“Where’s the sweet corn?” After being asked the fourteenth time at the farmers market on Friday, I had to admit to myself that plants are running late. Today is August 4th and I’d estimate that we have always had corn in the box by the beginning of August.
So what’s going on? Seems like we’ve had hot days, right? Yes, but think about the nights lately. Out after dark on Saturday night, it felt downright cold and I wore a jacket harvesting yesterday – on August 3rd! We certainly had a little hot streak in July that caused all those weeds to jump up a foot in height, but we’ve also certainly had a number of rainy cool stretches mixed in too. So I think the number of growing degree days is starting to catch up to us and we’re seeing the affects on slow development of heat-loving crops like corn and melons.
But, have no fear. Those ears on on the stalks and the plants are looking good! Melons are vined out well, fruit has been setting well on tomatoes, and, hey, we did finally get a pepper and cherry tomatoes in the box. As for the mid-season beans, I can’t blame the temperatures, but I do think my dog Miso bears some responsibility because deer keep eating the tops off. This never happened when Argo was alive and patrolling the wire.
In the box:
- Cherry Tomatoes
- A Couple Green Peppers
- Sweet Onion
- Red Potatoes: Maybe the most boring thing for a recipe, but I pretty much make a hash everyday…https://www.thecomfortofcooking.com/2012/09/potato-hash-with-bell-peppers-and-onions.html
- Carrots
- Bok Choy: I know this is a head-scratcher for many and it’s the third time in the box (these things just grow extremely well this year). Here’s a bunch of ideas: https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/photos/bok-choy-recipes
- Mini Romaine Lettuces: Most people have 2 mini-heads, but a few had to receive an oakleaf lettuce.
- Fresh Garlic: This is fresh out of the ground today, so fresh and not cured yet. You’ll see the wrappers around the cloves are not papery/dry. Fine to use just as it is, but you can certainly let dry down. Just leave a in dry, sunny location in your kitchen for 5 days or so.
- Sprig of Basil: Would pair well with these cherry tomatoes and maybe a cuke from last week.
- Flat-Leaf Parsley: Dark green bunch with red band.
Lida Farm 