C.S.A. Week 7 August 7th/8th

We reluctantly set up irrigation last week as plants have gotten big, and the sky has stayed clear. Usually we set up irrigation in June, but with the intensely rainy spring there has been no need. To be fair, we did have hoses running out to our greenhouse and have been watering that off the house well since the plants went in, as the greenhouse receives no natural rain water. We did really enjoy the 2 months off from watering the rest of the garden. We set up a gas pump down by the pond, and although not a big deal, it is just one more chore added to the weekly list, refilling and keeping everything on some kind of watering schedule. We primarily use drip irrigation. A large line runs from our pump to “header lines” at the top of every garden, and then each bed has 1-2 drip lines running down the length of it. The drip irrigation does a much superior job to sprinklers, using much less water and soaking deep down to the roots where the plants need it. This time of year especially, drip is preferred, as wet leaves from overhead irrigation can lead to mold and fungus problems on the plants.

In the share:

• Cherry Tomatoes

• Tomatoes

• Summer Squash/Zucchini

• Green Sweet Peppers

• Kohlrabi

• Carrots

• Bibb lettuce

• Cucumbers

Cherry Tomatoes/Corn Salad

(We don’t grow corn, ask us why if you want to know, but we’re sure you can find some to go with our delicious cherries!!!)

• 1/4 cup minced fresh basil

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 teaspoons lime juice

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

• 2 cups frozen corn, thawed

• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 cup chopped seeded peeled cucumber

In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the basil, oil, lime juice, sugar, salt and pepper; shake well.

In a large bowl, combine the corn, tomatoes and cucumber. Drizzle with dressing; toss to coat. Refrigerate until serving.