Succession Planting and Summer Weeding
Remember the round of cucurbits and other summer crops we planted back in July? They are doing well and looking healthier now that the field has had a chance to dry out! We’re hoping these crops mature well throughout the month of August so we can begin harvesting them next month. Here are some of the crops that you can look forward to on the harvesting horizon: slicing cucumbers, zucchini, baby butternuts, banana peppers, and baby bell peppers.
Every season, we plant multiple rounds or “successions” of the same crops. During the summer, these successions are spaced out about every 2-3 weeks. Succession planting helps ensure that we are able to harvest a continuous supply throughout the season. It also helps in the event of weather or pest related issues. A great example of succession planting is our two rows of long beans in the photo above. You can see the newest round ready to start producing on the left while the older plants on the right have reached the end of their life cycle.
During the summer months, we intentionally reduce the footprint of the farm. This allows us to cover crop sections of the farm (above) and get them ready for fall. It also allows us to get ahead of weed pressure by tarping. Since we don’t use any herbicides in the field, every weed is dealt with by hand. A great way for us to tackle a large area is by placing a tarp on vacant beds. The tarps block out the sunlight which smothers new weed growth. You can see this process in action in the high tunnel below. In a few weeks, these beds will be primed and ready for fall planting!
In Season at the Farm Stand: Poblanos Peppers, Jalapeno Peppers, Shishito Peppers, Serrano Peppers, Okra, Long Beans, Cantaloupe (limited), Italian Eggplant (limited), Cucumbers (limited), Mexicana Squash (limited), and Baby Butternuts
