LDF News: Sweet Turnips!!

Cabbage patch kids? Rain let loose on us Monday and Tuesday. It was fast and furious and made for some really solid mud balls. 

In this picture you can see the difference between cultivation and no cultivation. Look at all the weed seedlings on the left, both in row and on the edge. Now I'm not saying that the beds to the right are pristine, but look what a difference it makes! Most of those seedlings is capable of growing into an eight foot monstrosity. Unfortunately it is not beyond us to allow that by way of triage priority, so I am glad to knock out as many as I can. Thank you tractor. Thank you diesel fuel. Thank you dinosaurs. And acknowledgement to all the conflict surrounding its acquisition. Maybe we'll find a better way.

The plants are coming along out here! The potatoes are up, thank goodness. I checked them in the morning. Their shoots were pushing up through the soil. I checked them at the end of the day, and leaves were unfolding. Now to strip the embellishment away, they were different varieties and the one I check in the morning was still under there at the end of the day. But!! Amazing progress potatoes! Thank you! Let us have the potato year of our dreams.

Cucumber seedlings continue to be one of the cutest around. These will be planted out soon and then before we know it.... CUCUMBERS!

The last of the red russian kale until next winter. We love this tender variety. It is so good in salads and so soft when cooked.  ​

Beauty abounds! The sky is big and bright this time of year!

Carla made a nest in some leftover straw. Shortly after I took this picture, Rhys came over.
"Carla. Move. Me. Picture." 
Yes, he saw the photo op and wanted it for himself!

We'll take our rain showers with a healthy dose of rainbows, please.
Baby bunnies are cute. 
So are Clare's chickens! ​

These silly robins. Every year they build a nest in this tractor. I moved it as gently as I could but I don't think they have taken up caring for it since. Maybe next time I will try moving the next back and forth. 
I parked this tractor and 9 days later there was nest with eggs! If no other silver lining, at least  I know they will be able to build another one quickly. 

Speaking of nests, 3 of our nest boxes having nesting bluebirds! One set is about to fledge!!!
And the tree swallows have really moved in too. I have a baseline of exuberance just for the increased habitat for these birds. On top of that, I am excited to see if their insect predation decreases pest pressure on our farm. I mean, they've gotta feed all those babies!!! Fingers crossed they like cucumber beetles and cabbage butterfly larva. ​

​Ahoy!

Memorial Day is upon us. Lets remember and appreciate the people that gave their lives in service to our country and to the families that still carry the sacrifice. Wishing you a reflective and meaningful Memorial Day. 

We'll be in our usual spot, Shed 2 at Eastern, with delicious vegetables.

Love ya!
Helen

Come out Saturday and get our delicious vegetables!

A reminder about our Community Account: 

• It is open to those who need it, no questions asked.
• We will also use it for our local food pantry if the funds don't seem to be being used.
• Please feel free to donate to it when at market

Onward folks, doing the things we can do. 

Cheers,
Helen
she/her/hers
 
In this email:

• Farm Membership! What it is and how to sign up!
• CSA Balances- find your balance at market! 
• Links
  • Food Resources from our farm, including details about our community account.
  • A link to our Stockbridge Community Outreach Project 
  • Here is link to a list of resources to aid in effecting positive social change. Keep your  chin up. 
  • CSA Flier for 2026
• Fresh From the field 

Farm Membership!Our Farm Membership is based on the ethos of Community Supported Agriculture. It allows the community to support their food producers through the variability of the growing season. Members pre-pay for their vegetables, receive a bonus, and then use their account through the season.

Here is the sign up sheet for perusal or use.

A couple key features of our Farm Membership:

• Select the produce you want at Eastern Market
• No requirement to come every week
• From October onward, signups rollover to 2026 and won't expire until December 31st 2026
• You can use your balance right away!
• You can share your farm account with friends and family

Fresh From the Field- 
Greens:
Arugula
Chard!
Kale
Microgreens
Parsley
Pea shoots

All Manner of Deliciousness
Eggs!! From Hen House Farm- Clare!!
Green garlic
Salad Radish
Watermelon radish (not pink inside)
Daikon radish: Red, Korean White Daikon, and purple, Chinese White Daikon
Scallions
Sweet Turnips
Purple top turnips

Coming soon:
Head Lettuce
Bok choy
Broccoli raab
Salad Mix