(CSA Newsletter: Week 33)
Meet this week’s vegetables:
As I write this newsletter on Monday afternoon, the sun is shining brightly on our farm. The thermometer reads 85°, and they’re predicting temperatures in the 90°s for the next two days. It certainly feels summery out here, and yet the calendar tells me that this week’s CSA share marks the official beginning of autumn.
Of course, heat and sun in fall are not terribly unprecedented. We remember 2006, our first summer farming in Yamhill County, which was an exceptionally dry and hot summer. From what we remember, no significant rainfall fell between July 4 and November 1.
So, we’re experiencing another beautiful ‘Indian Summer’ — or at least the potential of one. What does this mean for our farm? Since we have enough water to continue irrigating, it’s primarily positive: our fall and winter plantings are continuing to grow rapidly. And, we will all enjoy one very special hot weather treat: a second round of delicious sweet corn that is making use of this last minute summer heat.
But, of course, even with warm sunny weather, fall can’t completely hide. Many of our summer plantings are slowly shutting down for the season. The pole beans are done and starting to dry down; the summer squash have been tilled in; and the tomatoes are producing fewer ripe fruit than the week before.
We’re busily preparing for fall as well by harvesting our key storage winter crops. Our insulated storage area is quickly filling with trimmed dry yellow onions and winter squash!
You will probably notice the shift in season in this week’s share too. After a summer of repeating fruits (so many beans, squash, tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers!), we’re beginning to enter the variety of fall. For us, broccoli, sweet potatoes, onion and kale represent cooler weather cooking and eating. Although we love the sweet power of summer, we’re looking forward to the change towards more variety in flavors and cooking possibilities. Enjoy this week’s vegetables!
Your farmers, Katie & Casey Kulla
A note on payment schedules:
For those of you on the semi-regular payment schedule, your next (and final) payment is due by October 1. Your payment will be either $225 or $200, depending on how long of a CSA season you signed up for — refer to your invoice or check in with Katie if you need a reminder of how much you owe.
For those of you on the monthly payment schedule, your regular payment of $75 is due by the end of September as usual. If you have kept up with your payments, after your September payment you should only have $225 left to go for 2009. Check in with Katie at pick-up or via email if you’re unsure of your remaining balance.
Moving pick-up location soon!
As you know, fall weather is quickly approaching. While we love being outside during the summer, it’s better to be inside for pick-up during the dark and wet weather. To that end, beginning on October 13, the pick-up site will be moving locations to the YCAP food bank warehouse (just a few blocks east of our current location at the First Baptist Church parking lot). I will remind you of the change in upcoming newsletters, but make sure you note the change on your calendar now!
