Drought continues to worsen
We have had virtually no rain in 3 weeks, less than 1/8". Our pond is down about 12" from irrigating. It takes about 3 weeks for the pond to go down the first 12", then another 2 weeks for the next 12" and then about 5 days for another foot. If rain doesn't come soon in sufficient quantity we will be in serious trouble as our irrigation will be compromised. Last week Leslie tilled up the harvested garlic patches and we planned on planting mustards and other veggies that the animals usually don't eat, such as onions and herbs, but with the lack of water we have to concentrate on areas we can irrigate properly. Looking back at old newsletters, it is almost the same headline for the past few years for this time of year.
From the Fields:We are concentrating our watering on the newly seeded areas. The dicon radishes, mustard greens and turnips are all up. Our first planting of squash & cucumbers is slowing down considerably. The second planting is coming along nicely. Our tomatoes are slower than we would like, but looking at almost losing them earlier in the season with the excessive rain, they have rebounded o.k. The second planting of cilantro & fall planting of broccoli both have failed to germinate. The second seeding of carrots & Chinese greens however are doing well.
Weather Report:Dry-Dry-Dry, though much cooler. We are able to work in saving the field crops from the weeds. There was a thunderstorm in the area which dropped a ½" of rain at Farmer Diane's but the storm missed our farm completely. She wasn't very sympathetic, as the last storm we did received dropped rain on our farm & not on hers!
Animal Report:It has been quiet at the farm with few animal problems. Usually during a drought, the animals see green in our fields and want to break in, but this year we only have our wayward groundhog eating the parsley. Perhaps it has been too hot for many of them to venture out. We won't complain, no animals problems, but we would like some rain, the nice "soaking-in" kind of rain.
Fruit Report: Shiro plums from Windy Brow Farm. These have a nice yellow color. A Japanese variety introduced in 1899. They are pleasantly sweet & juicy.
Upcoming Events:
Tomato Tasting - September 9th - Ramsey Day
Garlic Gathering - October 7-8 -
info @ www.jerseygrown.com
Creature of the Week:
Sparrow on our fence post! They made a nest in a tomato plant and obviously perturbed that we were picking the tomatoes!
Pick of the Week: Click on the link below (or on the right) for your drop-off location. This time of year the deliveries will be the same in pounds & variety but may include different items at each location.
Hoboken Midtown Drop -Off
Hoboken West Drop-Off
Jersey City Hamilton Park Drop-Off
Ramsey Drop-off
Vernon Valley Drop-Off
On-Farm Pick-up
Click here for the Recipes of the Week
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