What a tremendous growing season! A warm summer and Mother Nature has gently lifted us into winter. The ground is starting to be crunchy and those little flakes of white aren’t melting in the shade. I was happy for the temps to get a little cooler because I was needing for the root cooler to cool down enough to pack all the veggies in. And I mean pack..when I open the cooler door, onions come toppling out!
I am experimenting this year with “quick hoops.” They are a low fabric and plastic cover that I can take down in the spring and is cheaper than another hoophouse. I will be amazed though if they last the winter. West winds are fierce and I have already been chasing plastic. If they do work, however, I am hoping to have some overwintered spinach, carrots, kale and scallions.
Walking around the farm, I am happy to see green. Most folks wouldn’t notice, but we take great care to cover the soil in a cover crop for the winter. The roots of the cover crop hold in the nutrients, hold the soil in place and add organic matter for the following year. All but where the pigs were last is covered in cover crops or “green manure”. I seeded their spot anyway after they left in October, but mid September is the last date to usually get growth.

So now everything is put to rest. The strawberries are under their blanket of straw as well as carrots, parsnips, garlic and leeks. They will wait out the winter visited by rodents and cold, but will emerge again in the spring.
I like late fall projects: pruning raspberries, putting away equipment, mulching. It is like wrapping gifts, knowing that when I open them in April they will all seem like new.
May you all have a cozy Holiday, filled with cheer and good food! Keena
December Holiday Goodies: carrots, potatoes, turnips, rutabagas, beets, onions, cabbage, winter squash, pumpkins, maple butter and potato rolls
Raw Organic Chocolate Bark
Order this decadent and nutrient-rich, “superfood” chocolate to pick up on Dec. 16th with your farm share. Handmade locally by Holistic Health Coach, Kendall Scott. Made with Maine maple syrup, no sugar and the purest, organic chocolate ingredients right from the cacao bean. Makes a delicious, healthful gift or just treat yourself! One “Holiday Flavor” – coconut, cranberry almond. 1/4 pound = $9 (10-12 pieces)1/2 pound = $16 (about 20-22 pieces)
Email [email protected] to order by Thursday, December 9th.
Recipes:
Cabbage: www.mom-mom.com/cabbage.htm

Rutabaga FriesOlive Oil
Salt, garlic powder, and paprika
Preparation:
Preheat oven to 425 F. 1) Peel rutabagas with a paring knife and slice in 1/4″ rounds. If you like, you can do them in strips – they will cook a little faster, but you have to watch them carefully or they’ll burn.2) Smear with oil and a little salt and put them on a nonstick baking sheet.3) Cook about 12 minutes, turning twice. Take out when golden brown and tender. Immediately sprinkle with garlic powder and paprika. I like to add kosher salt at the end as well.