August is almost over promising to end the sweltering summer heat that restricts growing greens and many of our favorite vegetables in Central Florida. There may not be much in the way of veggies at our farmers market table but I am getting out in our fields as much as I can every day to prepare my beds. I have learned how quickly the soil can dry out in September and then scorched sands can lead to dune like seeding conditions (most unfavorable!) I have tried to rototil only when necessary and have quite a few beds covered with Sudan grass crops which can be pulled up fairly easily and used for compost building leaving behind a manageable bed for tiny seeds. The Sudan grass shades the soil and retains moisture while out competing some of the summer weeds I would rather not have to tangle with!
Caramonie Field Peas
In this post I will tell you why I love field peas in particular the Caramonie variety. I will share the story of how we were introduced to this amazing plant, how they grow, and how to cook them. You can purchase seeds to grow your own from us at the Artisan Alley Farmers Market in downtown Deland. GOOD FOR THE SOUL AND SOIL Gardeners and farmers alike love how easily field peas grow and how good they are for building soil. Field peas have spreading vines that cover the earth quickly shading out weeds and strong roots which gather and store nitrogen. When the plants die, their stems and leaves decompose providing copious amounts of organic matter. Small root nodules in which the plants store nitrogen eventually break down recycling this important plant nutrient back into the soil for the next crop grown. When it comes to eating, however, the field pea is seems elusive. Some field peas taste good enough to eat and others do not. Years back we grew the well know Iron a...
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