My farm mentor, Paul Burkhouse, had a term for vegetable farming in July – The Heart of Darkness. Like in the book where things got worse and worse the further you traversed down the river, that’s July!
About 7-8 days ago after some rain, heat, and humidity, we found ourselves engulfed in a weed explosion, foxtail and pigweeds jumping up feet in a matter of days. The only way out is like in an action movie where you have to fight your way out, hand-to-hand combat. You lose some of your crew along the way, just like our second plantings of beans. Too far gone. I made the call – mow them down.
July also gets hairy because it isn’t just weeding. This is the one time of year when we still planting while harvesting and also keeping weeds in check. Throw in the tomato trellis, which is a beast of task, and you can get this “how are we going to get this done” kind of panic.
But in most action movies, the team does get out. I’m no SEAL team commander, but, at this point in my life, I am like a grizzled sergeant on his 20th tour of duty. I’ve engaged this enemy before and I know we will break through to August.
In the box:
- Cilantro
- Parsley
- Green Onions: Friday people, we’ll transition you to spring onion bunches.
- Green Cabbage
- Kohlrabi
- Cucumber
- Zucchini
- Romaine Lettuce
- Daikon Radish or Two
- Fresh Basil
- Red Butterhead or Red Oakleaf Lettuce
Lida Farm 