Well today is the final CSA delivery of the season (although we will continue Sunday deliveries every other week of dairy and fall crops in the off season). This is always a bittersweet moment for me. I'm typically worn out enough to be happy that the last CSA box is going out the door, but I'm a bit sad that the season's over too. These times often make me reflect on how we did. Although we had some nice warm weather this year, I was not terribly impressed with the way things grew. At the end of the day, the weeds loved the weather, which made them terrible to keep up with, and the serious rains we had all summer really stunted the growth of the plants. If I were grading the season, I would give it a C+.
Now I'm looking forward to next year, shooting for a B+ or A- at the least. We have a lot of time now to prepare the field for next season, spreading manure and disking in this years crops so they begin to break down. This should make the fields have better soil texture and greater fertility. I will also be ordering a big high tunnel (hoop-shaped greenhouse) in the next couple of days, which will allow us to grow early greens, tomatoes, and peppers. I'm sure I'll also dream up a few more projects to make 2011 great!
Lastly, I would like to thank all of you for being members this year. Maree and I could not do what we do without your commitment. All members will be receiving a survey by e-mail; please let us know how it worked from your end.
In the box:
A couple peppers
Celeriac (the ugly bulb which has a celery top): you can use this in place of celery in any recipe.
Red Kuri or Blue Bonnet winter squash
Spaghetti Squash: Oblong Yellow Squash
Two Pie Pumpkins: Yes, these work well for pies! Typically you cut in half, bake on a cookie sheet upside down, and scoop out after it's soft.
Red Potatoes
Bunch of Carrots
Parsnips: the ones which look like white carrots
