CSA Week 4
Three years ago I planted a small elderberry cutting in our backyard, just a few yards from our house. This patch is also home to native shade lovers like wood poppy, jewelweed, & fern. Each season, the elderberry has grown quite a lot, without focusing much on flower production. Last year, I made a batch of fermented elderflower soda & left the small amount of fall berries to the birds. But, as I learn more about perennials, it really feels to me that the third year is huge. They have established strong roots, learned their home, & growth is floral, colorful, & dramatic.
This morning I moved tarps around the field in order to reveal a fresh space for fall brassicas to be planted. The beds were cover-cropped prior to being covered, though you wouldn’t know it because the plant debris has decomposed so thoroughly. On Wednesday, this soil will have been amended, tilled, & planted with cabbage (storage, fresh, & napa!), broccolini, kale, kohlrabi, & swiss chard. Throughout the hottest months, we will tend to them with consistent watering, weeding, & pest management. Patiently awaiting their September generosity.
While moving the tarps I pulled a couple of smaller chunks off to the side. This spring, Kade moved a portion of our deer fence to create a more cohesive path to the hoophouses. There is now a band of grasses, poison ivy, virginia creeper, etc in between a wide woodchipped walkway & the first planted beds in the field. It is the perfect space to plant a pollinator hedge. And after greeting the aging, blooming elderberry, I am now considering all the wonderful sunny, native options. Next spring, the tarp will be set aside, mulch will be laid, & plants will greet their hedge. I love to look forward to tending tasks like this, as the world around the farm is my most steady inspiration.
CSA Week 4
This is our best guess of what will be in your share! Harvest list subject to changes :)
~ Spring mix
~ Garlic scapes
~ Fennel
~ Zucchini
~ Chard, kale, or collards
Additions for full shares…
~ Radishes or cucumber
~ Herb choice
~ Beets
Recipes to pair
Zucchini fritters - yesterday I made fritters again with zucchini, kohlrabi, fennel (& sardines but you could skip this). I love to have these on hand for easy meals & toddler snacks!
Please feel free to reach out to Michelle at stillwind_csa@protonmail.com with any questions :)
Cheers!
Mik