At this time of year that is really important, because the plants aren’t growing and sucking moisture out of the ground so if the ground gets wet, it stays wet. I have been digging and washing carrots. I realize why commercial carrot growers chose sandy soil, and have mechanical diggers and washers. It is not hard work, but is very slow going. And I chose carrot varieties that are exceptionally succulent and crisp. The downside is that they snap in two with the slightest provocation, such as snapping off the top, or dropping on the ground. But, ummmm, they are good. This is another example of my experience growing for chefs – they love the baby carrots. Not the big carrots that have been carved into “baby” carrot shape, but naturally small carrots, not overly mature. You will get to try white carrots tomorrow. They were seeded at the same time so are the same age, but are larger and not as break-prone. They have a mild, spicy-sweet flavor. I harvested kale this afternoon and then pulled some beets. The ground is even holding on tight to the beets at this point.
Tony took the plastic off the hoophouse Tuesday and put on new lumber for attaching the new plastic, which he and friends put on yesterday. Greenhouse plastic lasts a really long time, but it’s light transparency decreases each year, so you are supposed to replace it every four years. This gives me pieces to spread on the ground next spring to warm the soil early. We were really blessed with an almost windless day. We are talking about 48 xc 100 foot sheets of plastic, 150 lbs of it each, and the slightest whiff of breeze can make it into a really strong sail. The first time we did this, we had four or five us holding onto the plastic on one side, and we all were lifted off the ground by a little (fortunately momentary) breeze.
My schedule has been: early morning weed in the hoophouse until it warms up tolerably. Then dig and wash carrots. I finally decided the washing was taking too long so I am wiping dirt off as I dig and will wash later. Then as it cools off again, do chicken chores, wash the carrots, wash eggs, etc. Tomorrow the schedule starts with harvest and wash spinach, wash the beets, pull and wash more beets, cut and sort cilantro and celery, dig and trim celeriac, check for broccoli and cauliflower, cut and trim cabbage. And have it set out for you on time.
Oh, and design next year’s program so you can give memberships as gifts, or ask for one. I have had a request so need to hop on that. I have been collecting ideas to make distribution easier for all next year. For instance, I hope to have small shelves above the tables for examples of what a “bunch” or other measure is. And I am thinking of having maybe 15 selections that you choose 10 from (well, the numbers aren’t firm, but you get the concept).
I love hearing how folks prepare the veggies. I learned that the people selecting the small beets do so because they slice them in two and roast them, and they like the quick cooking/quick prep small size. I like the small ones because frequently the small ones are more tender than the large ones (an exception is Lutz Long Keeper). This and large carrots are examples of my learning curve to find what you like. I have observed that most of you prefer medium to large squash, carrots, beets, etc rather than the gourmet baby size. That’s OK with me – I can harvest and wash more large ones than small ones in the same amount of time.
I am so grateful for the recent dry and warmer weather. My energy level, at least morning energy level, rose markedly with the sun and warmth. I still want to hit the sack about 6:30 p.m. though. My body thinks if it is dark, it must be bedtime. Somehow it is still after 10 before I get there. Oh well. My body does love getting 8 or 9 hours of sleep as I do in the winter. Makes up for the summer hours when I frequently only have 4 or 5 hours of sack time. Well, I’ve got dishes to do before bed, so will close this.
Tomorrow is supposed to be another nice day. Enjoy! See you in the afternoon. With a predicted low of 40 tomorrow night, your pickup time should be fairly pleasant.
