Greetings from Sweetland
This week we’ve been scrambling to set up our irrigation systems in preparation for Wednesday’s 90 degree forecast. While it’s normal for us to get our systems up and running this time of year as our fields fill with transplanted and direct seeded crops, we’re extra motivated with this week’s wilting heat. The plants are thirsty, and we have lots more to transplant ASAP! What a difference from a year ago, when on May 17, 2023 we valiantly set up and ran irrigation through the night to save our veggie crops (successfully) and orchard fruit (largely unsuccessfully) from an unprecedented low temperature of 19 degrees. What a difference a year makes…
In both instances, we feel very fortunate that we are actively designing our farm to be resilient in the face of extremes. These extremes come in many forms, including weather patterns, pest populations, labor availability, market fluctuations, and more. We’re trying to be prepared for all of them! From digging irrigation ponds to building greenhouses, from planting disease-resistant crop varieties to installing field drain tiles, from growing a diversified crop plan to hiring a diversified workforce, we are doggedly trying to be one step ahead of the curveballs each season seems to throw at us. While we can’t anticipate every new situation, it sure feels great when we can flip the switch on our electric irrigation pump and make it rain! As backup, get out your dancing shoes and do a little rain dance for us.
Cheers
Norah and the Sweetland Crew
Week 2 Harvest
A quick note about eating with the seasons: You may notice that these first few weeks of the CSA are a little on the light side, as we get the season rolling. I like to describe the first veggies of the spring as akin to a tonic after a long winter of root vegetables; a little bit goes a long way to wake up our taste buds and whet our appetites. Never fear, in a few weeks’ time we will be in full summer swing, and you’ll have Sweetland produce coming out your ears! As always, our goal is that by the end of the season (barring calamity) you will have received a total value of veggies that exceeds what you paid for it!
And for now, here’s your tonic!
Half Pint
Lettuce, 1 head
Asparagus, .75 lb
Arugula, .25 lb
Carrots, .8 lb
Brimming Basket
Lettuce, 1 head
Asparagus, 1 lb
Arugula, .35 lb
Carrots, 1 lb
Veggie Monster
Lettuce, 2 heads
Asparagus, 1.5 lb
Arugula, .5 lb
Carrots, 1.5 lb
Spinach, .5 lb
What’s Cooking This Week
You can find ingredients for all of these recipes in our farm store! We source meats, dairy, grains, beans, sweets, and more from local and sustainable producers. Don’t forget to use your CSA member discount!