Harvest Highlights: Week 3 CSA News & Updates

Welcome to Week 3 of the CSA season! 

**A quick note for those who ordered mushrooms this week: If you purchased the mushroom add-on for Week 3, your 6 oz Gourmet Blend will be delivered to your selected pickup location alongside your CSA share. Please note that the mushrooms will not be packed inside your CSA box, so be sure to grab them separately before you leave. If you’re unsure where to find them, just ask the staff or check for a clearly labeled container near the pickup area. We hope you enjoy this flavorful, locally grown addition to your share!**

If you are interested in the mushroom add on, and didn’t get in on the fun for week 3, don’t worry!  You will have the option to add mushrooms again this week.  The order form will go out Wednesday and will close Sunday at midnight.

Fresh from the Field

Zucchini and yellow squash are some of the quickest and most rewarding summer vegetables to grow. Their journey begins with a small, flat seed planted directly into warm soil—typically after the danger of frost has passed. Within just 5 to 10 days, the seeds germinate and push up hearty seedlings. As they mature, these plants grow large, broad leaves and send out thick stems that support bright yellow blossoms. These flowers are essential for fruit development, relying on bees and other pollinators to transfer pollen from male to female blooms. Once pollinated, the fruits grow rapidly—often reaching harvestable size within just 4 to 8 days after flowering. With consistent watering and warm temperatures, a single plant can produce an abundance of squash over the course of several weeks.

Of course, fast-growing doesn’t mean carefree. Zucchini and yellow squash are especially vulnerable to a few seasonal challenges. Destructive insects (aphids, cucumber beetles, squash bugs, and squash vine borers) and powdery mildew are a couple common threats. Vine borers can quickly kill a plant by burrowing into the stem, while powdery mildew—a white fungal coating—can slow growth and reduce yields. We use crop rotation, proper spacing for airflow, and vigilant scouting to help manage these issues. Timing is also key: planting early can help beat the worst of the pests, and regular harvesting encourages the plant to keep producing. By the time you see squash in your CSA box, it’s the result of weeks of careful tending, pollination, and timely picking—often done early in the morning while the fruit is firm and fresh.

What’s in the box?

This week’s share is packed with summer staples that can carry you through every meal of the day. Perfect for a wide range of dishes, this box is all about versatility in the kitchen.

Here’s what’s inside:

• Red Potatoes
• Radishes
• Collard Greens
• Zucchini/Yellow Squash
• Cauliflower
• Green Cabbage

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the options, here are some simple pairings to get you started:

• Zucchini + Yellow Squash: Slice and toss them on the grill or roast with olive oil and garlic. Or try a quick sauté with fresh herbs for a fast weeknight side.  For a fun new option try this recipe shared by one of our very own CSA members, https://www.pahls.com/csa-member-updates/recipes/summer-squash-skillet-exactly-how-mama-likes-it/.

• Collard Greens: Braise them with a bit of onion, garlic, and broth, or chop finely and stir into soups or pasta dishes for a nutrient boost.

• Radishes: Don’t just slice them raw—try roasting for a milder, slightly sweet flavor, or pickle them for an easy topping on tacos and sandwiches.  Here is a simple and easy recipe for pickled radishes: https://www.pahls.com/csa-member-updates/recipes/simple-pickled-radishes/

• Cabbage + Cauliflower: Shred cabbage for a crunchy slaw or toss cauliflower florets in the oven with curry powder or paprika for a spiced veggie side.

• Red Potatoes: Boil and smash with butter and dill, roast with rosemary, or cube and pan-fry for weekend breakfast hash.

We know cooking from a CSA box can stretch your creativity—and that’s the fun of it! Don’t be afraid to swap, substitute, or simplify. A few good ingredients go a long way.

Looking for more inspiration? Our CSA e-guide has quick tips on how to store and prep your produce. And don’t forget to share your meals with us—we love seeing how you make the box your own!