Crop Talk May 13, 2015: Spring Planting

Crop Talk

The Newsletter of Great Country Farms
May 13, 2015: Spring Planting

May 2015

Spring Planting

This week, the first tomatoes went out of the greenhouse and into the fields, where they'll be further encouraged by slow-drip irrigation. We'll do staggered plantings over the next month so our tomatoes will ripen in waves through July and August. Also heading out into the open air: squash, cabbage, broccoli, and kale. Potatoes and onions went into the ground last week, and now that the soil is warming up, we've started green beans, spinach, and sweet corn from seed.

In This Issue

Asparagus!

Many blessings in the market this week, most notably our own asparagus, which has begun to turn even the heads of people who don't normally eat asparagus. Market Table Bistro in Lovettsville bought 60 pounds of it this week. We also have Carolina tomatoes, cucumbers, and melons available to whet your appetite for things to come.

Speaking of things to come, here's a glimpse of the peaches we'll be picking in July:

CSA bonus this week: One bag of spinach (U-pick) and one bundle of asparagus. Wagons leave for the U-pick fields at 11:00, 1:00, and 3:00.

CSA routing will begin next week, and we'll publish delivery days by zip code in the last week of May. Watch Crop Talk for details.

Strawberry Update

They look like this today:

The number of berries per plant is high, but they're still green. Watch Facebook for status updates, and while you're waiting, you might check Barn Talk for our unscientific analysis of what a real strawberry can do to your face.

Butterfly Update

One of our Monarch larvae has attached himself to a milkweed stem and assumed the chrysalis position.

Once he's wrapped himself in silk, it should take him about 10 days to achieve miraculous transformation. The next time you're in the market, take a look at these guys. They're in the little mesh tent on the cookbook island. You can read about our Monarch way station in Barn Talk.

Spring Farm Tour

T wenty-seven Loudoun County farmers will open their barns and fields to the general public this weekend. We will be open as usual from 9:00 until 6:00 this weekend, and we encourage members to come by to pick up their bonuses -- spinach and asparagus, but this is also a great chance to visit places that usually aren't accessible.

Several vineyards are featured as well, including Stone House Meadery, which uses local honey to make the drink of Nordic gods and Gaelic kings.

For more information, consult the tour's website.

Light and Fresh

Asparagus Frittata

This recipe from Trisha's Southern Kitchen is proof that country singer Trisha Yearwood is more than just a pretty voice. Lucky Garth Brooks! With food like that in the kitchen, it's a wonder he ever goes out on the road.