There is no time of the year that is more joyous and hopeful, for a Georgia farmer, than late May & early June. This year, in particular, has offered cooler than average spring temperatures and well spaced rain showers with plenty of sunshine. The summer crops are just about ready for their first harvest with the zucchini, yellow squash, and green beans leading the charge with their gorgeous blooms and stunningly vibrant colors on display. The eggplant flowers are hiding among their big leaves and the tomatoes and peppers have put out their first fruits while growing rapidly into their cages. I am eagerly awaiting the first okra blooms, which always shock me with their delicate beauty. The Dahlias, sunflowers, marigolds, zinnias, and cosmos are growing tall and I look forward to having fresh bouquets in July. The winter squash and cucumber vines are expertly climbing their homemade trellis’ while producing the tiniest and cutest baby squash you can imagine. The early spring crops have just about run their course and so I will harvest the remaining beets, spinach and kale tomorrow while eating the last of the snap peas from the vines. Weed removal is still within my grasp and the spring pests are no longer a threat as the plants have grown strong enough to withstand some nibbling, while the summer pests have yet to arrive in unmanageable numbers.
As any farmer knows, this blissful moment in time is fleeting and I’m attempting to mentally prepare for all the challenges that will present themselves as the summer heat and humidity work their black magic. I will keep my fingers crossed that the extensive soil prep work, as well as improved garden layout will help with some of the fungus and pests I battled last year. But…new year, new and unexpected problems. Stay tuned for July’s post, where I expect to be less optimistic and a little more beat down!
News & Important Information
The events calendar is currently empty as summer schedules are hard to coordinate. I plan to bring back the Meal Prep 101 series, as well as monthly discussions and the book club, in July and will add dates to the events calendar in the next couple of weeks. The first meal prep class covering sauces, dips and dressings was a hit and I’d like to provide more of these 2 ish hour classes that cover small food prep topics so please let me know if there is something you are interested in having offered.
I have partnered with Riverview Farms in North Georgia as a pick up location for their beef and pork deliveries. They provide 10lb variety packs of beef or pork or a combination of the two, as well as larger orders. They deliver to the farm once a month and you can see the next available dates on their website grassfedcow.com, as well as read about their passion for raising free range,happy and healthy animals. From the online meat ordering page, you will need to pick your order, then select pick up options and Table Root Farm is near the bottom of the list. They also offer delivery to your home for an additional fee.
I have added a new page to my website, where you can find local farms that I believe offer veggies and meats that you can feel good about eating and feeding your family. If you know of a farm that you believe should be added, please let me know.
Lastly, I will be teaching one class a month at Old Rucker Farm. My first class will be June 13th, from 6:30-8pm. I would love to have you join me and experience the incredible community that has been created at Old Rucker Farm.
