FARM STAND CLOSES for 2008

Well that's all, folks. The garden is slowing down and my priority is to make sure the CSA members have lots of fresh eating so the stand is closed for the season.

AND I have decided to skip the Farm Stand next year and focus on the CSA. New next year will be a MINI-SHARE, just 2 items each week for smaller households and busy folks who still want a little bit of fresh local produce in their lives.

For more information on the CSA you may email me (laurat-at-crocker-dot-com) or check the CSA part of the blog. I expect to post information about 2009 in January or February. Right now you can see posts that describe the weekly shares.

Thanks for supporting the farm stand. It's been fun to share the bounty with you.
Laura

TODAY'S PICKINGS - SEPTEMBER 20, 2008

LAST WEEKEND!

This weekend is the last one the stand will be open. It’s been a fun season, although sales at the stand have been rather low. The farm stand will NOT be open in 2009. Instead, you might enjoy a “MINI SHARE” - just 2 fresh vegetables each week to enliven your eating.

For more infomation, email me at laurat-at-crocker-dot-com

Thanks for your support!
I am home all day Saturday. I am happy to pick you some fresh greens.

Kale and Chard $2.00/bunch
ASK LAURA TO PICK YOU SOME

Thanks for stopping by!

TODAY'S PICKINGS - SEPTEMBER 12, 2008

Bouquets $5.00
(Half price for the sick or homebound)
Please feel free to take the jar and bring it back later.

Mesclun $3.00/bag
Red Onions 25 cents

Mixed Pole Beans $3.00/bag
Cannellino shell beans $6.00/bag

Greens $2.00/bunch
(Kale and Chard)

Pick your own turnip greens in the garden.
Look for the STAR.

New Zealand spinach $2.00/bag
Cherry or Green Grape tomatoes $1.50/box

Thanks for stopping by!

TODAY'S PICKINGS - SEPTEMBER 7, 2008

Mesclun $3.00/bag
Red Onions 25 cents

Romano Beans $3.00/bag

Pick your own KALE in the garden.
Look for the STAR.
Greens $2.00/bunch

Sorry about being closed yesterday.
I was ill. Thanks for your understanding.

*I am posting this late just as a record of the stand. Thanks to those who came by both Saturday and Sunday. I guess one thing about being a one person operation is that occasionally illness will bring the whole operation to a halt. On the other hand, being small means being more human and personal in other ways too. I got several cheering wishes for recovery when I wrote to let folks know I couldn't stock the stand on Saturday. Thanks, friends.

TODAY'S PICKINGS - AUGUST 29, 2008

Hello friends,

The harvest is in full swing here today. Karen and I are still working on the delivery and it's already 2:00! There's just a lot to pick. Later on I will post a picture of today's share at the blog so you can see a typical full share.

I should be home all of Saturday and part of Sunday if you stop by. There are greens in the garden, just ask.

Happy harvest time,
Laura



August 29, 2008
TODAY’S PICKINGS

Bouquets $5.00
(Half price for the sick or homebound)
Please feel free to take the jar and bring it back later.

Mesclun $3.00/bag
Summer Squash 25 cents
Zucchini Romanesco, Rampecante,
Yellow Crookneck, Flying Saucer

Red Onions 25 cents
Pickling Cukes $1.50/box
Edemame $ 2.50/pint

Baby Corn $1.50/bunch

Beans $3.00/bag
BLUE LAKE, NECKERGOLD, GREEN ANNELLINO (curly ones)

Crabapples $1.50/quart
PICK YOUR OWN $1.00 - ASK LAURA

Chard and kale in the garden, just ask.
Greens $2.00/bunch

TODAY'S PICKINGS - AUGUST 22, 2008

Bouquets $5.00
(Half price for the sick or homebound)
Please feel free to take the jar and bring it back later.

