78 degrees at 4:00 AM, June 7, 2014
Historical Average (6/6): 87 HIGH, 72 LOW–Weather Underground:
http://www.wunderground.com/
The historical average is now 90 degrees (twenty degrees higher than the lowest average high [70]).
Our average high will remain at 90 degrees until early September. Our average low is now 75 degrees
(twenty-four degrees higher than the lowest average low [51]). We have a few more weeks to go before
we reach our highest average low (76). Like the high, the average low will remain the same until early
September.
Note: For the past few years, our summer highs and lows have typically been above historic averages.
The higher temperatures stress even hot-weather summer crops. Our development of seed stock from
plants grown in these above normal temperatures may result in plants that are more tolerant of the
increasingly harsh climate.
Temperatures last week were generally close to normal, and tending to be a bit below normal. We
had no rain.
Weekly Weather Report
Garden Overview
(additional details and assessment follows)
All plants are thriving. The lack of rain and slightly lower humidity again caused rapid evaporation,
necessitating daily irrigation.
Seed sorting of winter crops is nearly completed. If anyone would like to assist with the sorting,
please let us know. We’ll give simple “folkways” instructions, and seeds to work with.
First eggplants and okra were harvested this week.
We started more seeds this week, and transplanted more seedlings into the gardens.
We planted the last of the sweet potato slips. These will be harvested in September – the last of the
season.
Spring/Summer Plantings
Our summer plantings are moving along quite nicely. We planted more okra, eggplants, and
peppers. We have seeded more eggplant, okra, and watermelon.
Cucumbers
We continue to harvest cucumbers every couple of days. The fruit is coming in very nicely, and no
pickle worms. We have been enjoying Japanese cucumbers and Longfellows. The Longfellows are
nearly spent, but the Japanese cucumbers are still producing – and well above expectations. We
should have enough to satisfy all shares.
The heat and dryness causes the cucumbers to wilt every day. This is a sign of their imminent
demise. They are taking a lot of irrigation now.
Tomatoes
We have a few medium-sized tomato plants: John Baer, Peach, “Volunteers,” and a couple of
commercial (organic) “Better Boy.” Our Florida heirloom (Tropic) and a French heirloom (Jaune
Flamme [Yellow Flame]) are now nice little seedlings. We’ll transplant to pots and possibly
planters.
Watermelon
Our experiment with watermelon continues to be positive. The first flowers appeared this week.
We have three varieties planted in three distinct locations – New South Garden (in the grove), Old
North Garden (east side strip), and on the west side of Hart’s Family Garden. We are growing:
Stone Mountain, Blacktail Mounting, and Petite Yellow. All are heirlooms. We’ve not had success
with watermelons when we tried them previously, but we are expecting success this year.
Our experiment with another heirloom (Mountain Sweet Yellow) was successful, with the first
seedlings appearing this week.
Eggplant
We had our first harvest this week – two “Orient Express.” There are a number of developing fruit
on the Florida High Bush. Diamond and Black Beauty varieties are beginning to take mature form,
and growth of the Purple Pickling seedlings has now accelerated.
See archives for April 7, for detailed account of eggplant varieties and cultures of origin. http://
media.wix.com/ugd/643592_6fd736191eff46a8bf7c91e04bd5c78f.pdf
Our giant pecan tree has been producing pollen this week. The pollen appears at the tip of branches
as multiple fingerlings.
The tree produces nuts each year, but other residents of the community consume the nuts before
we can harvest them. Most likely, squirrels are enjoying the nuts, although this is not a certainty.
Even if we could get to the nuts before others consumed them, we would have difficulty harvesting
them because of the height of the tree – over 40 feet tall.
There are large pecan groves in Florida’s Big Bend and further north into the middle south. The
groves are harvested using a machine that shakes the tree when the nuts are mature, dislodging the
nuts from the branches.
