asked her to harvest the Aronia berries that were ready. Black shiny berries were cleaned and frozen for our October workshop with Abbie Sewall. Thanks, Amy!
This past month our resident Great Blue Heron along with two other Herons kept close tabs on us, flying over at a very low altitude numerous times during the day. It has been thrilling to see them up so close. On Saturday, Laura stopped to take photos of one of these incredible birds. According to the North American Native tradition, the Blue Heron brings messages of self-determination and self reliance. They represent an ability to progress and evolve. Seems like the perfect message for G2G.
Finally, another plug for our pick-your-own bouquet fundraiser. Sunflowers are now starting to bloom and the dahlias are coming on strong. Lots of interesting grasses, amaranth and a new blue wheat to add to a bouquet. We do have lots of flowers around the farm other than the main slope garden. Just ask us and we can direct you.
Exciting times ahead as far as gleaning goes. Our poundage will start to really add up with the tomatoes, onions, and root vegetables going out in the gleaning boxes. And watch our totals grow when the spaghetti squash starts to ripen. The biggest ones we have ever grown are in Upper field plot 4. They will definitely be a highlight of our farm tour at Saturday’s Jam.
Looking forward to seeing some of you at the Jam and others in the fields. As always, thanks to everyone for whatever part they play in this community project we have all created.
Sincerely,
Theda