Strawberries are about to go loca.

Hey folks.  Sorry I've let this blog slip.  Been busy raising a boy to love his fresh foods.  Anyway, just wanted to through up a note on the impending strawberry season.  Most of the folks out there in Salinas have fruit on their plants.  Swanton farms has had ripe fruit for the past few weeks as well.  The good news for the Salinas Valley folks is that the last rain storm this past week barely made it south to them.  The rain for the coming weekend should have a greater impact, but word is the fruit will make it through. Of course time will tell.  But with some luck, we could see the season open up in the next few weeks.  I'll try to do a better job and keep ya'll informed.

Cara Cara Oranges are here!!

What?  An entire post about an orange?  Yes sir.  If you have not tried these beauties, then you are not living.  Okay, perhaps that is a bit of an overstatement, but still, get out to the market and check things out.  It always surprises me in winter how uncrowded the markets are.  Sure, summer brings tomatoes and raspberries, but there is more to life than nightshades (and, duh, potatoes are around year long people) and red things.  And if you need the red things, Swanton is still producing some decent strawberries.  Of course, that will soon to change with the new weather pattern setting up.  So if that is your thing, get them this coming week.  But back to the point of this post.  The Cara Cara.

Cara Cara Oranges.  Image from applesandonions.com

They really only came on the scene a few years back.  Before that, they existed, but were even harder to find.  They tend to arrive sometime between late November and and early January, like the perfect holiday treat.  They can stick around for a few months or more.  In essence, they are a red fleshed Navel.  They tend to be a bit bigger than a Navel, but smaller than a Grapefruit. Pinkish to light orange flesh.  Kind of like a Ruby, and similar in taste.  But different.  I would almost describe them as a slightly tart orange or a sweeter Ruby Red.  But more complex and interesting than that. Regardless, they are delicious and way more interesting than the typical grocery fruit.  And, even more interesting than an epic Farmer's Market Navel.  So, in short, go buy some from your local farmer.

While I am posting, I should mention that the rain is coming.  Expect some changes to come.  We need the water, so, while the rain may damage some crops (and raise prices) farmer's will not need to irrigate (lowers prices).  Prices should remain fairly steady through the period, but expect lower quality on tender leaf plants like lettuces.  Strawberries, what there are of them, will take a beating.  Otherwise, we are not expecting any terrible cold that kills off stocks.  Coming soon a mid winter market report.  Happy eating.

Water your garden folks.

Not much to say, except that you may need to get out there and give some water love to your plants.  This extended dry period is not all that unusual for winter, but often one forgets to tend their winter garden like they do their summer garden.  The ground is certainly not 'summer dry' yet, but things are not typical for early January.  Check you soil and plants, and water accordingly.  Because the sun is low and the temps are mild, you will not need to be out there too often.  Still, stop in and see how your chard is doing.

Know what this tomato relative is?  It is sweet and perennial, and gives a few winter bites when we have drought.

You may also want to take a moment and do a little weeding.  We get a lot of clover.  A bit is not bad at all, but too much will compete for both water and nutrients.  So we tend to thin them out a bit.  Another task you could accomplish this weekend is planting some new starts.  If you put some lettuces in the ground, they should be able to get established before the rain comes, and you will be making salad with in a month or two.  The great thing about winter planting is how little attention it really needs.  A bit of weed thinning every once in a while.  A bit of water when the rain stops for a few weeks.  A brief check in for damage during the heavy rain.   A protective barrier during the very coldest nights.  A some time to pick the snails and slugs about once a week.  Oh yeah, those guys love winter and they love lettuce.