Fruits of Our Labor - September

Whether it deserves it or not, September is the month we typically associate the most with the harvest.  The Harvest Moon typically lands in September since a Harvest Moon is the full moon that lands closest to the Autumnal Equinox.  The absorbing process of bringing in field crops usually begins in September and rolls on into October (and sometimes later).  We place shocks of corn, pumpkins, and other symbols of a fall bounty prominently as reminders to us as to what season we are in.

It doesn't matter that a small-scale, diversified farm, such as ours, has probably been pulling in the veggies for months prior to September.  Even we allow ourselves to think about September in this fashion - as long as we actually recognize what date it is.  Sometimes, the only reason I can remember the date is because I have to be aware of when I need to make deliveries.  Otherwise, I am not as concerned about the month as much as I am paying attention to where we are in our growing and work cycles.

On our farm, September has often been the peak of diversity and quantity when it comes to our produce.  It is now cool enough that the lettuce gets back to peak quality.  The tomatoes become impossible to keep up with.  The squash are ready to harvest and cure.  And the multiple harvest crops, such as cucumbers, green beans, and peppers still require picking each week.

There isn't time for weeding - at this point, if there are weeds (and there are), they will be there until the end of the season.  While we know we should plant some of our over-wintering crops, we often run out of daylight and energy to do so.  The garlic also needs planting, but we never can manage to find the time in September to get to it.  

So, maybe we've got it right.  September on the farm has always been all about the harvest.  There is rarely any time for anything more.