As we see a variety of crop changes occurring in the garden, the saying “Bloom where you are planted” spoke to me. From the pumpkins, gourds and winter squash growing like crazy to the new crops struggling with little moisture to the weeds excelling where they are given the opportunity, it really is a wide spectrum of outcomes occurring. How to can we make the most out of our opportunities to grow and excel?
This seems to be the case in our lives right now. So many discussions and work around school and extra-curricular activities, and what that looks like. I continue to remind myself that grace and kindness must be top of mind to everyone no matter the situation. Teaching our children to be flexible in this constantly changing world we live in – is a must. In these situations, “Bloom where you are planted,” must be a focus. Finding an opportunity like the plants do to succeed needs to be a priority.
Just like the plants in the garden, the growing conditions are constantly changing. We must find the bright spot in our days and the opportunity to “Bloom where we are planted.”
“Be faithful in the small things. I f you can’t feed 100 feed 1.” Mother Teresa. Know by choosing to “Bloom where you are planted,” even if it seems small, it may very well make a big difference.
Garden Science
Did you know that when we harvest cucumbers that they have small spikes on them? Cucumbers may have become spiny for the same reason that some animals are camouflaged or have horns…to protect themselves from predators.
Pick-Up and Delivery
- Remember that pick-up and deliveries will be on the schedule you have arranged with Harner Brothers CSA – please note the exceptions to this which were in the email. Please follow the CDC and MDH guidelines and COVID-19 procedures in email.
- It is your responsibility to know that the pick-up or drop-off time will occur at the agreed upon time, and it is your responsibility as a shareholder to know this and be responsible for the produce at that time. 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.
- Each box is labeled for each family. The same boxes will be used for your family throughout the season. Boxes and containers should be returned the following week. Bags will only be used once.
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.
Outrageous Red Lettuce and Black Seeded Simpson – So grateful this crop seems to thrive on dry weather. Lovely color for sandwiches and salads.
French Radish – This crop has been enjoying the weather. Enjoy the fresh radishes.
Kohlrabi – Two varieties this week: purple and giant duke. We are coming to the end of this round of this crop. More is planted but is slow to grow due to the lack of rain.
Onions – Enjoy the Patterson, purple or Walla Walla onions in your boxes.
Super Sugar Snap Peas – This is the last of the second crop of peas. The 3rd crop is peaking out of the ground and has been slow to grow due to the lack of rain.
Detroit Dark Red Beets – The entire plant is edible – that includes the leaves. Here are some ideas from Martha Stewart on how to use your beets.
Cucumbers – I don’t know about you, but I love the smell of cucumbers. We had a request about canning pickles. Perhaps you want to give a refrigerator pickle a try first. Here is information on canning pickles.
Green Beans –We have a few subsequent crops that are coming into their own. Some of you may have Dragon Tongue beans mixed in with the green beans.
Sunburst Patty Pan Summer Squash – Sunburst is a beautiful butter yellow scallop-type squash. Each fruit is accented with a small dark green ring. Check out this summer squash/zucchini pie at Taste of Home.
Zucchini – Wash the zucchini and eat with or without the skin on. Here are a few ways to use it.
Potatoes – The Dark Red Norland variety is often served boiled or in potato salads. The variety, Norland, was released by the North Dakota Agricultural College in 1957. See how potatoes are harvested in Idaho on America’s Heartland.
Tomatoes – a variety of cherry tomatoes this week.
Garlic – While the bulb is small, the flavor is wonderful. Enjoy the garlic. Here is how to peal the garlic bulb and here is how to crush it.
Arrangement – A variety of flowers including zinnias, rudebeckia, hostas, sunflowers and more.
Recipe of the Week
Lazy Tacos
This is a family favorite and a go to recipe in our house. Thank you to Steve’s Aunt Coleen for sharing this idea with us many years ago. This dish can take on many options depending on your family’s tastes.
Crush corn chips and layer taco favorites on top such as:
-taco meat
-onions
-black olives
-tomatoes
-lettuce
-sharp cheddar cheese
-chilli beans
-salsa
-cottage cheese
-Ranch or French dressing
-A variety of vegetables
Note: with all of the fresh produce I would also try a variety of vegetables.