Mesclun $3.00/bag (Hurray! The mesclun is back!)
Summer Squash 25 cents
Zucchini Romanesco, Rampecante (the curly whirly ones), Yellow Crookneck
Carrots 75 cents/bunch
Red Onions 25 cents
Pickling Cukes $1.50/box

The following items will be picked by 7:00 Friday evening:
Beans $3.00/bag

Crabapples $1.50/quart
PICK YOUR OWN $1.00 - ASK LAURA

Chard and kale in the garden, just ask.
Greens $2.00/bunch

I'll be home all day Saturday and most of the day on Sunday, if you need something extra or want a tour of the garden or just want to gab-gardens. Tomorrow is the start of my August 'farm week' where I get to be home all week playing in the garden. I love it!
My main goal at the moment is to increase my garden space so the farm can offer more CSA shares in 2009.
Laura

TODAY'S PICKINGS - AUGUST 15, 2008

Bouquets $5.00
(Half price for the sick or homebound)
Please feel free to take the jar and bring it back later.

Beans $3.00/bag
Summer Squash 25 cents
Carrots 75 cents/bunch
Red Onions 25 cents

Greens $2.00/bunch
(Swiss Chard, Red Russian, Winterbor, Dwarf Siberian)

Cilantro or Dill 50 cents

Pickling Cukes 15 cents
or 4 for 50 cents
MORE AVAILABLE MONDAY AND TUESDAY. CALL AHEAD THE DAY BEFORE AND I WILL PICK SOME.


Crabapples $1.50/quart
PICK YOUR OWN $1.00 - ASK LAURA

There may be mesclun on Sunday or Saturday afternoon.
More chard in the garden, just ask.

TODAY'S PICKINGS - AUGUST 9, 2008

Mostly what's available today are delicious beans. There may be more squash and possibly chard or kale on Sunday. Feel free to call. 773-8325

I keep forgetting to say: If you don't want to receive this weekly email, just let me know and I will take you right off the list. No problem.

Another thing I keep forgetting to say is that if you have any favorite recipes for vegetables that you would like to share with your neighbors, please send them to me and I will post them at the farm blog. Thanks!

Enjoy the sunshine!
Laura

TODAY’S PICKINGS

Bouquets $5.00
(Half price for the sick or homebound)
Please feel free to take the jar and bring it back next time.

Beans $3.00/bag
Summer Squash 25 cents

Red onions 35 cents
Mesclun $3.50/bag

TODAY'S PICKINGS - AUGUST 1, 2008

Hello friends,
I will be picking the mesclun and raspberries Saturday morning.
No chard this week as it got battered by the heavy rain on Thursday.
There are more beans in the garden so just ask if you need some. I'll be home most of the day on Saturday.
Thanks for stopping by!
Laura

TODAY’S PICKINGS
Bouquets $5.00
(Half price for the sick or homebound)
Please feel free to take the jar and bring it back next time.

Beans $2.00/bag
Collards $2.00
Summer Squash 15 cents Mesclun $3.00/bag

Dill or Cilantro 50 cents
Red onions 35 cents
Raspberries $2.50/pint

TODAY'S PICKINGS - JULY 26, 2008

TODAY’S PICKINGS

Sweet Pea Bouquets $3.00
Bouquets $5.00
(Half price for the sick or homebound)

Rapa Turnip greens $2.00
Swiss Chard $2.00
Mesclun $3.00/bag

Dill or Cilantro 50 cents
Asian onions $1.00
Raspberries $2.50/pint


Don't forget to bring your own bags or containers, if possible. I'll be home today so if more is needed at the stand just give me a hollar and I will be happy to pick more. The sweet peas got really blasted by the rain so this may be the last of them. At the rate the summer squashes are growing there may be some later today. Beans and squash and red onions are coming in for next week.

Once again I did not stock the stand yesterday due to too much to do in too little time. I am considering just switching the stand to Saturday and Sunday only. Any opinions?

Thanks for stopping by!
Laura

TODAY’S PICKINGS - July 18, 2008

Sweet Pea Bouquets $3.00
Tall Bouquets $5.00
Short mixed Bouquets $4.00
(Half price for the sick or homebound)


Winterbor Kale $2.00
Swiss Chard $2.00
Mesclun $3.00/bag


I'll b picking some plain sweet pea bouquets Saturday morning and filling in as needed. It's really hot so come early if you can. In general, the best choice of vegetables and flowers will be on Friday afternoons and Saturday mornings.

