2025 CSA Farm Update: Week 8
Hello everyone and welcome to Week 8 of the Katchkie Farm CSA.
The early part of last week was a hot one on the farm, with temperatures in the 90s for three days straight. This stretch was broken by an autumn-like day with winds, cooler temperatures, and two inches of rain. The soil absorbed all of the water very nicely, and as an added surprise, three beds of fall carrots that I thought were not going to germinate started poking through the soil just the other day. We were also able to get more fall carrots, hakurei turnips, kale, and radishes seeded before the rain. Planting-wise, we transplanted more fall kale, radicchio, and broccoli.
Speaking of last week’s planting, one aspect to note was that it took about twice as long as planned because our planter could not make it through the rye straw on the surface of the soil. Almost all modern-day farm machinery is meant to be run through bare soil. Good crop husbandry tells us that keeping the soil bare is a way to degrade it. This sounds like a puzzle to be solved! Our solution was to use the farm’s slower planter that allows the plants to be put in the soil by hand. Granted, this takes twice as long, but for the amount we had to plant, it served us quite well. I hope to investigate this conundrum more and arrive at some solutions.
In case anyone was wondering, the animals have not left the farm. I hooked up the mower last week to reduce some of the hiding places for our beloved furry friends. There were quite a lot of bunnies and wood chuckholes, and I even scared a deer out of the tall grass. Sadly, within a few hours of beginning my work, I started to smell something burning and saw smoke pouring out of the mower. I took a closer look, and one of the bearings had blown apart. Needless to say, my mowing has been put on pause while I await the replacement parts. I hope to have it all put back together by early next week and will continue where I left off.
This week’s share features a few exciting first-time arrivals for the season. Believe it or not, chard didn’t make it into our spring shares this year. Our early crop was unfortunately taken out by hungry deer before it was ready to harvest. But now, we’re thrilled to have gorgeous bunches of Rhubarb Supreme Chard in abundance. I cooked some last night with garlic, tomato, and onion, letting it simmer for about 45 minutes before finishing it with a touch of lemon and butter. It made a deeply flavorful and satisfying side of greens. Also making an appearance this week: mini conehead cabbages. These sweet summer cabbages are delicious both raw and cooked, making them a versatile addition to your kitchen.
Until next time,
Farmer Jon
Weekly Harvest Includes*
*We try our best to provide the most accurate CSA list in the newsletter! However, there’s always a chance of last minute substitutions in some bags if we don’t harvest enough of a vegetable.
Delicious Recipes to Try
The Green Tortilla Española is a vibrant, veggie-forward twist on the classic Spanish dish. Made with seasonal greens, tender potatoes, and farm-fresh eggs, it’s hearty enough for dinner yet light enough for a summer brunch. Delicious warm or at room temp-perfect for picnics, leftovers, or any meal in between.
Eggplant Meatballs are full of rich flavor and comforting texture. Roasted eggplant, herbs, and cheese come together to create a tender, savory bite that’s perfect over pasta, in a sandwich, or on their own with your favorite sauce. A satisfying, meat-free favorite the whole table will love.
Sustainability
August is a peak month for local harvests. Fields are vibrant, farmers are busy, and CSA shares are overflowing with the best of summer. It’s a powerful reminder of how eating seasonally supports both your health and the health of the planet.
Our CSA shares are packed full of delicious vegetables, but August has even more to offer. We encourage you to visit a local farm for a pick-your-own experience and enjoy the full bounty of the season, from berries and herbs to fresh flowers. It’s a fun and meaningful way to spend time outdoors with family or friends.
Check your local farm websites or community bulletin boards for pick-your-own dates and details.