Tips from jollity FARM

Keeping salad greens and herbs crisp and fresh ~ You can extend the life of salad greens by plunging them in cold water, shaking off the excess and sealing them up in a ziploc bag. Bunches of greens and herbs like kale, swiss chard, cilantro and parsley can be set in a glass of water in the fridge and used as needed.

Black Flies and Spider Mites ~ With this very hot and dry spring there are more black flies and spider mites living happily on fruiting plants. Spider mites don't like direct water so give your plants a misting 2x a day. If the problems continue or they are plants that don't like water on their leaves (like tomatoes) then a good spray with Safer's Soap (approved for organic gardening as they use naturally occurring compounds of either potassium salt or Pyrethrum) or your own oxalic acid solution (made by boiling down rhubarb leaves). Spray 3x over the course of about 10 weeks and boost your plants natural immunity by feeding with some good quality compost. 

Fava Beans ~ Freshly harvested young favas can be simply shucked from the pod and enjoy their creamy texture tossed with pasta, mashed into a dip or spread, added to a stew or grill or roast them in the whole pod. Bon Appetit!  A great fava bean recipe can be found here:

http://www.jollityfarm.ca/blog/escaroleandfavabeans/

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