Pecan Tree
Purslane
Purslane continues to thrive, although its Spring peak has passed. As most CSA members know,
purslane has the greatest concentration of omega oils of any land-based food. Only a few fish
have a higher concentration of omega oils than this cheerful little plant. There is enough thriving
throughout the gardens to supply all shares making requests.
Viticulture (Grape News)
The vines are flourishing, and ready for the trellises. Ray will be restructuring the trellises.
Okra
We had our first harvest this week – several Silver Queens and Hill Country Reds. We might have
enough for small shares this week. Let us know if you’d like some (and have read this far in the
report).
Seedlings are being placed in the gardens as fast as possible. The young plants have quickly
outgrown their starter cells. This is their season, they know it, and they are ready to go.
Also, as a reminder, all of our seeds are from the 3F seed bank, saved from previous years. So,
these are closed loop, sustainable seeds and plants.
Citrus
Kumquats are still budding. These, the smallest trees in our citrus family, are the last to bud. This
is good for the bees and other pollinators. We did see a few bees at the kumquat buds this week –
just a few.
Sweet Potatoes
All slips are now planted — over 300. Two beds are devoted exclusively to regenerated vines and
our own slips. We’ll compare these with the slips we acquired from George’s Plant Farm in Martin,
Tennessee. George’s is a family farm, with a wonderful story. To learn about the Dellinger Family
and their farm, here is a link to their website: http://www.tatorman.com/
We should have enough Sweet potato leaves for small shares this week.
Habanero Peppers
The Habaneros are again producing at a prodigious pace. We have plenty available for shares. Be
advised, these peppers are very very hot. They are so hot, that handling them after slicing can
burn your fingers – as some of us have learned.
We have four habanero shrubs, and probably have over 100 fruit ready to harvest.
On a related note, Ray (of Hart’s Family Gardens) has brewed his first batch of habanero pepper
sauce. We sampled it, and found it quite tasty, but HOT. Use in moderation. The sauce is made
with various peppers (chiefly habaneros) organic vodka, and apple cider vinegar. All peppers are
from Hart’s Family Gardens or Friendship Farms & Fare.
If you would like to try a bottle, just let us know. A donation will be received for a 5oz. bottle.
If anyone has a relationship with a restaurant whose chefs want to use a local organic
searing-hot pepper, we’ll be happy to supply for a reasonable contribution — $1.00
per pepper.
Cat Briar (Smilax)
Smiliax is still producing. If anyone is interested in this wild, native-Florida specialty, now is the
time to let us know.
See earlier Farm Report for an extended narrative about Smilax.
Honey: Local honey is again available. Our bee husbander, Robert, has just brought in an ample
honey harvest. We support Robert’s work, which is as much about sustaining and regenerating bee
populations as it is about honey distribution. Robert’s bees live in West Pasco County, near New
Port Richey, they pollinate wild flowers, domestic fruit trees, and vegetables. Honey is available in
8 oz. bottles for $7.00 a bottle, $5.50 for CSA Shares.
Eggs: We have increased the cost of the eggs to $5.o0 ($4.00 per share).
Note: We may be discontinuing egg transmissions. The distribution system we have used is not
functional at present. We are looking for another organic, humane supplier. In the meantime we’ll
meet requests using organic eggs from Wright’s Whole Foods, in New Port Richey.
Herbs: Oregano is thriving, along with tarragon, and rosemary. Consult the share list for available
items.
Tampa deliveries will be Wednesday this week. West Pasco deliveries will be determined
on the basis of share request and distance.
Shareholders can call your farmer directly. If you are not a shareholder, and would like to schedule
a visit to the gardens or to acquire seeds, seedlings, plants, or produce, please use the address on
the website to contact us. http://www.fffsite.org/#!contact/cl4l
PLEASE NOTE: NEXT WEEK (6/16 REPORT) TAMPA DELIVERIES WILL BE
MONDAY JUNE 16.
