Farm Tour Redux

A disclaimer before I get into the "meat and potatoes" of this week's post...It is late (for someone who is seven months pregnant, 9:45 on just about any night of the week is considered "late" these days) and I am tired...and you can no longer tell where my calves end and my feet begin (I kid you not)...it is for this reason, and this reason only, that this week's post is totally devoid of pictures.  I have some really great photos from Saturday's tour that I want to post (plus the recipe for the zucchini bread I made...and Louise's "zucchini steak" recipe) but just couldn't get it done tonight...and let's be honest, the majority of you read these weekly posts to find out what you are getting at this week's pickup.  I didn't want to deprive those of you who are anxiously awaiting that information and I also didn't want to get off this routine of posting every Wednesday...so, there's my disclaimer for tonight's drab post...even though the subject matter was anything but!

Maybe because I am the "farmer's wife," or maybe because we are so invested in making our farm dreams come true, but I thought this weekend's Farm tour was spectacular!!  We had about twenty visitors, mostly friends and family but members, too!  The first part of the tour included brief introductions and moved quickly on to Michael's explanation of all the farm equipment and implements that are used during the farming season.  Even though I've seen all of the equipment before, I have not necessarily seen it all in use and cannot always remember what each one is used for.  For me, this was the most impressive part of the tour.  My boy sure knows what he is talking about! From cultivating tractors to specially-made chisel plows, I learned more about why they are useful and how he actually uses them (or doesn't).  Truth be told, we have plenty of farm books around the house...I just thought they made for good bathroom reading (for him, not me!) but I realize now that they are more like his textbooks, places from which his vast knowledge of all things farming come.  I stand (happily) corrected!

After a discussion on the Farm equipment, we loaded up the borrowed hag wagon and began the journey to the fields.  I rode along behind the wagon in  car (sitting cross-legged is not something this pregnant lady can do gracefully at this point) but it looked like all had fun on the ride!  We got to the fields, where we promptly refreshed with some water, zucchini bread and homemade cookies, as Farmer Mike explained what was in each field, his planned crop and field rotation and allowed the "tourists" to walk down the paths between the beds to see, hands-on, how their produce grows.  We saw gorgeous okra flowers (who knew!), cherry tomatoes, LOTS of green tomatoes (get ready!!) and the beginnings of our fall crops...just to name a few. 

Although I spend more time out there than the average person, this summer I haven't.  I am always amazed by how much Michael has growing at a given time and am even more impressed at his ability to bring food to so many tables each week.  I want to thank each of you who took time out of your weekend schedule to see the Farm, to listen to Michael and even more generally and basically, to support us in our endeavors.  Without you, One Acre Farm could not be!  Here's to hopefully many more successful Farm tours!!

This week's share will consist of: cucumbers, potatoes, onions, leeks, green beans, eggplant, squash, and basil.

Until next time...

Talk About Not Living in the Moment...

For those of you who know Michael on a personal level (as opposed to the extremely social farmer you see on distribution days), you know that he constantly struggles with "living in the moment."  I will give credit where credit is due -- he has gotten much better about living in the moment recently.  As we were discussing this weeks' blog post (don't worry, I'll get to that in a moment), I realized that his inability to live in the moment is ingrained in him.  It has to be in order for him to be a successful farmer!

While you and I are enjoying our summer vegetables (summer squash, eggplant, basil, onions), Michael is busy thinking ahead for the next season's vegetables.  Not to overuse this whole "not living in the moment" theme, but I am personally looking forward to the summer's greatest bounty (tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers to be exact), but we are just delving into the deliciousness of summer that I crave on those cold, dark winter nights.

But, not too long ago, July 1st to be exact, Michael direct seeded his winter squash crop.  Acorn squash, butternut squash, spaghetti squash and pumpkins are busy germinating and sprouting into new plants:

On second thought, maybe the inability to live in the moment isn't all bad...there is a lot to look forward to in the coming months...thank goodness Farmer Mike is looking out for us!

You can expect the following in this week's share: cabbage, banana peppers, onions, potatoes, chard, eggplant and some surprises, too!  In the coming weeks, keep your eyes out for: tomatoes, cucumbers, beans, and peppers.  On the horizon (hopefully), but not quite ready yet are watermelon and cantaloupe.

Until next time...

Open House!!!

Please join us next Saturday, July 16th at 10am for an Open House at the Farm. Anyone is welcome -- family, friends, children, neighbors...pretty much anyone except your four-legged friends. We have been anxiously awaiting the time when we had our own property to welcome our members and their friends to our land to take a look at what it is Farmer Mike does all day and to see where (and how) your food grows.


We will be giving a tour of the Farm, so make sure to wear appropriate clothing and footwear. Hats are also nice to have, as is an ample coating of bug spray and sunscreen.

Directly across the street from the Farm is a County Park, Black Hill Regional Park, which we encourage you to explore as well, since you'll be making the trip out. They rent canoes and kayaks for those of you who enjoy being on the water. If you are interested in learning more about Black Hill Regional Park, check it out here: http://www.montgomeryparks.org/facilities/regional_parks/blackhill/

If you plan on attending the Open House, please email michael@1acrefarm.com for directions. If we find that there is a lot of interest but most people will be unable to attend, we may have to reschedule...so, let us know whether you plan on attending, so we can be sure to keep you updated on the Open House!


Your share this week will probably include: Squash, Potatoes (yippee!), Onions, Fennel, Basil (Lemon and Regular varieties), Chard and some combination of Eggplant, Hot Peppers or Okra.

We hope everyone is enjoying their summer so far and we look forward to seeing you on the 16th!


Until next time...