Rhythms of Energy

We had a quick wind down in the garden last week of harvesting seeds and the last of the outdoor warm season crops, cutting nettles and experimenting with double covers. Although the tomato plants showed signs of cold stress with burnt tips at 19 degrees they just couldn't hang in there at 16 degrees. So you'll find some little gems in your final share for the season for Fried Green Tomatoes.

We deeply appreciate your support, you're one of the reasons we continue to grow food year round. Many spirited people have contributed to the overall success of this agroecological experiment and their energy persists in every seed planted. What really stood out for me this past year wasn't the usual climatic variables but the determination in garlic, the endurance of carrots and the unlikely survival of hot peppers.

Even though the biomass cycle of the seasons is transitioning, we still have plenty to do this fall experimenting, building beds and keeping the greenhouse warm. We're looking forward to firing up the earth oven to bake cookies and bread all winter, the evening walks down to the greenhouse to observe the changing weather patterns and waiting for owls to beckon one another during the depths of winter, serving as our beacon in trying this for another Montana growing season.          

Week 20

Green Tomatoes

Tomatillos

Chives

Basil

Shallots

Garlic Braid

Hot Peppers

Drifting Trees

Week 19

Shallots

Kohlrabi

Lemon Cucumber

Sweet Peppers

Hot Peppers

Basil

Tomatillos

Brussels Sprouts

Cabbage

Try the lemon cucumber soaked in lime juice and a dash of salt or for a winter warmer pickle with some hot peppers, dill and coriander.

The Kohlrabi makes a great dish thinly sliced and marinated in a little olive oil, aminos, minced garlic and basil.

The other half of the tomato share goes out this week. Enjoy the possibilities-salsa, chutney, sauces dehydrated and frozen. We've been eating a simple dish of thickly sliced hungarian heart tomatoes drizzled with olive oil, a sprinkle of salt and pepper and draped with a basil leaf or two.