For this week, here is what we have (FCFS, as always):
THE SHARE
June 9, 2014 (36)
FCFS = limited supplies, early submissions given preference
Vegetables
Cucumbers (FCFS)
Peppers – Habanero* – very hot
Smilax (Cat Briar) (small quantity)
Sweet Potato Leaves (small quantity)
Fruit – none this week
Fungus/Mushrooms – none this week
Nuts – none this week
Roots – none this week
Herbs (* larger quantity available if desired)
Basil – Italian
Chives
Cilantro
Marjoram
Mint – Citrus
Oregano
Parsley
Purslane
Rosemary*
* larger quantity available if desired
Tampa Transmissions Wednesday
Tarragon*
Thyme – (small quantity)
Seasonings
Bay Leaves – fresh leaves
Medicinal
Aloe*
COMPANION FAUNA
Bat update: The bats continue their absence. We miss our flying friends, and watch for their
return every evening.
The bats continue to be active in the night sky above the garden, they are just not using the lodge.
Lubbers: No lubbers this week
Swifts: Swifts continue to be active in the late-day skies, and very busy in their lodge. Their
distinctive chittering and the wooshing sound of their winged activity in the lodge has been a
nightly experience.
Tree Frogs: No additional broods this week, but the tree frogs are busy with songs and nocturnal
adventures, including a fair amount of mating. See later report on raccoon.
Leopard Frogs: The Leopard frog was not seen this week. Last Saturday (5/31) we observed
a male Leopard for the first time in over a year. He was in the higher north pond. The female is
usually in the lower pond. We have seen neither since that sighting, one day after the raccoon
event, reported last week, and concurrent with the sighting of a Marine Toad.
See later report on Marine Toad.
Southern Toad: No southern toads.
Greenhouse Frog: Nice to see several of these small frogs in the north garden. We usually see
the greenhouse frog in the cooler months. Those we saw this week were larger than most.
Marine Toad (aka: Brazilian Cane Toad, Rhinella marina, Giant Toad): This non-
native, invasive toad appeared in the north pond last week – the day after the raccoon event. A
serious effort was made to capture the toad, but it repeated dove underwater in the deep end of the
pond. It is not clear if the Leopard Frogs have abandoned the pond, although they have not been
seen since the Marine Toad appeared.
Marine Toads are destructive of ecosystems and poisonous to mammals. They are omnivorous,
aggressive, and drive out native and assimilated frogs and toads. A survey of several professional
sites found none that recommended killing the frogs, although this has been advocated by several
folks in the area.
Here is the Extension Office’s website on the Marine Toad (which includes an audio of its call):
http://www.wec.ufl.edu/extension/wildlife_info/frogstoads/rhinella_marina.php
Here is a very detailed, professional study of the Marine Toad, also from the Extension Office:
http://www.egovlink.com/public_documents300/winterhaven/published_documents/Winter%20Haven/Lakes/
Backyard%20Wildlife/Animal%20Information/Frogs%20and%20Toads/Marine%20Toads%20UW04600.pdf
Florida Black Snake: Not observed.
Woodlouse – Several in various locations.
Nocturnal Garden Spider – Many in both gardens.
Honey Bees: A few bees observed at Kumquat buds.
Sweet bees: None.
Raccoon: No raccoon activity this week.
“Asian Tramp Snail.” The snails are quite abundant now.
Cats: Neighborhood cat, Frankie, visited the gardens a couple of times last week.
3F Stories, Events, and Policy Updates
Planting & Harvest Notes
Seedings: watermelon, eggplant
Garden Starts: eggplant (Florida High Bush); okra (all four varieties); beans (Hutterite and
Henderson Lima), sweet potatoes
Harvest Notes: assorted herbs, smilax, cucumbers, okra
Vermipost: 11 lbs.
Bat Guano: no harvest (no bats)
Nursery Certification and Registration
Friendship Farms & Fare
48015239
Friendship Farms & Fare is a registered nursery in the state of Florida. Our registration number is
48015239.
