A Farm is like a Baby

(Hrs: Th 8-7, Fr 9-6, Sa 9-3)

Pete mentioned last week that running a farm is like having a baby -- once you have one, it never stops. This week he told me he was in a 2 week crunch -- anything he needs to do before the end of the growing season must be done in the next two weeks or he runs out of time. The change of season is upon us so time grows short.

When I was at the farm stand on Thursday, Laura told me that the cantaloupes are finished for the season. However there are lovely spaghetti squash coming in now. These are an excellent option for people looking for a gluten-free substitute for wheat spaghetti noodles.

Laura also reported that the summer squash plants are finished. Whatever yellow summer squash is at the farm stand now is pretty much the end of the summer squash. But, don't worry -- there are still some other varieties available.

Here are the items that were there Thursday morning. Your selection may be different since, despite best laid plans, availability varies day to day.

• spaghetti squash
• sugar baby watermelons
• tomatoes: heirloom, goldie boy, regular style, chocolate cherry, and also Seconds!
• carrots
• potatoes: carola and red
• leeks
• greens: arugula, Asian salad mix
• eggplant
• scallions / onions / garlic / jalapenos / cayenne peppers / parsley
• bell peppers: green and red
• summer spinach
• beets
• green beans
• squash: summer and green

One other tidbit Laura passed along -- although there were carrots when I was there today, that is the entire supply for now. The plants are in a lull and carrots will be out for 2-3 weeks until the next batch is ready.

Here are some pictures of what I picked up today with my share:

Rain

Well, if you stop to think about the nice sunny temperate weather, you may realize that all those lovely sunny days mean that we haven't had very much rain. Even though we had a few short showers, it's still very dry. Two days ago I was digging some post holes a foot deep and I was shocked that the ground was dry dry dry all the way down. The farm could use some rain, so keep your fingers crossed for a few nice showers.

Vendor Products

Delaney brought the dairy delivery while I was there.

We should have a nice supply of milk, yogurt, and even butter.

If you're looking for goat cheese or feta cheese, there was a good supply when I was there Thursday. However, quark was out of stock.

Speaking of other things out of stock -- there was one lonely package of chicken legs left. Laura told me that a fresh batch of chickens will be available in a week or two. So, hang in there for your chicken fix.

There were plenty of Full Moon Farms pastured and grass fed meats available. And, there was a great selection of Pika's quiches.

If you're a little thirsty while you're at the farm, try Booch -- this is a Kombucha drink made right here in sunny New Paltz. You'll be surprised at how refreshing this unusual flavored drink is.

Well, that's it for this week. Have a great week. Feel free to press the "Post a Comment" button and tell me what you really think!