The new pumpkin plants are in full bloom. However, almost all of the blooms are male flowers. Male flowers usually precede the female flowers, so we should see some female flowers shortly.
Upon returning to the farm this week, we found several pumpkins ready for harvest. These pumpkins are all of the smaller variety. We also found two new green pumpkins which will be ready in a week or two.
Our first string beans are starting to appear. Unfortunately, only one of us will be able to eat beans from the first harvest because we can only find about 8 beans!
The milkweed plant is the favorite food of Monarches caterpillars. This year the milkweed did not return in its normal abundance. Finally, we found a few volunteer plants, and true to nature, we found a Monarch caterpillar.
Science Tip: Last Super MOON of this year will be this week. Aunt Lydia sent “Harvest moon will rise at @5 on 29 Sept. worth making effort to see!” The moon’s orbit around the earth is not a circle, but rather an oblong or elliptical shape. This orbit changes slightly as the earth tilts and also over an 8-9 year cycle. Consequently, the moon is closer to the earth at certain times of the year and in certain years. When the moon is closest, it is called a super moon. The name HARVEST MOON came into use because the moon was so bright at times that it provided enough light to harvest the crops during the night. Set your clocks to watch this beautiful sight this week. The picture below was taken last night. The moon will be even closer tomorrow night.
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