July happenings!

I can't believe it is already July. This cool weather makes me think of early June days. But at least the sun has finally come out. After nearly a month of clouds and rain we are back on track at the farm as the sun encourages everything to grow.
Our tomatoes, eggplant and peppers look great. Last week we planted
our fall brassicas (broccoli, cauliflower, and brussel spouts) and their roots seem to be happy in their new home in the field. 

---

This is the Colorado Potato Beetle. This beautiful beetle can wipe out an entire potato crop by laying eggs on the leaves and when the larvae hatch they can defoliate leaves in no time at all. See below. This beetle here is enjoying our eggplant.

---

This is our other dreaded pest. The Cucumber Beetle. This little guy targets all of our Cucurbits (winter and summer squash, cucumbers and melons). When plants become stressed they send out a scent that signals these insects. In no time the insects are devouring the leaves.

---