CSAFarmersMarket.net

Oct 1, 2015 Growing Season Update

October already and no spectacular Michigan Fall Colors, that is because we have had no frost. Farmers and gardeners alike are very happy about that.

Even in the Upper Peninsula the trees have not changed their colors yet. Oddly since it has been a cool summer the corn and other crops grew slowly, fortunately this extra boost has provided the needed time for corn, dry beans and other crops to grow to maturity.

The sweet potatoes were dug about two weeks ago, the leeks are in the protected hoop-houses.
When the frost does arrive many crops continue to grow outside the hoop houses. Some crops like kale taste much better after a frost, the plants survival response causes it to absorb all the sugars from the root to the leaves making it so yummy.

The delayed frost is giving the pastured animals more fresh pasture than in normal years. All the farmers on the market pasture their animals, these pastured animals tend to grow slower compared to corn fed animals. For the consumer these animals provide healthier food, which is what nature intended for us to have.

This is a picture of White Pine Farm beef, which in the next month will be available for purchase on the website.