The summer squash is starting and there may be red currants at the stand later in the weekend too. There are tiny beans growing so soon we will have string beans too. Thanks to all for stopping by the stand.

Laura

TODAY’S PICKINGS - July 12, 2008

Sweet Pea Bouquets $3.00
Bouquets $5.00
(Half price for the sick or homebound)

Red Russian Kale $2.00
Swiss Chard $2.00
Beet thinnings $1.00
Mesclun $3.00/bag

Sweet Annie $2.00
For wreaths, bouquets, etc.

I'll be in the garden all day (with brief breaks to wash dishes and laundry) so feel free to stop by for a visit if you like. It's great to have a change from all that rain and be home to weed. Thanks so much to all of you who have been coming to the stand. It's a lot of fun to do. If you don't care to be on this email list, just let me know and I will happily remove your name.

Twice this week people have called and asked for specific vegetables which I have been happy to pick. If you contact me a day ahead with your request, I can pick it first thing the next morning and leave your vegetables in a cooler near the garage. Or let you know if something is not available. I generally check my email early morning so that's a good way to reach me after 9PM. So in addition to the stand, you may call 773-8325 or email laurat@crocker.com

Head lettuce has gone by for now but it sure was fun while it lasted. Squashes and red currants will be ready soon.

TODAY'S PICKINGS - JULY 4, 2008

Karen making bouquets

Bouquets $5.00
($2.50 for the sick or homebound)

Mesclun $3.00
Snow peas $2.00
Head lettuce $2.25
(Forellenschuss, Four Seasons, Reine D'Glaces, Buttercrunch, Webb's Wonderful)
Champion Collards $2.00
Golden Frilled Mustard $2.00
Kale will be added as needed on Saturday and Sunday.

FARM BLOG
http://lasting-impressions-on-the-farm.blogspot.com/

The stand is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays during daylight hours. We picked this morning, July 4, and will pick more as needed during the weekend. Have a great holiday!
Laura

TODAY'S PICKINGS - JUNE 28, 2008

Bouquets $5.00
($2.50 for the sick or homebound)
Bouquet of sweet peas $3.00

Turnip greens $2.00
Mesclun $5.00/bag

Head lettuce $2.25 each
Buttercrunch - more head lettuce ready in the garden, just ask or pick your own. Look for the sign with a ‘star’

TODAY’S PICKINGS - June 20, 2008

TODAY’S PICKINGS
Bouquets $5.00
Mesclun $3.00/bag

Current mesclun mixture: Green Wave Mustard, Tyee Spinach, Arugula, Rapa Turnip greens, Osaka Purple Mustard, Mizuna, Purple Mizuna, Wrinkled Crinkled Cress, White Russian Kale, Red Russian Kale, Borage leaves, Ruby Streaks Mustard, Golden Frilled Mustard, Nasturium leaves, Johnny Jump Up flowers, Swiss Chard, Cutting Endive, purslane, chickweed, spinach, and leaf lettuces.  Leaf lettuce varieties: Tango, Green Deer Tongue, Galactic, Cracoviensis, Red Sails, Mascara, Australian Yellowleaf, New Red Fire, Royal Oakleaf, Lollo di Vino, Black Seeded Simpson, Blush Butter Oaks

Head lettuce $2.25 each
Forellenschuss, Webb’s Wonderful, Crisp Mint
Radishes $1.00/bunch
Champion Collards $2.00
Wild peppermint $1.00/jar
Tarragon 50 cents/jar

Petit Opening - Farm Stand - Leyden, Massachusetts

Well I've been too busy to manage banners and whistles but the stand is up, the vegetables are picked and ready for sale, I sent an email to many of my friends and family far and near announcing the opening, and now I will go set a sign at the center of town. Hopefully by next week there will also be a sign on the main road.

