October News

October feels like four seasons in one. We are still picking and preserving what remains of our summer vegetables; simultaneously, we are hurriedly preparing greenhouses and cold frames for winter, planting our fields with cover-crops that will prepare soil for next spring; and taking long evening stares at the colors on the Redding hills. The sun, now sitting so much lower in the southern sky, is our only ally in winter. We spent today filling “water walls” in the greenhouse to catch and hold solar warmth throughout the frozen months.

We will write again shortly with word of our winter harvest. But for now, here is the news:

HARVEST WEEKENDS: Each weekend we open our pumpkin patch to visitors, and offer hayrides around the farm and fresh apple cider. It has been a joy to watch children and adults searching through the vines (and weeds) to find their own perfect pumpkin. There are chickens to feed, too. Please come enjoy the autumn colors at their peak with us.

HONEY FRESH FROM THE BEES: Honeybees are integral to a fruit and vegetable farm. We rely on their work all spring and summer to pollinate our crops. Some years they produce enough honey that we can take some for ourselves. We extracted last Friday and are currently selling small bottles during the Harvest Weekends and by email order. Bees all over the country have been struggling recently, and we are proud that ours have done so well this year. Winter will be the true test of their hives’ strength.

FIREWOOD FOR SALE: We clear the edges of our fields of trees in winter, season the wood throughout the warm summer, and sell cords in the fall for local delivery. Please contact us if you are interested in purchasing some. Half-cords are also available.

All the best,
Dina