A lot of excitement about new things growing every day. The boys were so excited to finally be able to pull carrots and eat them right out of the garden.
Next, they found peppers growing.
A variety of peppers. Sam pointed out that they looked a little different then the other ones, and he is right. We have a couple of varieties planted.
Summer squash really loved this weather this past week and grew like crazy.
This weekend, everyone worked really hard. First, we put up a variety of trellis’ for the vines to grow on using old hog fences from my mom and dad’s farm and also some large wooden pallets from the lumber yard.
The cucumber trellis is at an angle so that as the cucumbers grow they will drop down through the openings and stay clean and grow straight.
We also have some teepee systems that Steve built when the boys were little. We try to make the trellis systems both practical, a good use of space and fun for the kids if at all possible.
Sam also had fun assisting Steve as he put up giant tepee styled trellis’ over a few rows. We are anxious to see how these hold up in the wind, and how the vines grow on them.
We planted more varieties of lettuce, spinach, flowers, herbs, carrots, green beans and sugar snap peas.
Keith and Steve installed irrigation lines for the tomatoes, peppers and vines. The water is collected off of the roof of the shop into a large water tank and pressured through a gravity flow system.
We also staked up the tomatoes and were excited to find a lot of tomatoes growing. What we didn’t capture is all the weeding that was accomplished.
At the end of all of this, we were exhausted. But the boys had fun helping, looking for insects, learning the differences between the weeds, dancing to the music and some water fun. At the end of all of it, celebrating with some good food, a thank you and a hug for the job well done…well and as the boys would say some chocolate and ice cream help to:)
Your Boxes of Produce
I see choices for a cook out – with lettuces to top your hamburger, herbs to flavor your favorite cut of meat, cabbage and kohlrabi for a delicious coleslaw, summer squash to put on your grill and flowers to decorate your table. Enjoy your 4th of July celebrations with family and friends as we remember all the wonderful freedoms and opportunities our great USA offers. Don’t forget to say a prayer for all those who work every day to protect our freedoms. Enjoy!
Please read as this is updated about with specific information on each crop. Remember food safety in your kitchen when preparing, always wash your before eating.
Black Seeded Simpson Lettuce – One of my favorite garden crops. Some of the crops are ran under cold well water to take the field heat off of them so they last longer in your refrigerators. They are not washed – just cooled. So remember to wash your vegetables before eating. See how lettuce is grown throughout the year so it is available in our grocery stores even on our cold Minnesota days.
Red Ruby Lettuce – Remember this crop is ran under cold well water to take the field heat off. They are not washed – just cooled. So remember to wash your vegetables before eating. Adds great color to your salads.
Kohlrabi – We had a lot of requests for this crop last year. In German, this crop means cabbage turnip. Basically it describes the texture and the taste – truly a pleasant surprise that can be eaten raw or cooked. The purple are Purple Vienna and the green are Early White Vienna. You can eat both the bulbs and the leaves. Check out this information to get the how to instructions. This link discusses eating the leaves.
Green Cabbage – See how they grow big cabbages in Alaska. Check out the recipes.
Summer Squash Medley – Check out Martha Stewart’s variety of ideas for how to use this delicious summer treat.
Herbs – cilantro, golden oregano and thyme (bags are labeled with the first initial) wash then chop up chives into small pieces. The link shows you how to freeze your herbs in ice-cube trays. I heard some of you were excited about the cilantro and using it in your tacos and taco salads. What a great idea that we will have to try!
Fresh cut arrangement – Double Play Big Bang Spirea flowers. In a vase by themselves or with your hosta leaves, they will brighten up your house.
Pick-up and Delivery
1. If you are unable to utilize your share that week, it is still your responsibility: find someone else to pick it up or donate it to the food shelf or someone in need.
2. Each box is labeled for each family. The same boxes will be used for your family throughout the season.
3. Boxes and containers should be returned the following week. Bags will only be used once.
Recipe of the Week
Grilled Turkey with Herbs
A lot of grilling will be happening across our great nation this weekend. Happy 4th of July!! Use your herbs.
Simply drizzle honey over your turkey and place any combination of herbs. I chose golden oregano and cilantro. Grill until the internal temperature of the meat is at 170 degrees Fahrenheit. Enjoy!
