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Field Notes
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The talk around the water well is all about the abnormally warm weather we are having. Do we go ahead and begin planting some crops two weeks earlier than normal? The soil is certainly warm enough to do so. With the warm soil temperatures the seeds will germinate quickly and if this warmth continues we could have record early harvests.
However, there is a risk in trying to have food so early. Normally there are few crops emerged from the soil in the first half of April so an April freeze could wipe out the whole early crop and leave us with nothing in those early planted fields. What is a farmer to do? Every time we put seeds in the ground we are taking a gamble on the harvest. We do our best to make sure the crops have all the best conditions, yet sometimes things go a little differently than we would like. Planting crops in mid-March in this part of New England is not normal. Going out of the norm could bite us in the behind if we reach for too early of a harvest. Yet, to harvest the first peas in mid-June instead of late June would mean we could enjoy peas for over a month instead of three short weeks. That proposition is difficult to turn away.
A decision must be made. And so, tomorrow we will begin planting the first peas. But, not too big of a planting, as next week's weather is predicted to be closer to normal temperatures than this week's. More peas will be planted in about two weeks to ensure that we will have peas to be harvested in late June after the earliest peas have all been harvested. Later this week we will plant the onion sets and look forward to their earlier than normal harvest. Next week we will consider transplanting some spinach, chard, and scallions once we see the temperature predictions. All this warm weather and early planting is truly invigorating and helps to warm the soul.
Excitedly,
Farmer Dave
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In Your Share - Week 1
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The following items will most likely make an appearance in your share this week (and as always, the contents of your share is ultimately determined by Mother Nature's harvest conditions):- Lettuce Mix
- Elegance Mix (a strikingly-colored mix of bok choy, red mustard, leaf broccoli, and mizuna. Great sauteed or stir-fried, or raw in salads).
- Baby bok choy leaves
- Radishes (most likely; if we're lucky!)
- Potatoes
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Storage Notes for this Week
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Some quick notes on storing your share this week:
- You'll find your potatoes packed in plastic bags. When you take your share home, make sure to take them out of the plastic bags and store them in paper in a cool, dark place.
- For your greens, keep them in the refrigerator and keep them cool. If you find your greens aren't lasting through the week, try turning your refrigerator a degree or two colder - it makes a big difference!
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Recipe of the Week
| Last weekend, Ginger made this potatoes-and-greens recipe for St. Patrick's day. A tasty and satisfying way to use potatoes and greens this week!
Champ
Adapted from Epicurious.com by Ginger Carver
Ingredients:
- 5-6 large potatoes
- 1 1/2 cup of milk
- 1 bunch of green onions (white and green parts), finely chopped
- 1 cup of spicy greens, finely chopped
- 4-8 tablespoons butter
Directions:
Boil potatoes until tender. Meanwhile, in a medium pot, cover green onions and greens with milk. Stirring constantly, slowly bring to a boil for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and milk is just beginning to thicken. Take off heat and allow to infuse.
Peel and mash potatoes. Add potatoes to milk mixture and blend thoroughly. Whip in butter. Season with salt and pepper. Serve with pat of butter.
Can be made ahead and reheated in a 350 degree oven as long as it is tightly covered.
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Contact us:
Farmer Dave's
437 Parker Road
Dracut, MA 01826
(978) 349-1952
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