October Updates from Table Root Farm
September’s drought came to an abrupt end with the arrival of Helene. We were extremely fortunate here in North Fulton as the storm was initially looking like it would pass directly over us, but as we know now, the storm turned eastward and then sat over southern North Carolina and surrounding areas. While we are incredibly grateful for the water we received, I am well aware that the devastating destruction of towns just a few hours away is the result of this fine line between just enough and too much. The world of farming exists in a realm where the environment dictates how successful a crop will be and as consumers, it’s important to recognize how delicate this balance is and how hard farmers work to compensate for too much or too little water, too much or too little wind, too many or too few bugs. This storm was a reminder, to me, that the creation of a community is invaluable to the success of small, local agriculture (as well as to the health of a community after destruction). One farm may have a bumper crop while another a mile down the road loses everything and by working together, these farm communities can hold one another up through all the seasons.
I am optimistically hopeful that the rain we received will get my fall crops up to speed as germination rates were low after the early September planting. Temperatures crept back up into the 90’s and we went just about the entire month without any rain, so fall seeds were not receiving their ideal germination environment. I will give everything a week or two and then plant more quick growing crops such as kale, chard and collards. The last few tomato plants fell over during the heavy rains and the okra is ready to be pulled – not sure if it’s actually done, or if I’m done harvesting! My pepper plants seem to have found their groove and I have peppers of every temperature and variety populating every corner of my refrigerator. I made my first batch of pickled peppers last week and will make a whole bunch more if we deem it a success. I also received my Aunt Barbara’s pepper jelly recipe and I’m eager to try to replicate the happiness that it brought me as a young girl.
The farm house’s first month on Airbnb has been a complete success and while the initial rush of bookings has had me learning with my feet in the fire, the response to the space has been exactly what I was hoping for. The guests seem to enjoy the space and its energy as much as I do. If you’d like to share the listing with friends or family who are coming to the area, you can use this link.
While I will be paring back on cooking classes at the farm, the following classes are currently available:
Tues, October 8th at 11-1 or 5:30-7:30: Fall Salads at Table Root Farm
Wed, October 9th from 12-1: Fall Salads at Old Rucker Farm Sign up here
Tues, October 22 from 5:30-7:30: Soups at Table Root Farm
Stay safe, say hi to a neighbor…or a stranger, and get outside to enjoy the fall weather.
All my best,
Kalee