Farm Journal
In subtle and blatant ways, farmers are professionally discounted and personally discouraged. I adamantly believe agriculture can be a rewarding, and healthy full time career. By writing about my work and sharing my progress, I hope to show how organic farms and farmers enrich and strengthen the communities they serve. ~April
Joyful Farming is:
aligning life, land, and community
believing in power and possibility
restoring health and home
nurturing relationships
honoring abundance and vocation
celebrating creativity and change
“I love your newsletter. The produce is so delicious, but the spirit of the farm lives in how you both communicate with us. So grateful for you all.”
— April Joy Farm CSA Member
Herb Green Bean and Summer Squash Salad
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add green beans and blanch for 3-5 minutes.
Deep Underground Magic
A common way many growers expedite the labor intensive process of raising their own transplants is by using seedling trays. Typically, these are black plastic that has been molded into a set number of individual pots.
Blistered Green Beans with Tomatoes, Summer Squash and Pounded Walnuts
Transfer walnuts to a zip lock or cloth bag and bash with the back of frying pan until the nuts are in coarse pieces and have released some oil.
Inherently Laborious
As I explained in last week’s essay, there are many advantages to transplanting crops. However, don’t think it’s all roses and sunshine! Transplanting as a practice is inherently laborious.
Ctenucha Moth
Surprise Visitor: The Red Shouldered Ctenucha Moth (pronounced "ten-OOCH-ah") is only found in Washington and only in the Puget Sound trough, i.e. west of the Cascades and south of Chehalis.
Smashed Fingerling Potatoes
Bring the potatoes to a boil in salted water, then reduce to a simmer until they can be pierced with a paring knife, but are not fully cooked; about 15-20 minutes.
Community Voices
“Your writing is superb, April! Profound, insightful, clear, honest and generous - like you. I always find some wisdom to share with the kids or illumination of my own journey. Thank you.”