Youth Farm CSA Newsletter: July 9th (week 6)
Farm Update: I am pretty sure you could watch squash growing right before your eyes, the ocean of green taking over the neighboring row. The ability to shade out competitors is a quality many a growers, myself included, appreciate. I love when a plant takes on some of the weed management. Plants like squash, potatoes, and broccoli create a pretty dense canopy making it increasingly more difficult for weeds to succeed below them. Whereas onions, corn, and many root crops like beets and carrots need a bit more assistance in keeping weeds from going to seed all season long. One of the ways we manage for weeds and soil health at the Youth Farm is by under-sowing a cover crop.
The idea of under-sowing cover crop is a pretty cool one. Basically you have to have a very well weeded bed, then, when you feel sure the main food crop is big enough to not be out competed, you plant your cover crop of choice. The cover crop then grows underneath your main crop, adding organic matter, out competing weeds and generally adding to the health of the soil community. If all goes as planned we will be doing a good bit of under sowing this week at the Youth Farm. We will plant clover with corn and squash, and if we can get our hands on some vetch that will go with the carrots and maybe even in with the beans.
In your share this week: expect broccoli, peas, carrots, beets, salad mix, kale, scallions (also referred to as green onions, or bunching onions), head cabbage, and lettuce. All I can say is yah peas! Also we would love to take your used plastic grocery bags from you. I know most of us have a wad of plastic bags at home, bring them to the farm we would greatly appreciate them.
Recipe: A Light Asian Saute
Take your peas and broccoli and prepare by pulling the little string off the peas and cutting broccoli to large bit size pieces. Prepare your scallion by cutting them length wise and then once in half. Heat up some oil (I’m thinking canola or olive) and add the scallions and a pinch of salt. Cook for just a minute or two, then add your broccoli and peas. Throw in some minced ginger, garlic, crushed red pepper, a splash of soy sauce or similar product (braggs or tamari are great too), a bit of honey. Then when the veggies have come to that beautiful electric green take the pan off the heat and throw in some toasted sesame oil. I love this very simple dish. There are lots of versions out there if you want to get more elaborate, either way have fun and enjoy.
If you would like more information about the Youth Farm and our goings-on, please check us out at www.gardencityharvest.org and www.Youthhomes.com, and check out more blog posts!
