Greetings CSA members! It´s Matthew writing. Never underestimate the power of plants. I think that organic farming is predicated on a faith in the natural ability of plants to thrive. It was a taxing summer. By the end it seemed that there was nothing that the heat and dryness had spared. An entire field of tomatoes, the last ones we planted in late spring, yielded almost no fruit whatsoever. These plants seemed finished before they even got started.

Today I walked through the tomato field in question, preparing to remove the trellis so I could mow the beds and begin retiring them for the season. To my amazement, plants that had seemed on the brink of death were flourishing, yellow flowers decorated the entire field, and green tomatoes abounded. I think they may have a second chance, and I´m willing to wait a few more days to see if they do.

Insect pests have been a concern this summer. Mexican bean beetles have been particularly prolific, the cabbage looper has claimed more than a few cabbages, and the cutworm, which will kill a plant instantly, has been unbelievably destructive.

Despite these ravages, most plants persevere. Although they are down, they are not out. One primary defense mechanism is hormonal; the plants, when eaten by pests, release a chemical that attracts predator species. Sure enough, when I walk through the fields I seem to encounter a ladybug or their dragon-like larva under every leaf.

Of course, while we like to give our plants the benefit of the doubt, insect pests pose certain threats to a farming operation that warrant proactive measures. Fortunately, at Serenbe Farms we have only under the rarest circumstances found it necessary to apply (organic) pesticides. Usually, a physical barrier is an extremely effective pest deterrent.

A row cover that allows both water and sunlight to penetrate, when applied immediately after transplanting, can safeguard even the most vulnerable of plants. Our eggplant and bok choy are a case in point. Often, as in the case of eggplant, once plants reach a certain stage of maturity, they are no longer susceptible to most pests, and the cover may be removed. More fragile vegetables (bok choy for example) will remain covered throughout their lifespan.

With the cutworm, a pest that, true to its name, will actually decapitate a plant from its main stem, we tried a few innovative strategies. The first involved wrapping a small tube around the base of the stem to physically preclude the cutworm from its appointed task. This proved extremely effective, but also required around twenty person hours to realize. We tried to render our plan more efficient by substituting toothpicks for the tubing, but unfortunately experienced less encouraging results. Anyway, it was all in the enterprising spirit of farming.

Last week we said goodbye to an integral member of the 2007 Serenbe Farms team. RJ set sail for home where he will spend a few weeks with his family before beginning his next farming tour of duty in Hawaii. RJ´s hard work, uncompromising values, and eccentric personality were all greatly appreciated this season. We will miss him.

Have a great week, and enjoy the produce!

Sincerely,

Matthew, Paige, and RJ (in spirit)