Written July 25th, 8:56 a.m.: Last night at 11:00 p.m. I got a text message from Brad that Mill Creek came over its banks and their farm was 5 feet under water. They may have lost everything.
It has been a bit of a struggle this year with all the water. Many of the early greens bolted, the deer ate the edamme (a new treat Brad was trying), the heat and water literally cooked the cabbage in the field, the weeds have thrived in this heat and moisture, and bugs have had a hay day. They have been limping along; Brad with a positive attitude and Jessica with some concern. True to their promise, they provided the CSA with nice baskets, taking less to the farmer's market and building for the future years.
I am headed out to the farm to take some pictures and try to assess where we are. I am very concerned for Brad, Jessica and their young family. I will report back as soon as I can.
Written July 25th 11:39 p.m.: Thanks for your many notes of concern for Brad and Jessica. Right now, I think they are pretty much in shock. Last night, while it was raining, they went to move some of the farm equipment: the water wheel transplanter, the tractor, the irrigation pump, etc. While they were there, the water rose out of the banks of Mill Creek within 40 minutes to near the top of their 6 foot hoop house. The whole farm was at least 5 feet under water. When it receded, it left behind a lot of mud.
I went out there this AM. As I came in on 90th St., I could see where the city has plowed the mud off the road. I met with Brad's dad, Dick. He took me through some if it. While many of the plants are still standing, the whole story has yet to be understood. There was a newly planted patch of pumpkins (I think) where about 1/4 of the plants were knocked down. The remaining plants have mud on the leaves. Most of the 2800 tomato plants are still standing as well; they were staked up. Some of the fruit was knocked off. The mud at their feet isn't too serious as tomato plants can grow roots from their stalk, be the fields have to dry out. The eggplant were just coming on and I saw lots of its fruit on the ground. There was a lot a mud around the base of the plants and on the leaves. I didn't even get to the back field as the mud was thick and the fields very wet.
Though the water was in and out quickly, because of the constant rain this season, all the plants are very stressed and may not be able to endure this event. Dick said we may need another rain (!) to rinse the leaves off as the mud will interfere with absorption of sun. But, the field is quite soggy and needs to dry out somewhat so the roots can absorb some nutrients. We don't know yet which of the remaining plants will survive.
It's not just the plants. Getting equipment into the wet field remains an issue, as it has been all season. The weeds were getting substantial and difficult to control. We will know more as a few days pass.
I've passed your notes on to Brad and Jess. I spoke to Jess this afternoon. They cleaned up some in the morning and Brad was sleeping this afternoon, he is worn out. I look forward to seeing you on Wednesday. If I learn anything before then, I will let you know.
