As I am typing this, we are just a few days past the solstice, and temperatures are reminiscent of why Phelan is known as the “Land of Champagne Climate.” Daytime temperatures are in the 80s, and nighttime temperatures are in the 50s, providing what are known as perfect growing temperatures. There is a little humidity in the air, providing moisture at night, allowing the plants to rejuvenate, spread their roots, and Spring forth for a new day. Our arid climate and dry winds are our most challenging issues, next to the thirsty critters that devour our plants in search of water. A fence with small holes will stop rabbits, but those pesky squirrels, and don’t forget those little chipmunks who can get through anything, are some of our worst enemies. Be diligent, be passionate, and move forward when facing these setbacks; you will succeed as they move on to other plants to eat, hopefully.
At Moonstruck, we are facing a major drought year, with most of the storms the last year or two missing the farm, and the animals are thirsty! They have devoured our cherries before they even got close to ripening, and we are fighting them everywhere! I pulled some irrigation lines out, and they had tiny little holes up and down them as if someone had run their teeth up and down them like corn on the cob. All our germinating marigolds, zinnias, and cosmos were eaten, but whoever it was seems to have moved on, and everything is germinating now. These battles are constant, but we have found that they are just part of life here on the farm and have made peace with them. In the meantime, all the gorgeous flowers they do not like and those that germinated prior to the “emergence of critters in late Spring” are blooming along with the first planting of lilies, which are finishing up this week. The majority of the next round of flowers will be delayed but will be just in time for a gorgeous late summer and Fall harvest. Tomatoes are now all in the ground, and we are looking forward to those delicious Juliet mini Romas in about four weeks. Our slicing tomatoes will be in late summer.
Both farmers markets in Phelan and Wrightwood have a wide variety of hot food, which is a nice addition to the markets. The farm lineups are spectacular, and Phelan is thrilled to welcome G Farms (stone fruit) and Glencairn Farm back to Phelan. Glencairn is the Redlands Citrus and Avocado farm that was in the market for the first five years and has now returned with your favorite avocados, including Pinkerton, Sir Prize, Bacon, and more. The Wrightwood Farmers Market runs on Fridays from 4 pm to 7 pm in the Wrightwood Community Center parking lot, and the Phelan Farmers Market is on Mondays from 2 pm to 6 pm, both inside and outside the Phelan Community Center. Both markets accept EBT, but the Phelan Farmers Market also administers the Market Match grant, providing up to $15 in free farm-fresh produce each Monday. Just step inside the Phelan Community Center and ask the manager how it works!!
