July on the farm is really the crux of the growing season.  The midway point between the beginning of April and the end of October comes somewhere towards the end of the month, but the entire four weeks are the turning point, the fulcrum on which the season pivots.  Up until July, the vegetable farm's focus is on planting -- getting as many crops into the ground as possible and keeping them thriving through the ups and downs of spring weather, onslaughts of insects in varying degrees of severity, and the vigorous growth of weeds.  During the first two weeks of July, we hit another rush period for planting as we get all of our fall broccoli, cabbage and root crops in the ground before it's too late, while continuing a harvest season that's in full swing and trying to keep up with weeds. 

Somewhere in the middle of the month, though, the momentum slowly and subtly shifts.  The crops come into their own, deeply rooted in the soil and growing with little need of our help beyond the occasional fish-and-kelp boost through the drip irrigation lines. The fields are full, except for the successions of lettuce, spinach and greens that we'll continue planting until early September.  If we are lucky, a combination of deep summer heat and adequate rainfall help promote the best flavors of the season in August's melons, peppers, eggplant and tomatoes.  Insect pests and predators are hopefully in balance.  By the end of the month, we begin to see which battles with weeds we've won and which we may be in danger of losing.  Over the course of July, the farm completes its most vigorous period of growth and shifts towards the time of fullness, completeness and harvest. 

Over the past couple of weeks, we've had our share of rain and dark days, setting crops back and interfering with our carefully made planting, cultivation and field preparation schedules.  On Friday of last week, a serious downpour and thunderstorm even interrupted our harvest, something that does not happen very often.  Even crops that like a lot of water -- lettuce, collards, peas -- began to look rotty and peaked, the sweetness that they derive from the sun swept away by yet another rainstorm.  Water-soluble plant nutrients, including nitrogen and phosphorus, can be washed out of even healthy soils in this much rain.  Perhaps most difficult to deal with for most farmers is the frustration that comes with having a long early July to-do list thwarted by the weather, and knowing that the few short weeks ahead are some of the most important of the season.

Last year, after a dry June, it started raining the second week of July and rained through the month, causing weed and disease havoc on our farm. This season's rain has not impacted us in that way -- yet.  Our whole crew looks forward to playing catch-up in the fields this week, transplanting many rows of brussels sprouts and broccoli and rescuing tiny carrot plants from weeds.  Let's hope this July weather cooperates.

Enjoy the harvest!

Amanda, for the farm crew