We’re looking forward to a cold winter!

We’re looking forward to a cold winter!
Celeriac, kale, and cabbages all in their prime!
Farm Update
 
We are finally looking at some much cooler temperatures this week!  Yes, the mild fall has kept a few things going in the field, but for the majority of our crops at this time of year mild temps can be challenging.  Right when we expect the temperatures to slow down growth and sweeten flavours, we need to harvest for storage so crops don’t overmature.  Since we have to store so many things early, we also have to spend a lot more energy making sure our coolers stay cold through warm days.  Insects have also been really challenging this year (likely because of the milder winter last year) and they are hanging around continuing to cause a lot more damage at a time when they are typically slowing down.  This level of (and the yearly increasing) weather unpredictability make sustainable crop planning very difficult.

Working outside in cold temperatures takes a lot more time, equipment and mental stamina, but cold winters are as important to our ecology as summer heat is.  So yes, we appreciate harvest days when we aren’t soaking wet and can still feel our fingers, but we are definitely looking forward to and hoping for a cold winter so plants and trees can experience a proper dormancy period and to have a natural interruption in pest cycles.  

Part of our winter preparation includes seeding cover crops wherever possible so that the soil has some cover over the winter and established roots to hold it’s structure in the spring which prevents erosion.  Rye, for example, is also allelopathic so it can also help keep other weeds at bay.  Then next season, part of our soil preparation includes mowing and turning these cover crops under so they can boost the organic matter in our soil which feeds beneficial microbes and contributes to good soil texture.  This is often called a ‘green’ manure.  Cover cropping is basically a 4-in-1 way to support our soil health an important contributor to healthy (and tasty) crops!
Setting your Preferences: You can set food preferences for your subscription!  These preferences will change what goes into the initial list of produce we send you.  We really recommend doing this (or updating it) because it helps you start out with more things you like, especially if you don't end up customizing your order on a given week.  Also note: If you were a member with us when we used Harvie, your preferences were not able to be carried over and should be re-set!  To change them, go to ‘My Account’ and look on the right side of the page, or click this link below:
SET YOUR PREFERENCES
Job opportunities: We are looking for a delivery driver for 2-3 days a week.  Driver resumes should be sent to chris@commongroundfarm.ca​
 
Red cabbage is very potent this year!  It washed off to more of a blue than purple, but Kristin's hands were stained for days
 
FARM STORE NOTES
 
Things to note from us:  We have a Mixed Radish Basket which is a great way to try some of each of our staple winter radishes or just add more variety!
 
Herbs will slow down after this week!  Make sure to save them for the winter.  Herbs freeze well chopped or in oil. Rosemary, thyme, oregano and sage all dry very easily at room temperature, no equipment needed.
 
From the field: Green onions, leek, beets, carrots, parsnips, root parsley, cabbages, napa, cauliflower, kale, turnips, kohlrabi, celeriac, radishes, head lettuces, greens, and lots of herbs.
 
From greenhouses and hoophouses: swiss chard, dill, cilantro
FROM OUR SUPPLIERS:
 
Great Lakes Farms (Port Stanley): Mutsu, Empire, Jonagold, Courtland, Gala, Macintosh, Honeycrisp, Northern Spy and Fuji apples
 
HOPE Eco-Farms (Aylmer): Red hubbard, acorn, butternut, futsu squashes. Sweet potatoes and eggs. 
 
Our Feild's Farm (Aylmer): Garlic
 
Daryl Myny (Aylmer): Spanish onions.
 
Pfenning's: Spanish and red onions.
 
Through Pfenning's:Novaspy and Liberty apples.  Travelling from further away; citrus, ginger, turmeric.
 
Bakery: Seth/La Houlette de vie (St. Thomas) is bi-weekly now and is OFF this week.  Artisan Bakery (London) is available until they closeout on Tuesday morning.  
 
Dairy: Milk, yogurt, and curds are from Mistyglen Creamery (Belmont).  Please note: bottles and jars need to be rinsed well before being returned.
 
Pantry: Mixed-pack cans from Booch (London) and cold-pressed hemp and sunflower oil from Mat's Fine Oils (Staffordville).
 
 
Rye cover crop getting established.  This will become a dense carpet

Weekly pickup / delivery schedule:

Farm pickup will be Thursday from 4 to 8 pm. 

Deliveries will be Thursday or  Friday in London / St.Thomas.  We will send out the schedule Wednesday night.

Refer-a-friend:  If you refer a friend and they sign up for our 2024 main season please send me a note and I'll give you a $25 credit as a thank-you on your account!
link:
Note that if you you will no longer get reminders about your subscription!

Common Ground Farm 6986 Middle River Road St. Thomas, Ontario N5P 3S9
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