May 28, 2017
At the end of May
By Derek McGeehan

Seen above, the u-pick flower garden is up in Field 1 this year, the original CSA field first cultivated in 2004, and should begin flowering in late June or early July. Most u-pick crops will be in Field 1 this season including strawberries, peas, beans, edamame, tomatillos, husk cherries, cherry tomatoes, basil, dill, cilantro, and parsley. Raspberries and perennial herbs are closer to the parking lot. Last year we began rotating the flowers along with the other u-pick crops in order to keep everything closer together, as well as to be able to increase the amount of flowers grown and provide greater space between rows and raised beds. This year, we even went a step further and sowed oats on the off beds to feed and protect the soil and have more control over what is growing there. After mowing, it will hopefully provide more comfortable conditions in the field for you the members. We also took the same steps for the vining and sprawling tomatillos and husk cherries.

We're still firmly in spring but summer crops aren't far away. Summer squash is starting to flower and will probably arrive in shares in a week or two. Perpetual favorite hakurei turnips will begin arriving in shares later this week and beets will grace us either next week or the week after. Lettuces are also going to arrive in earnest this week, along with all of the other tasty spring greens. Baby kale will be here and probably the last of the spinach, which doesn't enjoy wet feet and all of last week's rain. Speaking of rain, we've had over 6 inches in May, which is a lot. That is the most in May here since 2009. Either way, the crops and farmers are thriving.