Succession Planting

Marketers throughout New England tell us, "Come September 1, get out the jack-o-lanterns, and scare-crow displays: It's Fall!" Despite the advice we are still planting seedlings like we have been doing since April. Here, Amanda puts in some Spinach.

Some things that do well in the cool of spring can be replanted in the fall with moderate success. We are constantly replanting things like dill, cilantro and lettuce throughout the summer. . Certain types of sunflowers are planted in succession also, all as an attempt to guarantee a continued crop. You can mimic this in your own home garden by re-planting culinary herbs and greens throughout the summer.

The days are numbered for our 5:30 roll call in the field (as seen below). The sun is taking longer to rise each day making a sweater and socks an essential grab on the way out the door.

We strive to keep the humor and camaraderie in these early hours and as the season shifts gears to the coming of fall. We are still weeding and planting but will start to turn some focus to plowing in another new field across Hanson Road, plowing under the old strawberry field and cover cropping these areas to add a green manure to the landscape. There is also a fencing project to focus on and LOTS of shingling to do before we see the snow. We hope to have the 3rd apprentice cabin re-roofed, the outhouses shingled and the new kitchen and walk in cooler space shingled all by winter. Once that snow comes, we get to put our feet up for just a moment and take a deep breath. Ambition is good but deadlines can really get us moving! Here is where we put out the shameless plea for the volunteer who has roofing/shingling experience!

There have also been a few questions about volunteer time here at the farm to fulfill your work requirement. The best answer is that we are always looking for helping hands with the harvest on Tuesday and Friday mornings. We start at 5:30 and strive to finish by 12PM, with a break from 7-7:30 for breakfast.

This week's harvest

• -lettuce
• -potatoes
• -tomatoes
• -purple string beans
• -broccoli/cauliflower
• -summer squash/zucchini
• -cukes
• -basil
• -beets
• -bell peppers
• -fennel
• -tatsoi (similar to pac choi)
  

Don't forget to take a moment to smell the roses....or dinner as the fancy may be.

Blessings on the meal,
Stacy and John