Sizzling, sweltering, stifling heat.  Seems as though if we perspired one drop more we would melt away and evaporate into the callous Texas summer abyss.  We are so busy at the farm with projects on projects, our heads are spinning.  The dog days of summer have us swimming in eggplant, one of our favorite darlings from the nightshade family.  The lull in cucumbers has ceased as well, and we have a bona fide cucumber comeback on our hands.  So, break out those cucumber salad recipes that are so evocative of sweet, sultry summertime, and enjoy!

Photo by Scott David Gordon.

As always, we are working daily, harvesting this season’s vegetables, but also planning ahead for the next succession of crops.  We are looking forward to the cooler temperatures, and doing tons of seeding in the greenhouse for Fall planting.  There are a plethora of transplants getting their start in our greenhouse currently, the list including: artichoke, broccoli, cauliflower, amaranth, collards, kale, basil, kohlrabi, endive, bok choi, lots of peppers (hot and sweet), as well as a trial of a new orange bell pepper variety.  We’ve been planting early turnips and radishes, our fall round of peppers and tomatoes, malabar spinach, braising mix, and our last cycle of okra in the field this week, too.

On top of that, we are thrilled to announce that we harvested our first ever Blanc du Bois grapes!  Talk about a mouthwatering treat to beat the heat!  It’s been a long time coming, and is so sweet to see the literal and delicious fruits of our labor.  Give us a few more years for full grape production, but for now, we will be offering limited amounts at farmers markets.  Grab a bunch before we run out!

Photo by Scott David Gordon.

We are finishing up a total engine rebuild job on our 30-year-old 265 Case offset tractor.  This piece of equipment is used for one specific task on the farm which is first cultivation when the crops are an inch or two tall.  Thus far, this is probably one of the most complex repair jobs we have ever done of the farm.  We had to order pieces all the way from Japan, and combine new parts with old.  It’s been an intensive process, but we have learned immensely.

Tractor repair. Photo by Brenton Johnson.

We have also been graced with some amazing volunteer help this week.  Starting with a bee workday this past Saturday, volunteers came in, cleared overgrown underbrush, and brought in a new hive to its new home on the farm.  Jason Minnix, the lead beekeeper working with the volunteers, checked on the progress of the original hive, and the colony seems, albeit aggressive, happy and healthy with tons of honey to boot!  Along with aiding in the surfeit of greenhouse seeding, we can’t thank all of our volunteers enough for all the extra hands and smiles.

Photo from St. David's Environmental Guild.

Last but not least, we are chompin’ at the bit for the showing of The Seer at the farm this Saturday night, July 9, hosted by the Alamo Drafthouse.  In case you haven’t heard, the proceeds will go towards rebuilding our greenhouses that were demolished by storms, as well as generally aiding in healing from so many setbacks that the overly water-saturated Spring supplied.  We are preparing the farm this week, and couldn’t be more excited to welcome everyone to such a special, unique event.  There will be more than 20 different local farms represented at the affair, plus farmers (and kiddos) get in free of charge!  The Ginger Armadillo, El Cruz Ranch, and Cold Ones Pops, will be slingin’ delectable treats and savory dishes from their food trucks, too.  Picnics, of course, are welcome, and the event is BYOB.  So come and join us, we can’t wait to see everyone.

Soon to be movie screen. Photo by Scott David Gordon.

Thanks for tuning in this week!  Until next time!

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