Sunshiney July

Some highlights of our gardening adventures in July

A mid-July harvest of Kale, Collards, Radnips, Carrots, Beans, and Romaine Lettuce.

Happy Smiling Sunflowers.

 

Photo by Andrea Nickerson

Farmer Andrea’s Kales are Trees.

Farmer Andrea’s Companion Planting of Beets and Broccoli is thriving.

The heat of Summer brings on goodies like Tomatoes (variety: Bosche Blue), Eggplant, Summer Squash (Zucchini + Patty Pan), Winter Squash (like this Acorn Squash), and Watermelon.

Farmer Faenin is proud of how large his Onions are, these are early ones.

A Pear Tree planted for baby Lennon 17 years ago has it’s first Red Pear; a lovely Butterfly is sipping sweet juice from rotting fruit.

‘Seal’ Lavender throwing up the largest spears of all our varieties.

First time growing Wild Tobacco, for ceremonial purposes.

View of perennial beds of Sorrel, Onions (for seed), Chamomile, Plantain, Calendula, Horseradish, Chives, Strawberries, Asparagus, and Raspberries, with some Ground Cherries thrown in.

One of only a few successful Cucumbers.

It might be time to stop trying to grow Cucumbers outdoors. Between the insects and the mildew it’s a whole lot of work for nothing most years. We keep on trying because we love the taste of field Cukes in varieties not found in any store.

July is Garlic harvesting, and hanging to dry time. Many thanks to Paul + Andy for getting most of these beauties out of the field.

pretty little garlic all in a row

Farmer Andrea’s mom came to visit and they harvested some monster Kale!

Farmer Andrea also introduced the Veggie-Table. Held outside an art studio she shares with her partner, they are bringing Fresh, Local Veggies + Art to downtown Tilbury.

 

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CSA Week Number Two

We didn’t get a shot of a complete box this week but here’s what you have to look forward to in this week’s boxes. (Substitutions may be made and there may be surprises not listed below.)

Large baskets will include:

Head Lettuce, either Leafy Green or Romaine

Rainbow Chard

Snow Peas and Snap Peas (the fat Snap Peas are perfect for fresh eating while the flat Snow Peas are better suited to stir fries, soups, or blanching and freezing for the Winter)

Collards (a large, flat, kale-like green)

New this week is – Cilantro

Salad Mix

Bok Choy

Small baskets will see:

Snap+Snow Peas

Head Lettuce (either Leafy Green or Romaine)

Rainbow Chard

and new this week – Collards

Leafy Greens baskets have Kale, Collards, and Rainbow Chard.

Here is a great dressing recipe for this week from Renee at Made With Metta.

Garlic scapes give this tasty dressing a light garlic flavor and the fresh parsley gives the dressing a  beautiful green color.  Enjoy over your favourite greens, and fresh veggies.

Garlic Scape Dressing

2 garlic scapes, coarsely chopped

2 green onions, coarsely chopped

1 tablespoons parsley, coarsely chopped

1 teaspoon raw organic honey or maple syrup

2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

4 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon dillweed

dash salt

fresh ground black pepper, to taste

½ cup extra virgin olive oil

In a blender, combine the garlic scapes, onions, honey, parsley, mustard, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth. With blender on low, slowly add the olive oil until well blended. Makes 1 cup.

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