In accord with state regulations, our nursery was inspected in April. Mr. Daniel Merced from the
Florida Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Plant & Apiary Inspection conducted the review.
Mr. Merced gave the nursery a very positive evaluation, and recommended the 3F Nursery for
certification and registration. We have now received the official documentation. While with us,
Mr. Merced also inspected our groves, and offered extremely helpful insights into citrus growing,
and the conditions of our trees. Interestingly, Merced discovered Asian Citrus Psyllids on every
citrus tree in our grove – that’s the transporter of Citrus Greening. More interesting, perhaps, he
detected no Greening in any of the young trees planted in the New South Grove in January, 2013.
Your Farmer (now technically and officially a “Nurseryman”) learned a great deal about identifying
specific challenges citrus trees may face and treatments for these challenges.
Our successful pursuit of certification and registration is another step in the development of the
Friendship Farms and Fare sustainable urban agriculture project. As most of you know, we are
already a registered seed seller. The nursery certification is an important expression of our farm’s
mission and our commitment to responsible community development.
If you would like to support the work of Friendship Farms and Fare and help us cover expenses
related to the project, please feel free to share a contribution. Friendship Farms and Fare operates
under the umbrella of Ecology Florida, a not for profit corporation, so your contributions are tax
deductable.
Seed Dealer License & Registration
Friendship Farms & Fare
S009451
3 F is a licensed Seed Dealer. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services issues
these licenses, which are required to sell seeds to the public. Through our friendship with Ecology
Florida, we applied for the license as a subsidiary of Ecology Florida – a federally sanctioned Not
For Profit organization. Want to buy some seeds? To explore the Ecology Florida project, see:
http://www.ecologyflorida.org/
3F Produce for non-shareholders (if available): As always, non-CSA Members may request
produce from the share list for $5 per item. If requested items remain after shares have been
distributed, they may be acquired by non-members. Just reply to this email if you desire anything
on the list. We suggest non-shareholders start an account to cover costs of items
The Florida Loquat Festival: Celebrating Florida’s Urban Fruit
April 5, 2014 – 11:00 – 2:00
Market Off Main, New Port Richey
http://tbo.com/Local/CommunityNews/festival-to-promote-little-known-loquat-tree-20140319/
The first annual Florida Loquat Festival was a great success. Hundreds attended the festival.
Fruit, trees, and preserves were sold or shared for donations. The educational program was well
received. Folks are already looking forward to next year’s festival.
Results of our annual soil test have been received from the Institute of Food and Agricultural
Sciences at the University of Florida. The test measures for phosphorus, potassium, magnesium,
and calcium, and includes recommendations for additions of soil amenities to improve crop yield.
Amenities are lime, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium. Soils from the Old North
and New South gardens all registered high in phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, and calcium.
This is typical for First Farm gardens. No additional amenities were recommended (except for a
little nitrogen in the south garden).
Soil Test Results
Friendship Farms and Fare Pursues Non-GMO and USDA Organic Certification
As a matter of policy, Friendship Farms and Fare opposes the use of GMOs in food. We are
exploring Non-GMO certification for our First Farm in New Port Richey, and possibly Tarry Lane
Kitchens. We have the application in hand, and will be submitting it in the near future. Of course,
we have never used GMO seeds or products containing GMOs, so you can rest assured that even
without the certification, everything we share is free of GMOs.
We have also taken the initial steps to secure USDA Organic certification. The cost for USDA
assessment (with no guarantee of approval) will be between $950 and $1300 depending on how
much of the 3F project we desire to have assessed. As with our non-GMO commitment, we are
fully committed to organic farming.
First Farm’s Community Garden Project at New South Garden
We are ready to receive applications for our community garden project. Folks interested in
acquiring a plot can contact us through the 3F site.
Shareholders interested in acquiring a plot may participate for reduced rates.
