The First Hints of Fall
We’re finally feeling the first chill of fall — even though the zinnias and marigolds are still pushing their last bursts of color. Nighttime temperatures have dipped, and the garden feels that quiet shift that comes when summer steps aside.
Yesterday we turned over nine rows of the garden, adding several tractor loads of our rich compost before tilling and forming new beds. Jeremy decided to time himself on compost runs between the piles and the beds… his record of 2 minutes and 19 seconds had him flying up on three wheels of the Kubota tractor! He dialed it back after that, but we’re calling it a personal best for speed-composting.
This week we’ll be planting cool-season crops and preparing to rebuild our laying flock. The upper field is freshly prepped and ready for a cover crop that the chickens will graze once it’s established — a mix of grains and legumes to keep them foraging naturally.
On the orchard side, we hit a bump in the road: our fig trees have been struck by Black Fig Fly, a recently identified invasive pest that tunnels into fruit, causing it to spoil from the inside. There’s currently no approved organic treatment, but researchers at UC Davis’ Cooperative Extension are actively studying it. We’re leaving the trees in place in hopes of a future solution — and looking ahead to plant citrus instead. The farm wish list includes blood oranges, clementines, lemons, and cara caras for a little winter sunshine in future boxes.
Over by the goat pen, the “kids” (both human and caprine) have a new playground — though it seems our human kids enjoy it just as much as the goats! We’ve caught them spending afternoons teaching the goats to do tricks.
And this week brought a special visit: Alec Kahn, a former WWOOFer from 2020, came back to the farm. During his time here, he said the farm “changed his life” — sparking a journey into sustainable agriculture, UN climate work, and climate journalism. Seeing him walk these fields again was a beautiful full-circle moment.
Around the Farm
The farm is busy with seasonal transitions — planting, composting, and dreaming up citrus groves. Even though our pumpkin patch wasn’t much to brag about this year, we loved visiting our friends at Zeller’s Farm to wander their corn maze, meet their piglets, and pick out pumpkins, including Zoe’s fabulous square Cinderella pumpkin.
Zero Waste Tip
Save your broccoli stems. Peel the tough outer layer, dice, and sauté — they’re sweet, tender, and delicious tossed into scrambled eggs or a stir-fry.
Check out what’s inside this week’s box, discover the value of the items and how to keep them fresh, and see our curated recipe using items in this week’s harvest!
What’s Inside?
Essentials Box
Cost: $18 | Retail Value: $23 | You Save: $5.00
- Carrots (1 bunch) — $3
- Broccoli (1 head) — $4
- Watermelon (3–4 lbs) — $4
- Fingerling Potatoes (1 lb) — $4
- Arugula (8 oz) — $4
- Plums (1 lb) — $5
Original Box
Cost: $30 | Retail Value: $38.00 | You Save: $8.00
- Essentials Box, plus:
- Cherry Tomatoes (1 pint) — $4
- Bunching Onion (1 bunch) — $4
- Eggplant (1 lb) — $3
- Heirloom Tomatoes (1 lb) — $5
Hearty Box
Cost: $42 | Retail Value: $50.00 | You Save: $8.00
- Original Box, plus:
- Parsley (1 bunch) — $2
- Cilantro (1 bunch) — $2
- Celery (1 ct) — $3
- Swiss Chard (1 bunch) — $3
- Large Onion (1 lb) — $3
Values are based on farm stand and regional farmers market pricing for comparable produce.
Flavor Pairing Spotlight:
From The Vegetarian Flavor Bible — potatoes love to soak up the bright, peppery flavors of arugula and mustard. Broccoli’s natural sweetness balances the greens, and fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro lift everything with a clean, grassy note.
For full details, including a recipe for Heirloom Tomato and Onion Quiche, storage tips, most popular FAQs, and partner farms, you can view the complete newsletter at the link below.
