Dear Farm Community,
It seems like a small miracle that no matter how much there is to do, somehow we manage to get it done. And yet as we’re completing the miles long to-do lists, more is added onto the end! Kind of like our own personal ouroboros. But as they wisely say…. Nature does not hurry, and yet everything is accomplished. We might put a little hustle in, but ultimately knowing that our to-do list will never truly end helps us make sure we’re staying present with the things that really need our attention. Maybe after a while of working with nature every day, her ethos starts to rub off on you.
As we step further into the fall season, there’s a coziness in the air. Sure, we’re busy harvesting and turning over greenhouses (this time of year, the flips are never-ending), transplanting spring flowers like mad… but there’s been a subtle shift out of the summer breakneck hustle and into the mode of intentionality. Less about keeping our heads above water, we’re in a place of planning, planting, strategizing, preparing for what’s ahead, and recouping from the energy drain that hits us late-summer season.
Here’s a little peek at what we’ve been checking off our to do lists :~)
🧄 We planted our 2027 garlic crop!
And as we prepped our garlic seed (separating heads of garlic into individual cloves) and planted them out, we must have quoted this video of “garlic baby” about two thousand times. Looking forward to all the garlicky goodness in our future!!
There might be an unofficial farm rule that anything exceptionally big gets a face drawn on it. Naturally, this enormous clove of garlic was no exception. We don’t make the rules, we just follow them!!!
✌️ Goodbye Okra
Our okra gave us a long and fruitful season! Our harvests have dwindled and it’s finally time to say so long. But as with all cycles, we’re looking ahead to next year’s okra because………..
🌾 We sowed cover crop for our 2027 okra field!
Oats, peas, clover, and daikon, oh my! This cool-season cover crop combination will work over the winter to improve soil health by breaking up soil compaction, boosting nitrogen and phosphorous, and adding biomass to the soil. By giving our fields periodic rest from production and a little cover crop TLC, and rotating what crops go where from year to year, we make sure that we’re able to farm sustainably in this glorious soil for years to come.
🌼 We planted our second round of 2027 ranunculus last week…. along with about a zillion other spring flower babies!!!!!! We’re talking foxglove, icelandic poppies, delphinium, and a very cute flower that’s a first for us ~ bells of Ireland! Nothing like the promise of abundant beauty of obscene proportions to inspire us through the cold season 💜
🤪 MUM MANIA IS HERE!!!!! We are harvesting mums up to our eyeballs and they’re just as amazing as we remember. One fun part of mum season is riding the waves of harvest as each variety comes into bloom. Here’s a look at our harvests last week:
and a fun little before and after, about a week apart:
🥦 BRASSICA MANIA IS ALSO HERE!
We are harvesting some major hauls of broccoli right now! Plus huge cabbage heads and gorgeous cauliflower. Last week we harvested over 500lbs of the most stunning broccoli you’ve seen this side of the Mississippi. Brought tears to our eyes!! Gaze upon our harvest and share in our awe:
🫛 Some crops to look forward to…
Sugar snaps peas and celery are getting close to harvest! Keep your eyes out at market, we’re hoping for harvests this week :-) We’re also continuing to harvest tomatoes, so even though lots of summer crops are getting the boot, you can expect a few late tomatoes to be available for little while. Remember to get to market early!
CSA shares this week will include our deliciously sweet butternut squash! You are in for a real treat ~ there's nothing quite like a locally grown winter squash, and we've rounded up some recipes that are real showstoppers.
Butternut squash is practically begging to be stuffed and roasted! For a hearty vegetarian dinner, try this stuffed squash with couscous and feta, which brings together fluffy couscous, salty feta, and the natural sweetness of roasted squash. Or, for something extra cozy and filling, try this creamy lentil stuffed butternut squash, a protein-packed vegan meal that's hearty enough to be the main event. If you're squarely in soup season, this miso butternut squash soup puts a delicious savory, umami-rich spin on the classic, balancing out that squashy sweetness. And if you're looking for a side dish to please a crowd, you can't go wrong with a bubbling, golden cheesy butternut squash gratin or this roasted squash risotto, which is rich, creamy, and just about the perfect comfort food for a chilly evening. (The recipe calls for honeynut squash, but your butternut will work beautifully!)
One of the best things about winter squash is how well it stores! Kept in a cool, dry place, your butternut can last for many weeks, so there's no rush to cook it up right away. You could even tuck it away for your Thanksgiving feast :-) Whether you're cooking it tonight or saving it for a special occasion, we hope you enjoy every delicious bite!
Be well,
Diamond Hill Farmers
there’s one week left! sign up today!
standard share: winter squash, broccoli or cauliflower, butterhead lettuce, winter radish, sweet potatoes
large share: winter squash, broccoli or cauliflower, butterhead lettuce, winter radish, sweet potatoes, napa cabbage, fennel or bok choy