August 2017

Hi folks,

Rain days have been few and far between this year but our dreams came true last night as we got a solid soak while we slept, and today the rain continues!  What a relief, not only for those thirsty plants, but for everything from the birds to the insects.  Even the worms have remained in the deeper layers of the soil this year but today they are poking out at the surface, a meal perhaps for the robins. And so it is a moment for me to sit down and post an update from the farm.

We are having one of those classic “good” years in the garden, despite the dry conditions.  It is a reminder that we do much better on our farm without excessive moisture.  The quality and quantity of the produce and the ease with which we are able to move in and around the gardens makes the work that much more pleasurable.  There is a lot less laundry to do too!

2017 will also be remembered as a record year for garlic.  The size and quality is amazing!  I have finished the harvest and the garlic is laying in the hayloft curing for a few weeks.  I will continue to sell individual bulbs (heads) at the Arnes Farmers Market, but by the end of August I will also have storage garlic available.  I will bag it in 2-lb bags this year, for $28 each.  Please contact me if you are interested in placing an order.

The Arnes Farmers Market is rocking again this year!  I have to send out a big thank you to all the regular customers that come by our stand each Saturday.  We value your support!  For those of you who go the market you will know what I mean when I say, that place has really been busy!  You can find all the usual home made goodness… to the kitchen sink.  If you’ve never been, it is worth the trip.  Saturdays are the day to go if you want the full experience.  The market is open from 9-2 Saturday and 10-2 Sundays.

While these are busy days on the farm, we know that fall is just around the corner especially if August disappears as fast as July did.  Our CSA is heading into week 11, with tomatoes on the list, more potatoes in the weeks to come, and I have to say (very quietly so as not to upset the gods) the corn looks quite nice too!  The CSA shares are really seeing great value this year.  It is good every year, but good years have those extra touches that make the experience that much fuller.

All the best, and thank you for supporting our farm!

Geoff