This morning, there was a noticeable chill in the air. As the sun rose over the beds of vegetables for our Thursday harvest, and crept its way across the farm, steam rose from the earth. The recent rains have created a layer of warm moisture that actually mixed with the cold air this morning, creating a evaporative fog that rose above the beds of lettuce, waiting to be cut.
July has passed, and with it the hottest month on record. To say that I am grateful to see cooler temperatures is an enormous understatement. The farm too, is showing its gratitude with its new vitality, fresh bright blooms, and tender sweet vegetables coming from the earth in a bounty that I call “The Second Summer.”
Seasons in Utah are fickle. Winter is long and summer is punishing, spring and fall are never quite long enough. But within those four hard defined seasons, we can find some nuance. Which is when I can find the second summer. The air is still hot, our skin is still sunkissed, but the mornings are blessed with a cool breeze and chill. The height of day feels less harsh and the colors look a little more vibrant. This second summer is when we begin to see temperatures slowly lighten up, and thus plants are enabled to spend some of that hard-earned stored energy, fruiting, blossoming, and enriching themselves. Their hard work is over, and it's a little bit of a coast downhill from here.
There is no plant more longed for and cherished than the one that really embraces this second summer: the tomato. Tomatoes don’t set fruit or blossoms when the days are consistently hovering between 90 and 95 and nights remain warm. That temperature range defined our July. But with the relief in temps, we are now seeing our plants pouring out blossoms and fruit in mass quantities. The temperature is finally right… Second Summer is here.
And with second summer, comes one of the most coveted evenings of the season: The Tomato Dinner. While tickets are nearly sold out, this evening is worth a mention. This farm dinner is always an incredible evening of food, drink, and community. If you can snag a ticket, you definitely should. There are a few more available here.
If you miss out on the Tomato Dinner however, Harvest Dinner is right around the corner. I’ll be writing on that one soon…
FInally, our farm store is at the height of its season as well. Fresh produce, meats, cheese, eggs, dairy and other specialty goods are available every Friday at 4 pm until the end of September. Make sure to stop by and visit the farm and see that renewed sense of energy that comes with Second Summer…
Until next time,
Be well and enjoy.
The Gracie’s FarmHers
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