Reactivating our HVF Rows and Harvesting Callaloo
August 31st, 2023
As the fall season approaches, it’s time to reactivate our HVF (High Velocity Farming) rows! From fall through spring, we dedicate several beds to HVF crops. An HVF crop is one that is ready for harvesting in under 50 days. Last week we direct-seeded arugula and radishes in one of our beds since they have a bit more heat tolerance than other varieties like Hakurei turnips and lettuces. As you can see in the photo above, they’ve already begun to germinate! We’ll be seeding another row in a couple of weeks to ensure we have a steady supply of these veggies once fall arrives.
We have one more leafy summer green to offer you: callaloo. It is a type of edible amaranth that produces vibrant green leaves that can be enjoyed as you would spinach. Since callaloo is native to the tropics, it has been loving our heat and humidity! Callaloo (pictured both above and below) is best enjoyed cooked. It has a taste and texture similar to spinach but without the sweetness. We recommend sautéeing or stir-frying it with a bit of garlic and red pepper flakes for a quick and easy side dish. You can find callaloo at the Farm Stand this Saturday or add it to your Veggie Share.
Frequently Asked Farm Questions
Many of you have asked how our crops are faring in this heat and if anything is even growing at all! Here are some ways the heat affects the farm and how we plan for these incredibly hot summer days:
While the excessive heat does reduce the quantity of produce we’re able to harvest compared to other seasons of the year, we factor this into our crop plan. We grow specific varietals that can take the heat and provide us with a consistent supply throughout the summer.
Some crops will keep producing through the heat but at a slower pace. Veggies like peppers and zucchini will produce much smaller fruits than normal due to heat stress.
As much as we’d love to offer you more crop diversity during the summer, we have to stick to varieties that enjoy the heat like okra, eggplants, and long beans. Okra for instance absolutely thrives and continues to fruit and flower no matter how hot it is. Plus, its lovely blooms (pictured below) are a source of joy and beauty on the farm!
Upcoming Farm Events:
Next Farmers Market: Saturday, September 2nd from 9am-noon
Meet the Farm Tour on Saturday, September 30th from 10-10:30am (sign up here)
Currently in Season at the Farm Stand: Zucchini, Eggplant, Okra, Armenian Cucumbers, Tasty Green Cucumbers, Long Beans, Assorted Peppers, Bitter Melon, Korean Melons, Sweet Potato Greens, Malabar Spinach, Roselle Greens, Callaloo, Butternuts, and Herbs.
