Light

We have entered the final few weeks of crop growth this season. Typically plants stop growing once daylight hours drop below 10 hours in a single day which will happen on November 6th. Right now, we are hovering around 11 hours of daylight and are noticing subtle changes in our plants as greens continue to get larger, beans are maturing in GH3, and the cilantro gets a touch bigger each day. For perspective, we are experiencing the same daylight hours now that happen the last week of February and about 4.5 hours less daylight hours than the summer solstice on June 20th.

As mentioned in previous newsletters, spinach tends to be the one crop we can grow that will survive the plunging cold winter temperatures, not much growth occurs, however once day light hours begin to increase again come February and March, overwintered spinach takes off. Being further away from the equator, we have greater daylight hour difference between the winter and summer soltices. On equator there is generally year round consistancy of 12 hours darkness and 12 hours light per 24 hour day.

Want to see specific daylight hour amounts along with sunrise and sunset times, check out Time and date

Also check out this article on the Johnny’s seeds website about the effect of shorter daylength on plant growth.

GH6 cilantro growing just a little bit each day. We were’nt sure if this succession was going to amount to anything, however are pleased to see it is now bunch-able!

Despite the lack of water, the spinach seeded at the oxbow germinated and has done alright. We are hoping to get one cut this fall before covering and protecting for the winter.

Water and GH7

Evrald and Sam spent a bit of time repairing some tears in GH8. Plastic starts to break down due to sun exposure and weather typically needing to be replaced every 5-7 years. The recent winds found a weak spot which thankfully Shawn noticed . Black Zip tape and Clear Greenhouse tape has hopefully given us another 6-9 months before needing to replace the plastic.

We moved GH7 yesterday in maybe 15 minutes from start to finish and never documented the moment. Check out our self guided tour video for some Moveable GH information!

We share 809 Brook Road with Woodland Community School. CHILDREN AND PARENTS MAY BE STILL IN AND AROUND THE DRIVEWAY WHEN CSA PICKUP BEGINS, PLEASE BE CAREFUL NAVIGATING THE PARKING LOT.

Pickup
Come anytime between 3 pm and 6 pm on Thursday.

Please bring your own bags or box to gather your choices.

 Remember to contact us in advance if you will be unable to pick up on Thursday, so that we can store your share in our walk-in refrigerator to keep it fresh. You can email or call us to let us know. Thank you to all of those who have already arranged another time to pickup!

Here's what you will find in this weeks share:

When you arrive at the farm, look for the CSA sign straight ahead and to the left.

Jaime will check you in and help you gather your share.

The Fall CSA is a set share chosen by your MSF Farmers. You will receive everything on the “basket” list. We will have a trade box available if you would like to trade one (1) of your items!

Picture from the Johnny’s Selected Seeds website

You may have noticed the sign in the farm-stand with winter hours. Starting November 1st we will be closed Tuesday - Thursday and open Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. However, we will open the stand during the Thursday CSA Pickup in case while you are here picking up your share you want to grab a few other things. Thanks!

Your Farmer, Sam (For Tim, Mikaela, Jeannie, Jim, Evrald, Shawn, Jav, Jeb, Colin, Jaime, Wyatt, Ani, Sophie, Cole, and Jess)