We have installed sample community garden beds. Each is (108 sq feet) 12 x 9 or 18 x 6.
Farm and Fare Tours (Local Urban Gardens and Organic Kitchen)
If you would like to schedule a tour local urban gardens in New Port Richey and/or the 3F Kitchen
(Tarry Lane Tasting Station), please let us know, and we can make arrangements. Our tours are
experiential, informational, educational, and fun. Donations are greatly appreciated.
Typically, and depending on the season, participants visit several urban farms, learn about organic
farming in an urban environment using permaculture philosophies and practices, observe and
learn about urban wildlife and helpful plants, enjoy samples of live produce, and share in the
preparation of the vegan cuisine. Tours are structured on the basis of participants’ interests and
background. We can also arrange focused learning sessions at the Gardens and/or the Kitchens.
Please note that an appropriate contribution for the tours and learning sessions will be suggested
when tours are scheduled.
There are four categories of tours:
* Urban Farming, Gardening and Soil development
* Urban wildlife and helpful plants (note if you desire a bat observation, which requires special
scheduling)
* Vegan, Organic food preparation
* General (including two or more categories)
Please note that an appropriate contribution for the tours and learning sessions will be suggested
when tours are scheduled.
Next Workday: TBA
If you would like to join us in the early summer, send your best Saturday(s) in July.
3F: A Florida Friendly Farm
The 3 F gardens are certified as a “Florida Friendly” environment – a certification we have held for
over a decade.
Florida Friendly recognition is given to environments (typically residential yards) that support
and enhance natural ecosystems. Certification is given in three categories (bronze, silver, and
gold) based on a point system rating various features of the property and practices followed by the
property owner. We received a high score but only a silver rating because of some changes in the
program of which we were unaware.
Attention is given to features such as water-retention, native and drought tolerant plants, diversity
in plant species, responsible irrigation systems, and amenities for native pollinators. Positive
practices include minimal use of fertilizers (with organic preferred) and little or no use of poisons,
groundcovers rather than turf, composting, and rainwater collection systems.
We encourage all our members and friends to pursue Florida Friendly designation for their
properties. It is a wonderful way to learn more about Florida’s natural ecology and what you can
do to create a healthy environment right where you live. It is also a great way to go green.
Folks who wonder what they can do be more environmentally responsible are encouraged to review
the Florida Friendly checklist. If you can change even one thing about your yard or your landscape
practices to bring it into agreement with the guidelines, you will have a made a difference. Even
if you do not apply for the designation, reviewing the criteria will be an enriching educational
experience. Putting the guidelines into practice will make a definite difference. Here is the website
for the program:
——————————————————————————————————————-
Other News and Reports
==
COMMERICAL PRODUCE REPORT
Our Commercial Produce News Report is currently in repose.
We will resume when time and talent allow.
If anyone would like to volunteer to collect market prices, please let us
know.
OTHER PRODUCTS FOR THE CSA FAMILY
Non-Members may order shares for $10 per week. For this nominal amount, contributors
may request any items they desire from the weekly Share. Although we will assist with
transmissions, it is the responsibility of the contributor to make arrangements for pick up of the
share.
EGGS. Prices are $5.00 a dozen ($4.00 for shares), and $3.00 a half-dozen ($2.50 for shares).
These prices are competitive with prices for organic eggs at commercial grocers. As required by
our policies, our supplier is local, follows organic principles, practices compassionate husbandry,
and allows chickens free range. If you would like to be included on the egg list, please start
an account ($20 suggested), and make requests accordingly. Eggs are from humanely treated
chickens, and fed non-GMO feed.
Note: We may be discontinuing egg transmissions. The distribution system we have used is not
functional at present. We are looking for another organic, humane supplier. In the meantime we’ll
meet requests using organic eggs from Wright’s Whole Foods, in New Port Richey.
Honey: Local West Pasco honey is available in 8 oz. bottles for $7.00 ($5.50 for shares).
