Cover Cropped, Composted, Complete

Thanks to the warm and dry autumn, this is the first growing season where we've been able to sow cover crops and spread compost over 100% of the farm. This time of year fields are normally too moist to drive machinery in and/or temperatures are too low to guarantee decent seed germination so we simply leave crop residue to keep the soil protected over the winter. This season, however, has been quite an anomaly, at least precipitation-wise. We always try to cover as much of the farm as possible in compost and plants but are often limited by uncontrollable factors. Last week, after we finished the harvesting of field crops, we mowed, spread compost, chisel-plowed, broadcast the cover crop mix, then disked it in. About 300 pounds of winter rye, oats, hairy vetch, and crimson clover was sown over an acre of field space that was home to the fall crops we've been receiving for the past couple of months. Hopefully last night's .35" of rain plus any residual soil moisture from irrigation is enough to wake up the sown seeds.

Soon, we'll turn the page on this season and begin planning (and planting) for 2025. But for now, we reflect on this season and are most thankful for and appreciative of our wonderful crew of farmers, Alex, Andrea, Connor, Craig, and Gabby, who are amazingly hard working and importantly are good folks to work with. Our supportive membership, thank you for allowing us to grow healthy produce for you and your family.

Want produce after the official CSA season is over? Look for an e-mail announcing flash share sales at some point later this month and December. Once harvest is concluded this week, we'll take stock of tunnel greens and storage produce and will base our plan off of that.