Oak Slough Farm

1^st Deliveries to Real People

Last year my son Asa (20) came home for the summer and asked me to plant a big garden to give him something to do.  We did a little work in the garden, but we mostly fixed his car (a 1984 RX7) and worked on the tractor (a John Deere 6310) a bit.  This year, my daughter Sadie (23) also came home for the summer, and she asked us to help do a vegetable and flower farm.  She doesn’t have a car and Sadie is pretty serious about farming, so we’re giving it a shot.

Before planting, Sadie and Jessica (ageless) contacted local grocery stores in Shasta County and they were super excited and encouraging about buying local organic produce. However, once we planted it, weeded it, grew it, and had it ready for sale, the process of selling to them has been slow. 

So, we are very happy to have some real people customers (you)!

We have also been able to sell a little produce to a few, but really supportive, businesses in Red Bluff, including Vida’s Juice Bar, Little Things Bakery, Bartell’s in Red Bluff, Field to Fork, and the Ale House (for live music events).  Add-in you guys and Tehama County has really come through for us! We’ve also been donating food to the Salvation Army, PATH, and the Tehama County Gleaners.

The Weather

I don’t think you can have a farm newsletter, at least not a first-issue farm newsletter, and not mention the weather.  The big storm we had last weekend was great for watering the cover crops we have growing around the vegetable patch, but the downpour and especially the wind, was really bad on our newly transplanted cucumbers and peppers.  Hopefully, they recover.  The uptick in heat will be okay for our summer crops, like tomatoes, basil, squash, cucumbers and peppers, but it is hard on the cool season crops like lettuce, cilantro, radish, etc.  We’ve had these cool-season crops ready to harvest for about a month, but with the heat they may not last too much longer.  We are giving them a little sprinkle of water in the afternoon to try and keep them cool.

1^st Boxes

We hope you enjoy the vegetables and consider ordering again.  The head lettuce seemed a bit small, so we provided two heads for one.  Also, the radishes may have a few bug marks on them.  We hope that is not upsetting to you.  Everything we grow is organic (no chemical fertilizers or pesticides.)  We are certified by Oregon Tilth.  Thank you again for your support. – Josh