Seeds: If you would like organic vegetable seeds for your garden, we will order them for you. Seed
packs are $4.00 each, 2 for $7.00, and 5 for $14.00.
Seedlings: We are also happy to start plants for you. Just give us the word on the plants you want
us to start, and we’ll do the rest. Starter plants in cells are $1.50 per plant ($1, for shares), $5.00
($4) for four, $8.00 ($7.00) for nine. When available, small plants are $3.00 ($2.40) each, and
medium plants are $5.00 ($4).
Let us know if you want to acquire seeds or starts.
We have okra starts.
Trees: Young Loquat trees are available in small (half-gallon) and medium (gallon) pots – $6.00
($4.50 for shareholders). $12.00 ($9.50) for two-gallon and larger pots.
Vermipost and Worms: For folks interested in organic gardening, we have the best all-natural
soil amenities you can find: Vermipost and Worms! Vermipost is compost that has been broken
down and enriched by Red Worms. We also have the worms themselves. Vermipost is available
in 32 oz containers for $2.50 each ($2.00 for shareholders), with discounts for orders of five
or more. Vermipost containers will most likely have some worms in the mix. We recommend
mixing the vermipost 1 to 1 with regular soil, and 1 to 3 or 4 with organic soil. Remember, if you
use synthetic chemicals (such as fertilizers or pesticides), the vermipost will be compromised.
Pesticides will kill the worms and synthetic fertilizers will kill the worms or drive them away.
Worms are available in 32 oz containers for $7.50 ($6 for shareholders). We cannot specify
the exact number of worms in a container, but there should be 30-50. By the way, if you are
developing an organic garden, always look for the OMRI seal of approval on fertilizers, soils, and
insect deterrents.
Seeds: Shareholders are entitled to seeds from our seed bank – three types of okra and our famous
Calabrese broccoli. Our seeds are organic and derived from heirloom stock. They are listed with
Seed Savers Exchange, and also available at the New Port Richey Library Seed Exchange. Let us
know if you are interested – additional packages of seeds for $4.00 ($3.20) a packet (of 30). We
cannot guarantee germination, but in our tests germination rates are close to 100%.
Heirloom, organic seeds from Seed Savers Exchange are $4.50 each ($3.50 for shares).
Florida Central West Coast acclimated Okra Seeds offered by 3F are: Silver Queen, Star of David,
Red Burgundy, and Hill Country Red.
Local Markets and Growers’ Sites Open to the Public
Endorsed by Friendship Farms & Fare
Market Off Main: We encourage members of the TBN G&G CSA to patronize the Market Off
Main in New Port Richey, and other local produce markets. They often have organics, usually
have local produce, are locally owned, and are now a distributor of Cow Pots. Here is their
website: http://www.marketoffmain.com/
Tasty Tuesdays: Visit the New Port Richey Library Tuesday (10:00 AM – 1:00 PM) for a good
selection of locally grown organic vegetables. New Port Richey Public Library, 5939 Main St, New
Port Richey, FL
West Pasco Urban Market: Saturdays – coming soon.
Freedom House Farms: Open to visitors on Saturday afternoons. Featuring freshly harvested
produce available for purchase. 5642 Virginia Ave., New Port Richey
First Farm: Receptive to visitors on Sunday afternoons. Featuring seeds, seedlings, Loquat trees,
and select produce in season. Call for appointment afternoons or evenings: (727) 849-1626. New Port
Richey.
To Return to our website, go to: < http://www.fffsite.org >
Friendship Farms & Fare
An Urban Farm Community, CSA, and Organic Wholefoods Kitchen
Friendship Farms & Fare Community
Cadle’s Cove Farm
Freedom House Farm
Friendship Farms & Fare: First Farm
Hart’s Family Farm
Seeds of Love Organic Farm
Tarry Lane Tasting Station
June 9, 2014 – 36th report for the 2013-2014 Garden Year
