The First Ripe Tomatoes & Caterpillars Feasting on Chard

Village Farm Team,

We spotted the first few ripe Sungold tomatoes this week so hopefully by next week we’ll have enough to harvest for you! These were definitely a community favorite last year so we can’t wait to offer them again. Not to be upstaged by the tomatoes, our summer squash are quickly coming along as well! Nearly all of the varieties we planted on the first succession are setting blooms. Did you know that squashes produce both male and female flowers on the same plant? Only the female blossoms will set fruit once pollinated by the male blossoms. Luckily, our pollinators help us out with this process so we don’t have to do it by hand.

We’ve noticed that the caterpillars are really having a feast on our chard. Luckily, they’re sticking to the chard and leaving the kale for us so for now we’re using the chard as a trap crop to keep them away from our other veggies. This means that chard is quickly making its way out of season so make sure to get your fill while you can!

Over the last couple of weeks we’ve had a significant increase in Farm Club members. We’re thrilled that our community is using this time to learn more about the process of growing food! Taking part in this process helps to instill a greater understanding and appreciation for what goes into farming. And, it allows you to cultivate a deeper connection with the food that makes its way onto your plate. If you’re a Harvest Green resident and want to learn more, head here.