Checking out new things in the garden is always a treasure hunt with l.ots of smiles and excitement. There are a variety of items growing like crazy these hot, humid days and nights really do provide great growing days for the plants.

This past weekend we went to Ohio to visit the Harner’s. As I mentioned last week, we had done a lot of staking and putting up trellis’, it is a good thing we did because upon our return we saw significant growth in the vines as well as the other crops and of course the weeds! But with this we saw a great opportunity to see how much the different crops might grow during the week. So Keith and I did some measuring, which I noted below in the pictures. I would love to have each of the families, if they are interested, measure a crop, tag it as their own and see how much that particular squash etc might grow during the week. Let me know if you are interested, and we will get that started next week at pick up.

While we were in Ohio, a lot of growing occurred. Keith and I measured some of the summer squash to see how much they will grow this week. We measured on Monday morning and on Wednesday at harvest time some of them had grown around 2 more inches.

The potatoes are in full bloom with a variety of colors. Each variety of potato has a different color bloom. Looking forward to fresh potatoes in the near future.

The ornamental corn really grew. The storms on Tuesday caused a bit of havoc with the corn – blowing much of it over so that it is leaning. Thankfully it was not flattened.

Sugar snap peas a CSA favorite.

Your Boxes of Produce

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.

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.

Spinach – So happy to have this back in your boxes this week. Enjoy!

Prizehead – is the spear like green leaf.

The remaining kohlrabi was harvested this week. I have planted another round that I hope will be ready this fall.

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.

I loved this picture that Keith took of the sugar snap peas with the rain drops.

Sugar Snap Peas – This is a favorite. Wash, eat the whole pod. Enjoy! More to come in the upcoming weeks.

Summer Squash Medley – Check out Taste of Home’s variety of ideas for how to use this delicious summer treat.

Cilantro

Herbs – cilantro, golden oregano and lemon thyme (bags are labeled with the first initial). Wash then freeze in small portions in ice cube trays.

Fresh cut arrangement –  Double Play Big Bang Spirea flowers and Hosta leaves 

When we are working in the garden, the boys also find a lot of time to tame kittens. In fact, it is very amazing to watch boys go from rough and tough to very gentle and kind with the kittens.