Box 3

Well it feels like we are at a couple of crossroads here in the season.  We've gone from extreme wet to suddenly quite dry since the last full moon, and this week (at least) it has switched from hot and humid to cool and dry.
Fall crops are progressing  nicely.  Thanks to the helpers that have come out to weed this week, the squash, melons and pumpkins have been freed from their grassy bondage, and are off to the races.  We should be getting ripe tomatoes, zucchini, peppers and lots of cucumbers for the next box! yeah!!
I have picked the first fresh garlic for this box, and was quite happy with what we found.  We have a LOT more where this came from.  Once it has been all picked we will cure it for six weeks so it should last well into the winter.  Notice how the fresh garlic is wet and crunchy unlike the cured product that we usually consume.  The fresh flavor is slightly milder when the garlic is just picked, so it will get hotter as the winds get colder.
Blueberry season has just begun.  This year I picked these at Malek berry farm in Nekoosa.  Their season runs for maybe two more weeks.  We also suggest Trachte's Blueberry farm on Cty A between Pittsville and Marshfield (715 884-2495).
The Maleks have been big potato growers for a long time in our area, so I couldn't resist when I saw Joe Malek's baby red potatoes.  He agreed to dig them fresh for you on Wednesday morning, enjoy.  FYI neither the potatoes nor the blueberries are organic, but Joe is growing on a small scale, and says he gets by with minimal spraying.
Looking ahead: we have set a date for the annual harvest party, Sept 14th.  Mark the date.
Just a reminder that we field-wash most vegetables before we box them, but we always recommend washing everything well before you eat it.
ciao,
Craig

Box 2 Perspectivve

Well things are really rebounding around here after a couple weeks of hot, dry weather.  And with a few freezers full of plump chickens, things are looking up here at VG for the second half of the season.  The weather has claimed a few casualties and a few battles, but the war goes on, and reinforcements are on the way.
The season changes quickly with a bi-monthly CSA, and we are going to be getting into new stuff for box 3 like carrots, zucchini, cucumbers and blueberries  as well as more basil and chard. Next comes salsa season and the prime veggie time of the year!
Saturday, 7/20 we will be hosting a weeding extravaganza at the farm after dinner until sundown.  Arrive after 6pm and help fight the war on weeds for a couple hours.  Refreshments will be available, as well as a chance to socialize with other members and their families.  This would be another chance for you to pick up some of your chickens too if you'd like. Please call or email us with any questions.
Craig

Box 2 Farmer's Perspective coming soon...