Farm Update From Maya
Greetings CSA Members! This newsletter will be my last one for the season. Who knew time could fly by so fast! Our Serenbe Farmers Market is over, only one more week of CSA drop off remains, Ryan says adios to the farm this week and our cover crop is gradually taking over the farm. Yep, all of these are a sure sign that fall is here and winter is not far behind. We seem to be moving at a slower pace than the summer, but that doesn't mean that we haven't been busy.
Last week we planted two beds in our new hoop house, harvested our last bed of sweet potatoes, weeded our field of onions and of course put together some beautiful fall shares for you all. Fall is a beautiful time to visit the farm. We have had many school groups come out for tours. Just this past week we hosted 170 seventh graders and 40 second and third graders. It is great to see kids learning about where their food comes from and getting excited about eating vegetables. Finally, since this is my last newsletter, I'd like to say thanks to everyone for supporting Serenbe Farms this season. It has been great meeting our members and market customers. I've learned some really great recipes from y'all. Hope everyone has a great week and enjoys their last few shares.
Take Care,
Maya
My Apprenticeship at Serenbe Farms: 9 Months to Become a Farmer
I had an idea in college that I liked working outside with the land, and also needed a meaningful profession to pursue after graduation. I spent a year pretty stumped by the whole situation, but one weekend on a farm in Pennsylvania helped me realize the possibility of farming as a realistic, fulfilling career. I began researching and applying for apprenticeships and was so excited when I found this opportunity at Serenbe.
My first months I remember being overwhelmed with new information. Learning how to start seeds in the greenhouse, follow a planting plan, irrigate at the right time, and constantly try to control pests, weeds, and diseases I started to realize how much one has to master to become a good farmer. Luckily, Paige and Justin set aside time to discuss certain subjects like soil building and greenhouse management through the curriculum they've developed and always gave a thorough explanation of any farm task. Farming challenges you mentally because you constantly have to be observant and focused on efficiency. You also have to understand biological systems and use quick mental math for a number of reasons. However, in the summer the challenges switch from being mental to physical. It takes a lot of endurance to work long hours day after day, sweating, and hauling bins of squash or tomatoes around. Looking back, surviving the heat of the summer was rough, but we were so busy it passed by quickly.
Now the fall is here and I'm amazed at how much I've learned. I knew next to nothing about growing vegetables before I came to Serenbe and now I feel like I know what it takes not only to grow veggies, but also run a successful farm. Well, I felt that way until our last curriculum session about soil nutrients when I felt like I was brought back to 10th grade chemistry. I guess I do have more to learn, farming seems humbling that way. I know that farming is in my future though. I'm looking into some assistant manager positions on some farms up North for next season. I'll be sad to leave Georgia, but I plan on building my farming skills and definitely returning to the South where we need more organic farms in the future.
Crop Highlight of the Week:
Spinach
Spinach is a tender leafy green. Spinach is in the same family as beets, Swiss chard, and quinoa.
Storage and Handling: Refrigerate for up to 3 days wrapped in a slightly damp paper towel. Soak in cold water to remove any grit.
Preparation: If the the stems seem tough, remove them. Steam in a basket over boiling water for 5 minutes.
Serving Suggestions: Use raw tender leaves in salad. Add chopped spinach to soups in the final cooking minutes. Season steamed spinach with butter, salt or pepper.
Nutrients: Vitamans A, C, K, folate, and lutein.
