Our Hearts Go Out

Our hearts go out to the people of Texas and Louisiana who have been thrown into such chaos and devastation. Fortunately, the worst of Mother Nature often brings out the best of Human Nature. If there is one thing we learn from natural disasters like this, it is how little control we have.

Being farmers we are well aware of how much we are at the mercy of the weather. Tropical storm remnants which make their way to WNC have ended more than one harvest season. If you drive down Cane Creek Road this week, you will see the tomato farmers hard at work getting their crops out of the fields before the rains which are predicted for this Thursday night thru Saturday morning. They get their annual income all in one to two weeks–Harvest Time.

For now our multi-crop vegetable gardens are still going. We have had a few nice days, but more rain will be hard on them. I don’t usually peel all of the skin off of my cucumbers, but rain will cause them to look ugly and this will be necessary. I understand local cukes are becoming rare in Buncombe County. I am not sure why we are still successfully growing. Perhaps the variety we planted? It is a specialty seed. We buy it because we think the flavor is superior to all others we have tried.

You may have noticed fewer zucchini in the last week. Then this week, another group of plants started producing. Waves–we plant in waves to keep going as long as possible. All of the potatoes are out of the ground and safely under cover. Next the sweet potatoes! You will be finding them in your CSA Boxes soon–God willing.

Our sunflowers stand in the garden turning their faces to the sun and bringing in the bees and yellow finches and other birds. Their songs have a lovely melody and make a beautiful backdrop to the garden labors. Even the weeds are alive with bees and insects!

As I drive around the area, I take notice of restaurants which come and go. I am reminded of how fickle we humans are about our food choices. I am grateful for the loyalty of our CSA Members who agree to purchase our veggies for as long as we are able to supply them from our gardens. Thank you! Thank you!! Thank you!!!

CSA Boxes now will have russet potatoes, cabbages–red and/or green, cucumbers, patty pan squash, green and yellow zucchini, perhaps the last of the green beans–depending on the coming rainfall, sweet bell peppers in two varieties, eggplant–-traditional and/or Japanese depending on the day’s harvest, and tomatoes.

Take care of yourselves. And take care of each other!