There was a time, about twenty years ago, when the first hard frost would arrive in early September and kill a lot of plants; the kind we like to eat, in particular. Gone would be the squashes, peppers, and lettuce. Roots and greens season started early then, and we didn’t dream of extending CSA season into November or December.
But to date this year, we have had only one light frost. Early in October. Only the basil was killed. I have a monstrous crop of broccoli just about ready. The peppers and tomatoes are giving up mostly due to lack of light, which is the real end to vegetable growing season in the PNW. It’s not the temperature.
Last week, we got next year’s garlic planted and all the potatoes harvested and stored away. This weekend I’ll finish pulling all the squashes out of the field. And there are just a few weeks to go until Thanksgiving. This year’s CSA will end the week of November 16th-19th. So many people are away the week of Thanksgiving, I decided to end it early and give myself some breathing space before the winter holidays begin. There is always some produce left at the end, though, so if any CSA members want a thanksgiving box of odds and ends, just let me know and I’ll make you a box.
As this season winds down and I prepare to pack away all the challenges of the summer, I’m also planning for next year. I’m hoping to get all the seed ordered in December, and pick up the year’s fertilizer in January. Machinery is being repaired already.
A couple weeks ago, we plowed under what was supposed to be the pumpkin patch… I could tell in September that they were never going to be ready in time. But the up-side is that it’s now ready to start a big u-pick cutflower garden… super early, which is usually a challenge in spring. I may even sow some early blooms this fall, like Larkspur, Poppies, and Bachelor Buttons. I already have a blank canvas, and that is exciting. I’m hoping to give u-pick flowers a solid boost for a little side income towards the mortgage.
I have so much gratitude for all of this year’s CSA families. You were with me through a cold, wet spring and a slow start to the season. You propped me up through one of the toughest summers of my existence, and I’m giving you as much as I can in return.
I’m so grateful for those 40 of you who have paid for 2025 already: you have paid the farm mortgage and for thousands of dollars in engine repairs to the farm van. And now it’s time for property taxes, seeds, fertilizer, and always the mortgage.
There are 30 shares left for the 2025 CSA season. If you’d like to eat and bloom with us next year, the link is below. I will do everything in my power to make it a great season.
Whistling Train FarmStore Click this link to purchase 2025 CSA Shares. Pick up at the farm on Tuesdays or Saturdays, or in Skyway or Columbia City on Sundays.
Contact for North Seattle/Greenwood CSA SharePool: Jonathan Betz-Zall at jbetzzall@yahoo.com
Contact for West Seattle CSA SharePool: Rose Ragan at rose.ragan@protonmail.com
If you would like the contact for the Burien SharePool, please email me.
With much gratitude,
Shelley
Whistling Train Farm 