Share In the Harvest Newsletter Archives

Welcome to Week 14 of the CSA season! 

From the Field: Cover Crops & Soil Reset

As the season winds down and fields begin to empty, our focus shifts from harvesting crops to preparing the ground for next year. One of the most important steps in that process is planting cover crops. While they aren’t harvested for the CSA, these crops play a huge role in the long-term health and productivity of our soil. At Pahl’s, we typically plant either a turnip radish mixture or rye, each chosen for the different benefits they bring to the fields.

The turnip radish mixture has strong taproots that reach deep into the soil. Those roots help break up what farmers call the “hard pan,” a compacted layer that can form from repeated fieldwork. By loosening the soil, the radish roots improve drainage and allow next year’s crop roots to grow deeper and stronger. On the other hand, rye is one of the best cover crops for building organic matter. When it grows, it produces a dense mat of roots and foliage. Once it’s tilled back into the soil, it decomposes and adds valuable nutrients, while also improving soil structure and water-holding capacity.

Cover crops are a cornerstone of sustainable farming. They protect the soil over the winter months by holding it in place, preventing erosion from wind and rain. Their root systems also suppress weeds, reduce nutrient runoff, and even feed the soil biology that supports healthy crops. By fixing nutrients in the soil and keeping it “alive” during the off-season, cover crops ensure we’re not just farming for today but building fertility and resilience for years to come.

For us, planting cover crops is as important as harvesting the food that fills your CSA boxes. It’s the work behind the scenes that guarantees the soil will stay healthy, balanced, and productive so we can keep bringing you fresh produce season after season.

What’s in the box?

This week’s share blends the comfort of fall with the last tastes of summer. Acorn squash makes its appearance, a hearty favorite with sweet, nutty flesh that’s excellent roasted or stuffed. From Brand Farms, Honeycrisp apples bring their trademark crunch and juicy sweetness, perfect for fresh eating or baking into fall desserts. Onions are included as a reliable kitchen staple, adding depth and flavor to countless dishes.

We’ve also packed fresh sweet corn, tender and flavorful as the season winds down. Rounding out the box are crisp green bell peppers and a mix of colored bell peppers, versatile for grilling, stuffing, sautéing, or enjoying raw.

This week’s harvest captures the shift of the season, with hearty fall crops taking center stage while summer favorites edge closer to the end of the season.