BOLTING

The weather this week has been beautiful and has allowed Farm Educators to get out in full force. Mustard, Pac Choy (also known as Bok Choy), Lettuce, Cabbage and Kale have all been seeded in the greenhouse where they will live for the next four to six weeks before they are confident and ready to be transplanted into the fields. There's an exciting secession of vegetables in store for the year and we are looking ahead as we plan for produce availability.

As our southern winter comes to a close, fall crops still in-ground begin to bolt. Bolting is the production of a flowering stem in attempt to produce seeds before dying. It is important to note that the term "bolting" is only used for crops that we desire to eat before they flower, such as broccoli. When these crops begin to bolt they are removed from our harvests because their nutrients and energy become diverted to reproduction instead of the desired part of the crops. When broccoli bolts the flowers are bright yellow, and although it's florets are bloomed, some eat these too. Chefs especially love them for their bitterness and delicateness. (See picture below)

This past Saturday rang in the year of the Fire Rooster. The process of Chinese Wisdom Traditions usually guides us with the current, encouraging graceful adaptations to change. Rooster, the voice of the farm yard, energizes us to apply ourselves and take action. This rings true for the Harvest Green Village Farm where we are bolstering our work with a vision of sustainability, healthy food, and friendship with the community.

Happy Harvesting,

Agmenity