Seasonal Eating in Clarkesville, GA: How Our Farm Adapts to Weather, Soil & Sustainability

At Arrows Farm, our hearts and hands are tuned to the land, especially during this transition from late summer to early fall. Each veggie box you receive is more than just a meal starter—it’s a living reflection of what seasonal eating in is Clarkesville, GA, nestled in USDA Growing Zone 7b.

The Growing Season Right Now in Clarkesville (Zone 7b)

As we wrap up July and look toward August, we’re deep into the height of summer crops: tomatoes, squash, peppers, cucumbers, melons, and hearty greens like Swiss chard and collards. You may also see foraged items like sumac and black-staining mushrooms, both of which are delicious seasonal treats with unique health benefits (more on those below).

The garden is in a state of high energy, pushing out fruit rapidly before the days begin to shorten. We're also starting succession plantings for our early fall crops—things like carrots, beets, kale, and lettuces that will thrive as temperatures cool slightly in late August and September.

Current Weather Challenges: Heat and Rainfall

Clarkesville has had a mix of intense heat, quick pop-up storms, and overall drier soil conditions over the past two weeks. These weather swings are typical for a Georgia summer, but they affect crop size and timing.

Watering help, but nothing beats the deep, even saturation of a steady rain. Some crops are producing smaller fruits or ripening more slowly, and this week’s box reflects that natural rhythm.

We remind you: this is seasonal eating at its most authentic—fresh, local, and in tune with nature’s pace, not a grocery store supply chain.

Black-Staining Mushrooms + Sumac: Seasonal Highlights

Two fun and flavorful items you may find in this week’s veggie box:

Black-Staining Polypore (Meripilus sumstinei)

Correction Note: We previously mislabeled these mushrooms as "ink caps." Thanks to a kind community member who caught the error—we’ve updated the correct ID below!

• Flavor: Meaty, rich, and earthy—great sautéed in butter or added to pasta or risotto. They pair beautifully with soy sauce, herbs, and eggs.

• Storage: Keep in a paper bag in the fridge and use within 3–4 days. You can also blanch and freeze.

• Tip: Soak for 10–20 minutes in cool water to soften them and remove any debris. Save that water—it makes a flavorful broth!

Wild Sumac (Staghorn Sumac Berries):

• Flavor: Tangy and citrusy—like a natural lemon zest.

• Uses: Steep in cold water for a refreshing “sumac-ade,” or dry and grind into a spice for meat, salads, or dips.

• Benefits: High in antioxidants and vitamin C. It’s an immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory powerhouse.

The Heart of Sustainable Farming

At Arrows Farm, we continue to grow without chemical sprays or synthetic fertilizers. That means your food is not only delicious but also safe and nourishing. We use natural pest controls, hand-weeding, and healthy soil practices to give our plants the best chance to thrive.

Yes, that means the occasional nibble from deer or a little bug bite, but it also means you're feeding your family real, responsibly grown food that supports a healthy ecosystem.

What’s Coming Next: Prepping for Fall

As the calendar turns to August, we’re already planning for cool-weather crops like:

• Kale and collards

• Carrots and beets

• Arugula and salad greens

• Radishes, turnips, and maybe even some broccoli

Now is also a great time to start your own fall garden—if you’re local, we’d love to chat about what to plant, when, and how.

Upcoming Events at Arrows Farm

We’re not just growing vegetables—we’re growing community. Here’s what’s ahead:

August Harvest Dinner – August 15

A beautiful farm-to-table experience under the stars, featuring seasonal bites and garden tours.

Paint and Sip – August 29

An evening of connection, creativity, and color at Arrows Farm. Sip something refreshing, paint at your own pace, and enjoy a golden hour stroll through the garden.

A Thank You to Our Farm Family

Whether you pick up a veggie box each week, stop by for events, or simply follow along from home, we are so grateful. Your choice to eat seasonally and locally sustains this farm, this soil, and the mission we’ve poured our hearts into.

Let’s keep bringing families back to the table—with food that’s real, nourishing, and deeply rooted in this land.