This past week, we received a few nice rains. With the rain and humidity comes weeds. So you guessed it, we were weeding again this weekend as you can see from the picture some of them that have gotten past us are growing pretty tall.

But with that these weather conditions come plentiful harvests. Right now our green beans, sugar snap peas, broccoli, cucumbers and dill are growing like crazy, and the tomatoes are on the verge.

As we were out harvesting this week, the boys reminded me of a valuable lesson. I was in a hurry to get the job done, “focus on the job at hand.” But in their minds, it seems to always come down to exploration, whether it is the discovery of a new insect or the goofy faces you can make with a green bean (don’t worry these become compost). I think it is a good reminder to us all.

Slow down. Enjoy the beauty around you.

Don’t always be in a hurry.

Excitement is around the corner.

Laughter is among us – let it happen. We’ll all be happier after a good laugh.

Garden Science

Boxes of Produce

This list is prepared before we harvest your share. Some guesswork is involved! We do our best to predict which crops will be ready to harvest, but sometimes crops are on the list that are not in the share, and sometimes crops will be in the share even though they’re not on the list. Remember food safety in your kitchen when preparing, always wash your hands before working with your produce and always wash your produce before eating.

Black Seeded Simpson Lettuce – 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 wash your vegetables before eating.

Red Oak Leaf Lettuce – Beautiful red lettuce leaf.

Beets

Onions

Zucchini and Summer Squash – Some insects may be getting the best of this crop. We are trying our best to figure out why some of these plants are dying off.

Cucumbers – We have two varieties planted – let us know if you would like any for canning.

Carrots – Learn more about carrots.

Sugar Snap Peas – This is the second crop of peas. Because of the heat and humidity this crop is rapidly maturing.

Green Beans – This crop is bountiful.  Let us know if you are interested in canning quantities.

Purple Beans – This crop is starting to come to an end.

Kohlrabi

Kale

Cilantro – Enjoy in salsas, fajitas, eggs and more. Learn more about cilantro here.

Fresh cut arrangement – A variety from sunflowers, Rudbeckia and zinnias.

Recipe of the Week

Chocolate Zucchini Chocolate Chip Muffins

•3 cups all-purpose flour

•1 1/2 cup sugar

•2 teaspoon baking soda

•2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/3 cup cocoa

•1 teaspoon salt

•2 eggs, lightly beaten

•1 cup applesauce

•1/2 cup milk

•2 tablespoons lemon juice

•2 teaspoons vanilla extract

•2 cups shredded zucchini

•1/2 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips

•1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Directions: In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon and salt. Combine the egg, oil, milk, lemon juice and vanilla; mix well. Stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Fold in zucchini, chocolate chips and walnuts. Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups two-thirds full. Garnish with a few miniature chocolate chips. Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until muffins test done. Yield: about 2 dozen.

Recipe modified from Tasteofhome.com.