This hot weather has sped up weed growth. While we have been fortunate to catch a few spotty rains. The crops are struggling with the hot, dry weather. The good news…we are not as hot and dry as in 1988.

According to the University of Minnesota – Waseca crop and weather watch:  Dry weather continued this week, but we did get some relief from the extreme heat that we recorded last week. Temperature averaged 76.2 degrees which is 8.0 degrees warmer than normal. Growing degree units (GDUs) totaled 167, 31% more than normal. Since May 1, we have now accumulated 726 GDUs or 22% more than normal. Most involved in Minnesota crop production remember 1988 as the hot and dry season. For comparative purposes in 1988 we were 14% warmer and 0.6-inch drier than so far this year.

I remember how hot and dry 1988 was. Most specifically, I recall the big cracks in the fields. The cracks were so big you could easily lose a plier in them and not expect to see it resurface anytime soon. So, as we watch this year’s weather, we also pray for rain. Not just for us, but for so many that need it around our country. Our crops are dry, and watering has been part of the routine and needs to be even more so going forward. Even so, the beautiful summer evenings provide peace and beauty.

Garden Science

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.

The Harner Bros are the 5th generation to raise this rhubarb originally planted on the family farm near Tracy by their great-great grandparents after immigrating from Norway and transplanted to our home near Northfield.

Rhubarb – One-pound equals about 3 cups. Wash, cut the ends off, cut off any bad parts damaged by wind, chop into 1/4 – 1/2-inch pieces. No need to peel. You can freeze it in a Ziploc bag (no blanching) and use for months to come. Our family loves it in muffins, breads, jam, pie, crisp, sauce and torte. Check out these recipes at Taste of Home.

Asparagus – Fresh cut asparagus from Chute Family Farm near Aitkin. Check out America’s Heartland’s information on asparagus.

Spinach and Beet Leaves– Love this in a salad by itself or in sandwiches. Wash it and enjoy.

Outrageous Red Lettuce and Black Seeded Simpson – So grateful this crop seems to thrive on dry weather. Lovely color for sandwiches and salads. This crop was cooled with well water to take the field heat off. It was not washed.

French Breakfast Radish – Love the variegated look of this vegetable. This crop is coming to an end.

Cherry Belle Radish – Add great flavor and color to a salad. My mom loves a radish sandwich…sliced radishes between two slices of buttered bread.

Hostas with Weigela, Asparagus greens – These should brighten up your home.

Recipe of the Week

I’m sharing two recipes this week. Because both of these crops are close to the end. First, one for asparagus that is new to us this year, and the second is a favorite of our for rhubarb. Enjoy!

Rhubarb Muffins

3/4 cup brown sugar

1/3 cup applesauce

1 egg

1/2 cup yogurt

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 1/2 cups flour

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup chopped nuts

1 cup finely sliced rhubarb

Topping:

1/4 cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 cup finely chopped nuts

Combine sugar, applesauce, egg, yogurt and vanilla in a bowl. Sift flour, soda, and salt together and stir into liquid mixture. Blend in nuts and rhubarb. Fill greased muffin tins 2/3 full. Topping: Combine brown sugar, cinnamon and nuts and sprinkle over batter in muffin tins. Tip: I always spray the liners with a spritz of baking spray so the muffins don’t stick to the liners. Bake at 325 degrees  for 25-30 minutes. Makes 12 muffins. This can also be baked in a greased loaf pan for 45 minutes or until inserted toothpick comes out clean.