Hello from Pitchfork & Crow ~

We’re harvesting for the Salem Saturday Market tomorrow!  Here’s a selection of what we’ll be bringing to market:

• Arugula
• Broccoli
• Chard
• Cooking Greens
• Green Beans
• Kale
• Parsley
• Peppers
• Popcorn
• Potatoes
• Pumpkins
• Radishes
• Rutabagas
• Salad Mix
• Summer Squash
• Tomatillos
• Winter Squash

As the market season draws to a close at the end of the month, we’ve begun evaluating the season in earnest.  During the spring and summer when things are in full-swing, we try to stick to the plan and make adjustments as necessary, but mostly try not to get too far behind on tasks.  Now that the bulk of the growing season is behind us we’re able to take some time to step back and reflect.  We’ve been discussing how to accomplish some tasks more efficiently and what investments we need to make in the upcoming year to eliminate wasted time.  Do we need an irrigation pipe trailer or a pressure washer?  Maybe so.  We’ve also been discussing the larger operational questions regarding the structure of our farm and the size of the CSA.  Many of these questions don’t always have straightforward answers at this point.  Because we don’t have a long term lease and don’t own farmland yet, we have to make assumptions and best-guesses about the upcoming season.

Most importantly, we’re committed to farming and believe this is all good practice for managing a farm once we do find the right long term situation.  That said, we’d love to hear suggestions from you about vegetables you’d like to see more of at market or varieties you’d like to see us grow.  Do you have a favorite tomato variety we should try out or perhaps you can suggest a type of summer squash you can’t get enough of.  As our planning efforts for the upcoming season take shape, we’d love to include your suggestions too!  Let us know your thoughts by dropping us an e-mail or mentioning them at market tomorrow!

We hope to see you Saturday sometime between 9am and 3pm.  You can find us at the Salem Saturday Market near the intersection of Winter and Union streets in downtown Salem.

Thanks!
Carri Heisler and Jeff Bramlett