CSA Week Six

CSA Distribution/Farm Stand Hours

Tuesdays 2:30pm-6:30pm

Without weed cloth and twine, the tomatoes would
become in impassible jungle

Thursdays 10:30am-6:30pm

Saturdays 10:00am-4:00pm

Powisset Café Hours

Saturdays 10:00am-2:00pm

Barnyard Hours

Wednesdays 1:00pm-3:00pm

Saturdays 10:00am-2:00pm

Another week down, another week closer to harvesting tomatoes! We grow many different crops at Powisset, but the plump red orbs (sometimes orange, yellow, green, or purple) always seem to be a summer favorite in New England. I say it all the time, but this is a vegetable where you can truly taste the difference between a local product and a product from a large growing operation. Local farms tend to put more care into their soil, resulting in a tomato bursting with flavor and nutrients. So far, I have only eaten a single cherry tomato that ripened early, and it was definitely the best tomato that I have eaten in my life. I can’t promise that they will all be that way, but I am certainly excited for more of them to be ready.

Since tomatoes are such an important part of our farm, we put a great deal of care into them. A tomato plant starts as a seed in a tray with hundreds of siblings. Even though growing conditions within a tray are almost identical, it is amazing to see how some seeds grow quickly while others straggle behind. We then take the strongest of the bunch and transplant them into a tray with bigger cells (“potting-up”) where they will have enough nutrients to bulk up before heading outside. By selecting the strongest plants at this stage, we give ourselves the best chance of using a vine that will produce the best tasting and highest volume of fruit later on in the season. Once planted, next comes the strenuous task of pounding in stakes. The hundreds (if not thousands) of stakes set the stage for the beloved task of tomato twining. String is tediously threaded between the plants and stakes throughout the season as the plants grow taller to keep the vines from touching the ground. This makes it easier to harvest the fruit, but more importantly it allows for increased airflow. This is the best way to prevent blight. This year, we have added an additional step by laying straw or weed cloth in the aisles between beds. By cutting down on weeds, we will again increase airflow and also decrease pests and competition for water. Having done the best we can, let’s hope for a great start to tomato season soon!

This is week six of our CSA distribution. If you have purchased a half-share (10-weeks), you will pick up if your last name begins with L-Z. In this weeks share, we have…

Gabe doing great on the waterwheel transplanter!

• Hakurei Turnip
• Broccoli
• Beans
• Favas
• Kohlrabi or Bok Choy
• Cabbage
• Kale or Chard
• Squash
• Cucumbers
• Fennel
• Salanova or Head Lettuce
• Beets
• Flowers
• Herbs

Shade cloth keeps the greenhouse cool during the scalding
July heat. Only 50% of sunlight is able to enter.

In addition to our produce, please don’t forget about the other wonderful activities that Powisset Farm has to offer! There is an upcoming farm dinner on July 27. Please register now if you are interested, we have been selling out quickly this summer. There is also a CSA member potluck in the works, thanks to the help of some of our excellent members and staff! This will be a great way to experience the community of Community Supported Agriculture.

While we have a special appreciation for our CSA members, please know that you do not have to buy share to experience the property. The Trustees of Reservations aims provide recreational and learning opportunities to the surrounding community. Powisset Farm is a great place to enjoy a day, especially on a Saturday when you can swing by the barnyard, take a hike, eat at the café, or purchase vegetables from our farm stand. We are passionate about the work that we do, and we love to share that work with our visitors.

We hope to see you soon!

Jeff Hoodlet

Farm Apprentice