On the eighth day . . .

“And on the eighth day, God looked down on his planned paradise and said, ‘I need a caretaker.” So God made a farmer.”–Paul Harvey

WNC Farmers are having a difficult year. We see the area tomato farmers have finally been able to get their tomatoes planted. I trust the two inches of rain we got last Tuesday was not too much for their tiny plants. It certainly did a number on our gravel road requiring Robert to dust off his road maintenance skills. We have observed that the wildlife seem to flourish no matter what the weather. The rabbits have finished off most of the gladiolas and are starting on my “miniature” zinnias!

Meanwhile, our garden is looking good again! The number of summer squash (patty pans in ten varieties and shapes) and zucchini (both green and yellow) will be increasing this week. And it is possible there may be a cucumber here and there as they are starting to grow. This is the third planting attempt of cukes as the first two attempts were rained out. I told Robert I thought the cukes tasted different this season. He said, “It is because the plants are stressed!

Keep in mind that we need to know if you plan to leave town on vacation. We can happily prepare a box for you when you return (skipping over the day you are out of town). Or, we can harvest your box early if you want to take it with you. Please, just don’t forget to tell us!

In your box this Fourth of July week (yes, we deliver boxes on the fourth!) expect to find onions, kohlrabi, lettuce, escarole, endive, squash, zucchini, and perhaps new potatoes! (Read about Handling New Potatoes on this link). CSA Box contents are always subject to change, but this is our best guess as of today.

And Happy Fourth of July!