Even though we have had some cold nights, we are still much warmer and sunnier than normal. The last two years were very cloudy and cold in February and March. Sunny days make all the difference in greenhouse growing. The greenhouse greens that we are harvesting this week have been growing like crazy on these sunny cold days which make for 70 degree days inside. Past years I was trying to coax the greens to grow faster because the cloudy days just would not encourage growth. This year I am trying to slow down their growth. Typically we plant the greens over eight successive weeks. This should lead to about eight successive weeks of harvests. If left unchecked this winter's warmth could speed the growth so much that we would have eight weeks of harvest condensed into as little as four weeks. It is ironic that in the greenhouse where we are normally trying to trap the warmth of the sun, we now set the thermostats so that the vents open at only 50 degrees allowing the heat to escape and not get too warm. Rather than trying to warm the greenhouse as we were last year, this year we are trying to slow the growth. Every year presents different challenges and it is a joy to figure them out.

This week we will enjoy an abundance of greenhouse greens. So, savor the flavor of this earlier than normal abundance. I love making huge salads at this time of year. I simply toss a handful of each different green in a large bowl, add a dollop of hummus, perhaps some nuts or anything else that is in the kitchen, a splash of olive oil followed by a good drizzle of balsamic vinegar and enjoy. After a long winter of storage vegetables and few greens, this abundance of greens could not come soon enough.   Thank you sunny winter days.

Although we LOVE hearing what Dave has to say every week, we thought it would be more fun to hear from YOU!  That's right, we want you to tell us a little bit about why you like Farmer Dave's or how it has positively impacted your life.  We are not asking for a long essay, but a few short paragraphs (1/4 - 1/2 page max) as why you have chosen to support your local farm.  

If you are interested, please send an email with your thoughts to jane@farmerdaves.net

We will choose one short essay a month and include it in the newsletter.
 

If we choose you.....you will receive a $50 credit to any add-ons for the CSA.

Can't wait to hear your thoughts!!!