After what felt like weeks of rain the farm is dry enough to cultivate and plant. Crops already planted are either maturing beautifully or covered in weeds. This is the part of the season where everybody is growing, you can nearly hear the plants stretching towards the sun.
Harvest is increasing as snap peas are maturing. The vines are now three feet tall engulfing their greens companions. We have a tremendous round of salad and head lettuce ripe and ready, primed for lettuce wraps and grilling. Root crops like turnips are shining in the sunshine after soaking up the rain. Herbs are tremendous right now as they have yet to flower and are tall and full of flavor.
Planting is the priority after harvest. Now is the time for long season tender crops to find their homes for the season. Winter squash, field tomatoes, peppers, basil, all need to be planted as the soil warms and the days grow into summer solstice.
With planting comes bed prep. This means mowing and incorporating early rounds of spring greens to accommodate more seasonally appropriate produce. Beds need to be shaped for the above tender crops as well.
We are working through the first bed flushes of weeds as well, and while this is the last priority I am confident in our crew’s ability to get it done.
The trick is to try and not be overwhelmed and do what you can. For me this means making a weekly list, and sticking to it, not wasting energy try to jostle around the plan. Breathe through difficulty and trust the season to unfold.
Our groundwater issue has not been resolved, and we currently have running water emerging from the bottom of our largest field. This leaves a third of this field thoroughly soaked and unworkable. We are hopeful the field will dry out by the end of the month in order for us to plant our storage carrot crop. The emotional burden of this issue weighs heavy as there is seemingly nothing to be done at this point besides wait.
Farm News
As the weather heats up so does our high tunnel! Needing attention earlier in the morning we will begin opening the Farm Stand at 9 and remaining open till 6 Wednesday-Sunday! That is an additional 9 hours of local food availability in Northern Colorado!
We still have plant starts and are continuing our 4 plants for $20 sale. In addition, you can also buy 2 gallons for $20 beginning this week at the Farm Stand. Help us help you beautify your outdoor space and scoop some plants up this week.
Farm Stand Hours- WED-SUN 9am-6pm!
Folks Farm Harvest List
Greens- Hearts and Souls Salad Mix, head lettuce, gem lettuce, kale, chard
Roots- Hakurei Turnips, green garlic
Vegetables- Sugar Snap Peas, rhubarb, Cucumbers (limited)
Herbs- Parsley, cilantro, mint, thyme, oregano, sage
Recipe Suggestions
Vietnamese Lettuce Wraps- Gem lettuce, root veg, fresh herbs, come one
Snap Pea Salad- If not now, when?