TODAY’S PICKINGS
Mesclun $3.00/bag

Current mesclun mixture: Green Wave Mustard, Tyee Spinach, Arugula, Rapa Turnip greens, Osaka Purple Mustard, Mizuna, Purple Mizuna, Wrinkled Crinkled Cress, White Russian Kale, Red Russian Kale, Borage leaves, Ruby Streaks Mustard, Golden Frilled Mustard, Nasturium leaves, Johnny Jump Up flowers, Swiss Chard, Cutting Endive, and leaf lettuces.  Leaf lettuce varieties: Tango, Green Deer Tongue, Galactic, Cracoviensis, Red Sails, Mascara, Australian Yellowleaf, New Red Fire, Royal Oakleaf, Lollo di Vino, Black Seeded Simpson, Blush Butter Oaks

Head lettuce $2.25 each - Forellenschuss, Webb’s Wonderful, Buttercrunch
Radishes $1.00/bunch - D’Avignon
Red Russian Kale $2.00
Apple mint $1.00/jar

FARM STAND OPENING SATURDAY, JUNE 14, 2008!

The farm stand will be opening tomorrow, Saturday, June 14, 2008. As most of you know, since last summer I have been transforming my garden into a farm! I have a mini CSA (community supported agriculture) where members buy a share of the farm's harvest and I also have a farm stand here at home. This year the stand is open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, during daylight hours. I'll be picking early Friday and Saturday mornings and will most likely have stocked the stand by about 8:00. Bear in mind that this is a one person operation so there will be some variation in the restocking time. Feel free to call ahead. 413-773-8325

FARM BLOG
http://lasting-impressions-on-the-farm.blogspot.com/
The blog has a link to the farm stand where I will post what has been harvested for the stand each weekend. Please consider doing some of your vegetable and flower shopping here in Leyden. (Naturally this especially applies to you folks who live in Louisiana, Virginia and Georgia!) Tomorrow there will be head lettuce, mesclun, radishes, garlic chives, apple mint and maybe some kale.

I love gardening and being outdoors. Last year (2007) was my first experience selling what I grow. My main question that year was to find out if selling vegetables and flowers made my gardening more enjoyable. The answer is YES! I am having so much fun. I am still keeping the farm very tiny while I learn about growing for sale and expand my garden. I want to keep a balance between having enough produce for the CSA members/farm stand and keeping the farm small enough for my own enjoyment and good health. Last year I sold 2 shares. This year I increased to 4. In 2009 I hope to have 8 shares available. One of last year's most popular items was mesclun and I am growing a bunch more this year. Other main crops include head lettuce, various greens, beans, squash, cucumbers, tomatoes and flowers. I am growing many more vegetables but you get the picture.

The CSA is going very well and if you are interested, you may become a member for 2009. I make weekly deliveries of vegetables and flowers to people in Leyden. I expect to make at least 20 deliveries this year. Contact me if you would like more information or want to be notified when shares become available in 2009.

POLICIES:

The stand is being run on an honor system. Leave your payment in the cash box. If you are hungry but have no money, please take what you need. If your spirit is sore and your wallet is empty, please take flowers. I really think of the stand as more of a service than a money maker. It's a way to shared the bounty of the earth.

All bouquets being purchased for the sick, grieving or homebound are half price.

As much as possible, I would like this business to be a Zero Waste business. I have have some biodegradable bags and strongly encourage you to bring your own bags or containers for food storage. The special bags are 10 cents each so if you can pay extra for them, that would be helpful. Please do not bring used bags for the stand as I can not be sure of their ‘clean enough for food’ status. Please do bring clean glass jars for bouquets, if you like.

I am also happy to receive divisions of perennial flowers to plant here for future bouquets.

Please sign in the notebook provided, recording your purchase, suggestions and thoughts.

I am often home on Saturdays and if you would like a tour of the garden I would be happy to show you around.

THANK YOU SO MUCH for supporting my little farm.

Yours sincerely,
Laura Timmerman
Leyden, MA 01337
laurat@crocker.com

Farm Stand Opening Soon...

The Farm Stand will be opening soon. I got a little overexcited by announcing the opening for May 31 in last month's town newsletter. Sort of counting one's mesclun before it's picked. Everything is growing happily and the stand WILL open in June. Very soon there will be mesclun, arugula, over 30 kinds of lettuce, turnip greens, and more, ready for yummy eating. (I have had some baby mesclun several times already.) Watch for signs at the Town Center and on Brattleboro Rd. I hope you will stop by on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays for your local produce.

If you would like to receive an email announcement of the opening and the items at the stand each week, just send me a note. laurat@crocker.com