Flip That High Tunnel

HGTV's got nothin' on Jay.

In the past few weeks, he has torn the spring/summer crops out of Hoop A, C, and D, the three largest of our high tunnels. Out came the tomatoes, tomatoes, and more tomatoes, and in went the fall crops. And that is how this:

became this:

and this:

became this:

 We have spinach, lettuces, bok choy, carrots, and a lot of other greens growing in two of the big buildings now. And, in building D, the peppers are staying for now. They are loving the elbow space and have really flourished in the past few days. It seems odd to pick fresh salad this time of year, but it's a very, very good odd.

Flip That High Tunnel

Fall and Winter Salads

To eat local foods and what is in season, one has to think about eating salads here in the fall. We have a huge variety of greens that we are growing and selling this fall/winter. They are all being grown in our high tunnels.

Here are just a few of the different varieties we are growing this winter. We have over 10 varieties of lettuce, 3 varieties of spinach, 2 varieties of Bok Choy, Napa Cabbage, Arugula, Kale, Swiss Chard, Tatsoi and beet greens.

These greens are very cold tolerant and some will continue to keep growing through the winter. They all will be put under rowcover as soon as I can find the time to make that happen! We are continusely planting to keep a steady supply of greens available. I just planted spinach on October 3rd. With any luck it will be ready to harvest by the 5th of November. I have over 400 more transplants to go out ASAP!

Check out what we are harvesting currently.
8 ounces of Salad Mix
Kale
Black Seeded Simpson

Green Salad bowl

Red Saladbowl
Buttercrunch
Red Sails

8 ounces of Spinach

Spinach

Fall and Winter Salads

Fall Harvest Begins

I don't know if fall harvest is beginning or summer harvest is just continuing, but we have some new crops to pick this week. The habaneros are ready, in full force. We have red, chocolate, and orange habaneros and a tiny but powerful pepper called White Habanero. And now you know what goes in the Habanero , Chocolate, Hot Lava Jelly and White Lightning Jelly!

The second round of carrots this year are possibly more beautiful and plentiful than the first. Check out the result of picking just five feet:

And it's not just the garden that's looking good. The soybeans surrounding us are huge, especially for dryland beans. I grew up in an area where the only soybeans grown were double-cropped beans (aka planted after wheat harvest and harvested in time to plant the next wheat crop). So, these huge soybeans continue to amaze me. We can't take credit for any of them, but it's a nice sight to see out your window.

Coming soon: spinach, lettuce, Napa cabbage, and Bok Choy.

Fall Harvest Begins

Introducing Republican Valley Produce

What is it?

Republican Valley Produce (RVP) is an online Farmers Market, the first of its kind in Clay Center. Also known as a Community Supported Agriculture or CSA, we offer fresh homegrown produce, meats, baked goods and jams and jellies. RVP is a group of farmers who are reaching out to those too busy to visit a Farmers Market or those who just like to sleep in on Saturdays.

How does it work?

Each member of the CSA starts up an account, with a $10 membership fee and $20 minimal balance. Each week, we will total your purchases, and this total will be deducted from your credit on your account or, if your purchase is more than the balance on your account, you will pay when you pick up your order. Our season will run from September 28th –November 2nd Guaranteed!
Extended season will run from November 9th- December 21st (if weather allows.)

Membership will be limited to 20 memberships this fall, more in years to come.

What does a typical week look like?

Thursday: Our growers submit what they will have for sale and the quantity.

Friday: The market will open up for orders. You will get an email from the market manager and will have until Sunday at 5:00 pm to place your orders online.

Sunday: Orders are compiled and totaled.

Monday: Your order will be picked, baked, and prepared for you.

Tuesday: At 5:30 p.m., you can pick up your order at one of two locations: Clay Center or Clifton. Other locations maybe added if there is enough interest.

What will be available through the market?

September: Tomatoes, Cherry Tomatoes, Peppers, Leeks, Carrots, Haikuri Turnips, Okra, Green Beans, Hot Peppers, Radishes, Potatoes, Cucumbers, Zucchini, Buffalo, Jellies, Pork and much more

October: Tomatoes, Cherry Tomatoes, Peppers, Leeks, Carrots, Haikuri Turnips, Okra, Green Beans, Hot Peppers, Radishes, 9 types of Lettuce, Salad Mix, Arugula, Bok Choy, Napa Cabbage, Spinach, Kale, Green Onions, Tatsoi, Kohlrabi, Beets, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Sweet Potatoes, Jellies, Eggs, Buffalo Meat and Pork

November: Tomatoes, Cherry Tomatoes, Peppers, Leeks, Carrots, Haikuri Turnips, Radishes, 9 types of lettuce, Salad Mix, Bok Choy, Napa Cabbage, Spinach, Kale, Green Onions, Tatsoi, Beets, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Kohlrabi, Sweet Potatoes, Jellies, Eggs, Buffalo Meat, and Pork.

December: Leeks, Carrots, Haikuri Turnips, Radishes, 9 types of lettuce, Salad Mix, Bok Choy, Napa Cabbage, Spinach, Kale, Green Onions, Tatsoi, Beets, Kohlrabi, Jellies, Eggs, Buffalo Meat, and Pork.

We are also looking at adding locally made cheeses and honey.

Why should I become a member?

Through the RVP, you will get first pick of locally grown produce, meats, baked goods and more. You will know who your farmer is and where you food is originating. You can shop online for your groceries and pick them up at a location convenient to you. And, you will be supporting area families with your purchases.

How do I become a member?
Sign up today by contacting me, RVP manager:

Jay Sleichter
1282 21st Road
Clay Center, KS 67432
785-630-0772
jaysjellies@yahoo.com

Introducing Republican Valley Produce

Bugs? What bugs?

I just stepped out my back door, at 9 p.m., near a light, and the most amazing thing happened. I did NOT get swarmed by bugs! I don't know if that means the weather is about to change, but I think it does mean we won't have as many insects to contend with for our fall crops.

A girl can hope, right?

Bugs? What bugs?