We’ve still been working under a hot sun this past week, but it looks like next week will be much cooler. That sun hasn’t slowed us down too much though with our gardening tasks! We decided to try out a few different experiments in our garden.
One sister waiting for the others
1) The Three Sisters technique: With our corn sprouting and looking strong, it’s time we phased in the other two sisters (beans and squash). Michelle and I planted pole beans around the corn on the perimeter of the quadrant where they are and Libby planted all different kinds of squash in the rows between the corn. We’ve been trying to keep that space well-watered all week, so we’ll see what happens there.
2) Cover Crops: In the rows where we used to have onions and potatoes, Libby and I planted buckwheat! I’ve been reading a lot that not only is buckwheat good at fixing the soil with nutrients, but it also will bring in more pollinators like bees. This is awesome news for me! Libby and I also planted a whole bunch of wildflowers in with the buckwheat. We hope that in about two months, those rows will be like mini meadows.
Our eggplants look so good!
3) Update on the radish/eggplant companion planting experiment: About a month ago, we planted radishes in between the eggplants in one of our rows. The idea was that the flea beetles which were attacking our eggplants would be distracted by the radishes and would then go after them instead. As it turns out, I can’t really tell the difference between the eggplants that have radishes around them and those that don’t. However, they both look awesome! We actually harvested some of the radishes this week for our CSA.
The CSA Spread: Radishes, Beets, Carrots, Squash, Cabbage, Kale, and Swiss Chard
Exploding Squash
Speaking of the CSA, we had another great week. Our surprise item this week was…squash! I wasn’t sure if we were going to have enough for everyone, but we ended up harvesting 13 squash and 3 zucchini! Here’s the crazy part though: this morning Libby harvested 4 more. I always forget just how fast they grow, they are such an exuberant bunch.
CSA Produce
The end of this week was just full of harvesting because this morning we harvested kale, Swiss chard, cabbage, purslane (an herb that can be put in salads), and basil for the Boars Head. Next week is Restaurant Week so look out for Morven produce featured in Boars Head meals!
This morning was beautiful
!!! also, those beets are HUGE.