Back to list of posts...

Last one for 2011

November 6th, 2011

Here is the last harvest list of the season. 2011 was not a stellar year for farmers in Vermont. At the very least, however, we’ve all learned some things about resilience. Six weeks of pouring rain followed by a month of blistering heat, followed by another six weeks of constant rain is not ideal. Next year will be different, and that’s enough for now.

What else can a farmer do at the end of such a tough season? Plan for next season. Search for the last winter squashes, previously hidden under dying weeds. Clean up beds full of blackened tomato plants, and spread composted manure. Bring in drip irrigation tape and row covers. Figure out where to plant garlic, and then work by moonlight to press every single seed clove under ground. Spread bales of mulch hay. Dream of better weather.

Thanks to you all for sticking with me this year. Being a farmer is truly what I want to do, and you all make it possible. I look forward to sending next year’s grand plans to you around the new year, when my fields are covered in snow and my mailbox is full of seed catalogs. Keep an eye on your email for the news.

Here’s the list:

BUTTERNUT SQUASH – is wicked cheap! does not look awesome, but the skin stains don’t affect anything inside. they’re tasty, and will store just fine. stock up! – $1.00/lb.

PIE PUMPKINS – called winter luxury. the baking pumpkin that truly lives up to its name. – $1.25/lb

CARROTS – bright orange, and sweetened by frost. – $3.00/lb.

BULB FENNEL! – great in soup, or on the grill, or sliced thin in salad… – $3.00/lb.

KALE – sweeter now, due to cold nights. – $3.00/bunch

SWISS CHARD – the rainbow kind, of course. – $3.00/bunch

ITALIAN PARSLEY – goes with everything! (okay, except for anything made of chocolate.) – $2.00/bunch

SCALLIONS – small, pungent green onions. – $2.50/bunch

Thanks, everyone. You all are the best. See you on Wednesday.