Harvest Notes July 8, 2010

Written by Dana Blizzard

Welcome to the heat!  Even though the rainy spring we had seems long behind us Farmers around the valley are still feeling the effects of the wet spring. I've heard many farmers lamenting on how late spring planting means smaller harvests, especially now when it's too hot to plant cool crops and the hot crops like tomatoes and peppers are so far behind! So I'm feeling pretty lucky that our garden is on a hill which provides a bit more drainage, but we did see 2 inch high spinach bolt and go to seed this week - crazy! This week's harvest looks alot like last week

• Snow Peas - this variety does well in Oregon, hence the name "Oregon Sugar Pod". Also you may (or may not) find a few of the skinny fatter snow peas which are "Sugar Stars" and didn't do as well with the wet soil.
• Kale
• Swiss Chard
• Lettuce - Victorian Butterhead and Winter Density
• Raspberries for the full shares since they didn't get any last week and broccoli for the half shares

Have you tried the Kale Chips yet?? Oh my! If you find it cool enough to turn on your oven I highly recommend them, even if you don't like Kale you may love these (my friend especially likes them mixed with popcorn!)

We pulled up the first planting of snow peas as they were done blooming, Dad's been watering like mad to keep the vineyard and garden green and the heat is here - it must be just after the 4th of July as these are all tell tale signs that summer is here in Oregon.

Enjoy the sun and stay cool and safe,
Dana