July News 2009

Dear All,

The sun has come out and the farm is making a mad dash for summer. After a month of gloom with an extraordinary amount of rain, the ground is soaked to bursting. The rain has been grueling at times and delayed some of our plantings substantially but we are relieved to report that erosion and flooding was kept to a minimum. Strong organic soil management has been our only defense against the deluge: soil strength is our genuine profit and loss statement here on the farm.

As new farmers, this spring’s weather has put us to the test. We are holding our own so far. But a few days of sun and a little breeze would set us up right, that’s for sure.

Pick Your Own Blueberries - the patch is open WEEKENDS ONLY NOW from 10am-5pm. Despite the mud, many of you joined us to pick strawberries last month. Thank you to all who took part in that harvest.

“The Stand” on Lounsbury Road is officially open – seven days a week from 11am-6pm. Note that our vegetables are certified organic by the USDA and Baystate Organic Certifiers.

On “The Stand”:

Cherry Tomatoes: Our little sungolds are as close as a tomato can get to celebrity status. We are picking them today, so come over for the first taste of summer! The rest of the field tomatoes are on the way.

Lettuce and arugula

Swiss chard, kale and cabbage

Kohlrabi: the rookie of the year award this year – this is the first time we have grown it and it is a big beautiful (although somewhat wacky to look at) success. Try something new!

Scallions

Zucchini and Summer Squash

Squash blossoms

Radishes and salad turnips

Our own honey

As the summer rolls in, we will have new crops every week so visit often to follow along with the season.

Let it shine,
Dina and Rob