Some new helping hands

This past Sunday, a few hours before harvest time, I put out my usual email to Wendell Phillips Veggie Farm share members. In it, I reminded people that, if anyone is interested, they can join the kids and I for harvest. Well, it turns out that we got a couple of sets of new helping hands:

Say "Well, hello!" to Hye and Todd (the new help) on the left in the snapshot. Say, "Eh, I've seen you before... no big deal!" (just kidding) to Ms. Ebright and her fella Andy, on the right.

This was the second week that we had melons... expect to have one or two more of such 'sweet' weeks. The fruit we took home was amazingly ripe and delicious; I hope yours tasted likewise. Also, I must admit that I was disappointed that no student members showed up on Sunday. Usually they come, help with the harvest, and take home a box of veggies for themselves. I even told them earlier in the week, "you should really come... we're going to have melons and possibly also peaches!" And the weather was nice too, so that was not an issue...

Not pictured are three other shares (two picked up by the on-site help, one divided into the 'extras' boxes. We'll miss you, Chris and Mindi!

Alas, school has started back and I find our operation in competition with the other interests of the kids. Two of our usual members have been busy with sports (soccer and cross country) pretty much since the school's doors reopened at the beginning of August. The third... well, I'm starting to think that she wasn't having as much fun taking care of the plants and hanging out as she let on. Maybe she was just in it for the summer internship money? I don't know.

What I DO know is that, if we hope to expand production to 20-25 shares next year, we'll need more than just three committed student members. And, we'll need them to see the garden through its fall production -- even after the paid summer internship is over. I'm working on that right now, trying to recruit new interest in the club... will let you all know how it turns out in a month or so...

Until then, try to STRONGLY consider coming out on Sunday, and helping with the harvest :)

best,
Mr. Mikulski