Blog by our intern David.
Observations of an
Unobservant Observer
So I have been on the farm
now for a couple of weeks. There is one thing in particular that I have noticed
keeps coming up, and that is the need for constant observation. Of everything.
Observing weather, temperature, moisture, sunlight, shade, wind, bugs,
diseases, etc., there are so many things you need to keep your eyes on. The art
of observing is essential to farming.
Here's a practical example of the importance of observation
using strawberries. Taking care of strawberries require constant observation of
several of the factors I previously mentioned. They can't get too wet it will
cause diseases. By the same token though, you can't let them dry out. Secondly,
they must be covered some evenings when there is a threat of frost; otherwise
the frost will kill them. However, you cannot just keep them covered all the
time. Strawberries require, among other things, honeybees to pollinate them.
It is interesting to note
the similarities between plants and kids. Both require constant attention and
supervision. Both need to be feed regularly. Both need to be kept out of harsh
environments. And both when mature produce unique, individual fruit.
Constant observation is a
hard trait to master. Processing everything you observe and using that
information is a whole other monster, but being able to do so will definitely
make for a better farmer/gardener.
Linguine
with Asparagus, Bacon, and Arugula
Ingredients
1 pound linguine, uncooked
1/3 pound sliced bacon, cut in half
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1/2 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1/2 inch pieces
1 (5 ounce) package baby arugula leaves
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 pound linguine, uncooked
1/3 pound sliced bacon, cut in half
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1/2 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1/2 inch pieces
1 (5 ounce) package baby arugula leaves
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
Directions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add pasta, and cook until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain, and set aside.
2. Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until browned and crisp. Remove to paper towels. Pour olive oil into skillet, and stir in garlic and asparagus. Cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Add pasta to skillet. Turn flame off. Toss with arugula, lemon juice, and bacon.
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add pasta, and cook until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain, and set aside.
2. Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until browned and crisp. Remove to paper towels. Pour olive oil into skillet, and stir in garlic and asparagus. Cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Add pasta to skillet. Turn flame off. Toss with arugula, lemon juice, and bacon.
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