there is less sun, less light outside which slows down plant growth - not just for our crops' growth, but also weed growth. we are all thankful for the latter.
bug pressure on plants also changes. there are less flea beetles, even less harlequin bugs, but caterpillars and grasshoppers are in abundance. they can do a good job chewing our leafy greens.
the days are cooler and the nights even more so. this effects different plants differently. crops like tomatoes, summer squashes and okra do not enjoy anything below 50-55 degrees F. the plants start to produce less and more slowly. it doesn't take long for the plants to start dying off. but cooler temperatures also mean greens, greens and more greens. cooking greens like kale, mustard, collards, broccoli raab and swiss chard grow wonderfully in the fall weather. the plants are healthier, they produce large quantities and their flavor is great. i need laundry baskets to pick greens into now, our dish pan size tubs don't cut it anymore. salad greens also do well in cooler temperatures. our head lettuces in the field are beautiful. arugula is flavorful. there is an abundance of mesclun mix and leaf lettuce - so tender, so tasty.
the cooler temperatures also seem to have an effect on the color things. the colors are more vibrant. the red mustard is such a beautiful burgundy. you can truly see the difference in colors of the swiss chard stems - the bright yellow, magenta, deep red, orange, peach. the variety name of 'bright lights' has new meaning. the color of the peppers seems stronger, too - the lime green, cream, dark purple, dark green. they stand out so beautifully in a basket on the market table. even the different shades of green of all the leaves and stems of other greens and herbs is just more brilliant in the fall.
other signs of the season changing is what we wear to work everyday. we start wearing thicker socks and more layers. many days, the layers don't come off. we start really feeling the chill when we stick our hands in the cold sink water. sorting through produce that has been in the refrigerator really gets to our fingers. and forget getting meat out the freezers - we handle one steak and our fingers are frozen. there are no more t-shirts and sandals at market, but now shoes and sweatshirts.
the fall always seems to bring a lot of rain. it turns the fields muddy and makes for some fun driving experiences. forget sliding on ice, have you ever tried sliding on mud? we just kind of glide around turns. we can only avoid working in the rain so much. if we have to pick produce for market, we have to pick produce for market. today would have been a good day to be inside doing chores, but alas, we have market tomorrow. it was pouring rain pretty much all day and we were out in it for several hours picking produce for market. our tubs and baskets were filled, not only with produce, but water. our clothes were soaked down to our underwear and bras. sometimes we want to give up and just say, maybe we should just go back and finish later. but it gets to a point when we are already soaked, so we might as well finish.
so many people think fall is the end of the season. well, it isn't. it is true that many crops come to an end in september and october. for example, our leeks are done, as is our sweet corn and string beans. our tomatoes are coming to an end. but many things, as i have just mentioned are growing better than ever right now. and there are many crops we are still waiting for - broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and brussels sprouts are all growing beautifully in the field, but it will be several weeks before they are pickable. many things will do well until frost hits, which isn't until late october or even november. we will cover what we can, but the frost will put an end to many crops. so don't forget your local farmer and farmers markets in the fall. the selection is still bountiful, not to mention beautiful.
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