July is here, and right on schedule the pick-your-own garden is booming! As the CSA ramps up each season I always worry over the wispy little herb shoots and single-stemmed flowers until, BAM, everything seems to take off at once! This week the first planting of cilantro and dill are growing before our eyes and would benefit from heavy cutting. Go ahead and cut whole bunches 2-3 inches above the ground to encourage re-growth. Basil, on the other hand, takes a more nuanced approach: snip sprigs just above a Y-branch or junction and the lower branches will put out new shoots. This is true for branching flowers, like the zinnias, as well. Snap peas are fattening up, with their flat snow pea cousins close behind. It’s like an easter egg hunt for kids of all ages! And don’t forget to cut a bunch of kale for making a crunchy kale chip snack!
Summer in the garden. Is there anything better?!? Show your kids how to pick their own dinner. Gather a bouquet for your home or a friend. Take in the smell of herbs being harvested and the colors of the ever-changing sky. Take a nap under the sunflowers. And if the spirit moves you, go ahead and pull a few weeds!
Cheers, Norah and the Sweetland Crew
Week 7 Harvest, Brimming Basket
- Bok choi, 2 heads
- Rainbow chard, large bunch
- Scallions, large bunch
- Lettuce, 1 head
- Summer roots medley (radishes & baby turnips), 1.5 pounds
- Cucumbers, 4 snacking or 2 slicing
- Mesclun mix, .5 pounds
Week 7 Harvest, Half Pint
- Bok choi, 1 head
- Rainbow chard, small bunch
- Scallions, small bunch
- Lettuce, 1 head
- Summer roots medley (radishes & baby turnips), .75 pounds
- Cucumbers, 2 snacking or 1 slicing
- Mesclun mix, .25 pounds
Recipes of the Week
- Use your Summer Roots Medley and dill from PYO in this Turnip-Dill Puree
- Stir-fry chicken and bok choy pairs well with cilantro lime rice
- Rainbow in a skillet: Swiss chard with garbanzo beans
- Who needs potato chips?!? Kale chips disappear fast!