CSA SUMMER SHARE WEEK #3 Our Mid Summer Cover crop of Buckwheat was sown in many areas of the farm this week. When turned in, the buckwheat adds organic matter and makes soil nutrients, particularly phosphorus and calcium, more accessible to the Autumn crops that will be planted soon. Buckwheat’s shallow white blossoms attract beneficial insects that attack or parasitize aphids, mites, and other pests. These beneficials include hover flies (Syrphidae), predatory wasps, minute pirate bugs, insidious flower bugs, tachinid flies, and lady beetles. Flowering can start as early as three weeks after planting – so it is a very quick crop.

The melon plantings are starting to ripen and we hope that with the warm weather this week the sweet corn will be ready to get into the boxes next week. The Capsicum, Eggplant and Chilli plantings are all looking very healthy and while they are just starting to fruit they will be rotated through the boxes until there is enough for all.

NOTES ON WHAT'S GROWING

Photos this week...

Farm Pick Up times are Friday 2-5pm and Saturday 8-11am - Outside of these times, by appointment only.

There are boxes of cucumbers and zucchini available for preserving. If you are interested, please email us at petercarlyon@gmail.com.

NOTES ON STORING THE HARVEST Please check out our Vegetable & Fruit page on the website to find tips on maximizing the life of your veggies. We envisage that many of the vegetables you are receiving this week will last for two weeks with careful attention to storing upon arrival. Although we do wash all the greens after harvest, we are washing to take the heat out of the plants and wash away some surface dirt, not to prepare them for consumption. We also spray a seaweed/herb brew about every ten days. While this will not harm you, it does have a taste. We do suggest washing your produce prior to eating.

WHAT’S IN THE BOX The following are the items harvested this week. Items and quantities in your box may vary depending on your harvest day and the total harvest of each crop. The boxes are completely governed by what is ripe and ready for harvest and how much of it there is. We endeavor to divide the harvest fairly. 1/4 share: 5-7 items 1/2 share: 8-10 items Full Share: 10-12 items

Mixed Basil Bunches Mixed Beans Beetroot Carrots Chilies Cucumbers Lettuce Onions Potatoes

Tomatoes

Zucchini

EXTRAS Capsicum Cherry Tomatoes Chilies Kale Silverbeet Squash