Turtle Times

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Vol. 12 No. 8, June 26, ‘07     7260 NW 58th  St., Johnston 50131  278-4522 (577-9208)

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Rain: 6/21, 0.3”;  6/22, 3.0 “

In the Box . . .

Broccoli ‘Arcadia’, ‘Packman’

Summer Squash ‘Sunburst’ (yellow patty pan), ‘Costata Romanesca’ (green striped), and ‘Dark Green’ (green zucchini)

Peas ‘Sugar snap’

Garlic Scapes

Scallions ‘Evergreen Hardy’

Lettuces ‘Speckled’, ‘Michelle’ (Batavian)  

Edible flowers – pansies

Herbs available by request by anyone:  sage

Herb share availability:  mint (regular and chocolate),  marjoram, thyme, sage, rosemary, summer savory, chervil, oregano

Farm Update

            This past week marked a first for me in all my gardening years.  I decided to use an organic spray—one that is allowed and frequently used by organic farmers, but one which I have tried to avoid.  But this year the cabbage worms have arrived so much earlier, that the cabbage and broccoli crops were in danger of being lost entirely if I did not do so.  So instead of having cabbage worms in your broccoli, you get the benefit of a bacteria (bacillus thuringensis, or Bt for short) that gives them a fatal stomachache instead. 

            Okay, we’re back to very wet at the farm with 3 inches of rain—probably what you had in your own yards.  It was a pretty frantic/hectic delivery time last Friday afternoon, but I think everyone eventually got their boxes.  Some of the lettuces are reacting to the hot temperatures by bolting or shooting up their stems in order to flower.  That caused us to run a bit short on lettuces last Friday, so if your bag was a bit short, that is why.  We have enough lettuces planted for several more weeks, but we will see how the quality holds up.  One lettuce that is often planted for the warmer temperatures is a type called Batavian lettuce.  We have one of those this week, ‘Michelle’.  It has the thicker leaves.

Note:  Members who need to contact me for any reason for Tuesday’s delivery, including herb share orders, should call (preferred) or e-mail Sue Forrester instead as I will be gone through Tuesday for a funeral.  Her contact info is 689-5139 or sue_forrester@msn.com.  Thanks for your patience.

Salmon Order Update

            Danielle Wirth says she can still take orders for salmon.  She also says halibut is an option as well, which I did not mention in the previous description of this seafood caper.  Contact Danielle by e-mail at ehorizon@netins.net.

Calendar Dates to note:

July 14 (Saturday) Garlic harvest at the farm 9-12

July 21 (Saturday) Practical Farmers of Iowa field day at the farm 9-12

Recipes

            Someone mentioned a use for garlic scapes that I hadn’t tried yet.  Use them in your potato cooking water to flavor your mashed or other potato dishes.

Broccoli with Asian-Style Dressing  (Angel Organics Kitchen)

1 medium head broccoli

½ c. rice wine vinegar

3 T. peanut oil

2 T. soy sauce

1 tsp. grated fresh ginger

½ tsp minced garlic

½ tsp. toasted sesame oil

½ tsp hot chili oil (optional)

Separate the florets from the stalk; break into smaller florets.  Cut the stalk into 1-inch lengths and then into matchstick-size strips.

Place the broccoli in a steamer basket set over 1 ½ inches boiling water and cover. Steam for 5 minutes.  Transfer the broccoli to a bowl.

Combine the remaining ingredients in a small bowl; stir until well combined.  Pour the dressing over the broccoli and mix well.