This week we became the proud farmer parents to a few hundred new beneficial parasitic wasp mummies, and a cargo van! It was a big, entomological, busy busy busy week on the farm.
First of all, the pediobius foveolatus were called in as reinforcements in our battle against the mexican bean beetle infestation in our green beans. They are a beneficial parasitic wasp larvae that have mummified mexican bean beetles before they are delivered - through the mail (our mailman loves us). Once delivered, they emerge through the shell of the beetle mummies and head out into our green bean rows to mummify new prey.
If I'm being totally honest, beneficial parasitic pest management is one of my favorite things about being a totally sustainable and pesticide-free farm. We really love and honor the good insects around here, and all that they can do to help us. W'd be nothing without them.
Thanks to Aaron and Rachel's endless patience for Craigslist trolling, we are the proud new parents to a 2000 Ford Econoline delivery van! She came complete with metallic shag seat covers, a custom silver paint job, 140,000 miles, and what my father tells me are very sporty wheels. Her name is Denise, and she's already graduated to her farm plates.
She came into our lives in the nick of time, as they say. It's hard to imagine how we ever made it to market without her.
Looking west from the Upper Field at sunset a few nights ago...
In my opinion, though, looking east was even more magnificent. The light reflecting off the outhouse and trees was luminous and fleeting - this pink glow only lasted for 90 seconds before we fell into night.
Hots hots hots, growing fast.
Look. at. this. flower. I'm generally not zinnias' number one fan, but seriously.
We're proud to be the featured farm on the CT Grown website this month! CT Grown is an important and useful website where consumers can go to find local produce in their area - check them out, use the resources on the website, and read our profile!
