We almost have a complete tunnel!

The plastic was (rather painlessly!) raised over the structure yesterday. (Fyi: Technically speaking, this is called a high tunnel, rather than a greenhouse, as a tunnel is not heated and a greenhouse is climate controlled. But ‘greenhouse’ is such the vernacular term that we often use it.)

Thankfully, there were no rips or tears in this enormous piece of plastic in the process.

We had plenty of helping hands, and we were able to take advantage of the warm temperatures and calm air just before sunset. (Which comes so early this time of year, two days before the winter solstice.)

There’s still some work to be finished today before all the baby plants (that have been patiently waiting to be transplanted) can be put in the ground. We have plenty of vegetables still being harvested out of the fields, but this tunnel is how we can eat greens this winter without having them trucked to us from California! Stay tuned.

This week’s harvest includes:

Arugula ($4 bag), Beets ($4 bunch – limited available), Hearty Mix ($3 bag), Bunched Greens (Chard, Collards, Kale, Hon Tsai Tai, or Tokyo Bekana – $4), Carrots ($4 bunch), Red or Green Head Lettuce – greenhouse grown ($3), Salad Mix ($3), Kohlrabi ($1.50 per), Napa Cabbage (small heads, super sweet and yummy – $2 for 2), Shiitakes (limited – $5 bag), Spinach  ($4), Turnips (the sweetest purple tops you’ve ever tasted: $3)…and our own Pepper Jelly (mild, medium, & hot – $5).

Recipe suggestion: Bread Pudding with Beet Greens. (I’ve heard a rumor that some of you don’t know what to do with the greens!)

If you wish to order for delivery to Market Square (Brandermill): Please email your order to BroadforkFarm@yahoo.com by 10:00 am on Friday, and pick up between 9 and 12:30 on Saturday at Good Health Herbs.

This Saturday we’re at the South of the James winter market (10-12).

Enjoy ~