Corn Yes? Corn No

From what I’ve been told by someone who apparently knows this, porcupines pull the corn stalk right down to the ground and raccoons just take the cobs off the stalk.  So, a big “thank you” to the raccoons which have left some of the corn stalks standing so the pole beans can still grow.  And a big “Boooooo” to the porcupines which have pulled many of the stalks down.  I guess then the crows get in on the action once the cobs are down and/or removed and left in between the rows.  It’s good to feed the wildlife, what else would they eat right?  Maybe a bit of the hundreds of acres of corn out in the fields (sigh).  Not that I wish ill on the big ag-farmers out there, but they do have lots and lots and lots, perhaps a bit gone might not hurt as much as all of mine gone.  We did plant more elsewhere, we’ll see if the animals have had their fill and not need any more – hahahahahaha.

The hummingbird feeder is certainly a hub of activity these days.  The woodpeckers removed the little yellow plastic flowers from the base so they could drink the sugar water.  I watch as chickadees, finches, wasps and ants also drink this home-made-every-single-day nectar.  I’ve even seen hummingbirds drink from the hummingbird feeder.  What a concept. 

It’s so very dry.  Sometimes Tom comes home from Cornwall and says how good it was to get an hour or so of heavy rain.  Nope, not here.  Carol will come to work saying it was nice to get the short downpour of rain the day before.  Nope, not here.  It keeps forgetting to rain in Heckston.  Watering all gardens alternately early mornings and evenings is a challenge I must say.  It’s no good to water during these hot days as the water will just get sucked up by the sun.  Despite the lack of water, the vegetables are doing remarkable well due to a bug shortage.  The birds feeding their young have been up and down and through the gardens gathering any bugs they can find.  This is good for us. 

The peppers are going to stay unpicked this week while they colour themselves up pretty.  And the cherry tomatoes are resting too until next week.  I’m afraid the flowers aren’t doing very well.  They need more water than I can provide right now – veggies are priority these days.

Carol Pillar and I are having an Event here.  We want people to know how simple local food can be prepared easily and quickly providing so much nutrition, nothing complicated, just delicious.  You can see my previous post of August 9 to find out how to register.

We’re eating the following foods this week:

Beans, green  $3 pound

Cabbage  $3 each

Carrots   $3 bunch

Celery, small (but getting bigger)  $2 bundle

Chard  $3 bag

Endive (frisee or batavian)  $3 bag 

GARLIC  $3 and $2 each  depending on the size – please specify when ordering - thanks  

Herbs:  Basil, Citrus Thyme, Dill, Lemon Balm, Mint, Rosemary, Sage, Tarragon, Thyme  $2 bunch or $5 mixed bag

Kale  $3 bag

Onions, green  $2 bundle

Onions, white, yellow, small red  $2.50 pound   A variety bag seems to be popular.

Salad Greens (washed and table-ready)  $5 bag

Shallots  $6 pound

Tomatoes  $3 pound 

Granola, with fruit  $8  500mL jar

Granola, with nuts and fruit  $10  500mL jar

Pesto, basil  $4.50 125mL (organic basil grown here, parmesan cheese, organic olive oil, walnuts, organic garlic grown here, sea salt, pepper)

Sprouts:  $3 bag

Sandwich Booster (clover, alfalfa, radish and mustard) 

Spring Salad Mix  (broccoli, radish, alfalfa & clover) 

Day Brighteners is a non-certified organic farm, where we practice sustainability and environmentally-friendly farming.  We use non-GMO seeds and products and take pride in all we do.  You are very welcome to drop by most days, but if it’s picking/packing/delivery day you take your chances on the tour.  Calling or emailing first is a good idea.  We appreciate your business very much and would like to hear from you with any comments you have.  

Perhaps you might like to be added to our Weekly Delivery List.  I send my email out every Wednesday, collect orders Thursdays and deliver Fridays (or another day convenient to us and you if you're not too close to home).  See Contact information and email or call me.  Thanks.

Until next post, have a great every day.  

Jo