Let's talk about seasonality

FARM STORIES & UPDATES

---

Seasonality refers to crop growing trends that occur over the course of the year. Although Mother Nature sometimes throws us curveballs with unusually extreme temperature patterns, too much or too little precipitation, or crazy storms, we can generally predict when certain crops will be ready to harvest.

For example, we know that field tomatoes usually start arriving around week 8 of our Main Season program, meaning late July.

Around that same time, members in their "solanaceous" crop family also arrive - peppers, and tomatillos.

Garlic is always harvested in mid- to late July. Potatoes are dug in August. We say goodbye to lettuces and tender greens during the hot summer months. And so it goes. Farming can be extremely rhythmic.

Something that we've learned to combat over the years - in addition to the weather - is consumers' perceptions of seasonality. We live in a world that starts decorating for the next holiday (even one that's months later), the day after a given holiday. We also live in a world of instant gratification. It makes it really hard to wait! And especially hard to appreciate the here and now.

Right around the 4th of July is when consumers come to farmers' markets looking for corn, or even watermelon, for their celebration picnics. It's always a hard thing to feel like you're disappointing people when you say they're not ready, but it's the truth! And it's not due to a farmer's poor farming practices.

It may be that corn and watermelon are available in other places around the U.S., or even in grocery stores, but for us in the Northeast, it's unfortunately unrealistic. Watermelon is ready here in late August, more so around Labor Day and through the end of September. Worth the wait for sure.

We try to extend seasonality for as long as we can. Our greenhouse allows us to do that. We can regulate the temperatures and protect crops from harsh, unnecessary rainfall. This protects them from diseases. And even gives them a jump start in the spring.

We also use Reemay cloth, like a big blanket, over the crops in the fields when the threat of light frost looms in the forecast. Keeping them snug and warm can extend their lives - even those of heat-loving crops like tomatoes and cucumbers - just a little bit longer.

When we started this farm, we committed to selling only what we grow here. With the exception of sourcing fruit that we don't grow from our friends at Hindinger Farm and Silverman's Farm, we do not buy any of our crops wholesale. This is not the case at every farmers' market or farm stand!

Anyway, all of this to say that there's a time and place for every crop on the farm. Just like sitting on your front porch, watching the fireflies, and listening to the crickets, seasonal produce is meant to be savored and relished, not rushed.

If you're interested, here's a document put out by the CT Department of Agriculture that shows seasonality a bit more. Our own crop harvests deviate a bit from what is listed here, but overall it's a decent starting point.

Cheers to the here and now!

---

ANNOUNCEMENTS

---

• Bulk boxes of pickling cucumbers are now available!

Walk in during open hours and let us know that you would like a bulk box. We will bring one out to you until they sell out for the day. No pre-orders.

Bulk boxes are 25 lbs. for $34.50.

You are welcome to buy more than one box if available.

Boxes are expected to be available through August. Subscribe to our mailing list for up-to-date information.

---

IMPORTANT DATES

---

• Put your thinking caps on! Our Year of the Cabbage Cook-Off will launch in September. We're looking for innovative photo submissions of your cabbage creations!

• The Peak Season program runs through Saturday, October 3rd (13 total weeks).

• The Main Season program runs through Saturday, October 31st (21 total weeks).

• The Extended Season program runs through Saturday, December 5th (32 total weeks).

  Please inquire if you're not sure which program you selected.

• The Shelton Farmers' Market runs on Saturday mornings from 9-12 at 100 Canal Street. The Monroe Farmers' Market runs on Friday afternoons from 3-6 p.m. at 7 Fan Hill Road. Come visit us!

---

STORE INFORMATION

---

Here is the fresh produce we plan to have in stock while supplies last (through Sunday, 7/19):

• Basil

• Beans (green & wax)

• Beets

• Broccoli

• Bok choy

• Cabbage

• Cauliflower

• Collard greens

• Cucumbers

• Eggplant

• Garlic scapes

• Grape tomatoes (limited quantities)

• Hakurei salad turnips

• Hot peppers (limited quantities)

• Kale

• Kohlrabi

• Lettuce

• Napa cabbage

• Radishes

• Raspberries

• Scallions

• Shishitos (limited quantities)

• Swiss chard

• Yellow squash

• Zucchini

We are also stocked with blueberries from our friends at Silverman's Farm!

CURRENT STORE HOURS:

Monday: 10:30 to 3 p.m.

Tuesday: 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Wednesday: 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Thursday: 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Friday: 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

​​Saturday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sunday: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• Cash or check is our preferred method of payment as it allows our family's farm to keep 100% of the profits. However, we also gladly accept credit cards and Venmo.

---

VEGETABLE SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION

---

MAIN SEASON WEEK 6 OF 21

PEAK SEASON WEEK 2 OF 13

(Tuesday, July 14th through Saturday, July 18th)

Share Contents (Listed approximately from shortest shelf life to longest)

Large:

• 1 bunch of basil

• 2 lbs. of cucumbers

• 1 summer squash (farmer's choice)

• 1 eggplant

• 1 head of bok choy

• 1 onion

• 2 free choice items (TBD)

  
  

Small:

• 1 bunch of basil

• 1 lb. of cucumbers

• 1 summer squash (farmer's choice)

• 1 eggplant

• 1 head of bok choy

• 1 free choice item (TBD)

Storage tips and recipes for all of the vegetables in this week's share can be located on our website, here.

---

VEGETABLE SUBSCRIPTION PICKUP POLICIES

---

• All pickups must take place within store operating hours. For many reasons, we can't leave shares outside the store. Pickup days are Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays.

• If you need to skip your share for the week, or change your pickup day, you must provide us with 48 hours' notice for any of the options below. This is because we pack shares the day before pickup. Once your share has been harvested and packed, we can not change or cancel your pickup.

• For Tuesday pickups being changed, we need to know by Sunday.

  • Wednesday pickups, we need to know by Monday.

  • Saturday pickups, we need to know by Thursday.

• You have the option to choose another pickup day in a given week: we offer share pickup on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Saturday only. We can not have shares ready on any other days.

• You can skip a pickup and receive a double the following week.

• If you miss your pickup, we will hold your share for 24 hours after your pickup day, and then it will be donated to a local food pantry. With more members than ever before, we don't have the cooler space to hold onto shares longer than this. This is a great option if you miss your pickup - just come the next day.

• You can always send a guest to pick up in your place by simply notifying us of their name.

• Please send us an email to laurelglenfarm@gmail.com 48 hours before an anticipated change. You must submit your request in writing in order to leave a paper trail. This allows you to show proof to our store staff at pickup in the event that we need clarification.

• If a share is picked up outside of your scheduled time (aside from an approved change) or the 24 hour holding period without proof of a request, you will be billed for an additional share.