Things have been hectic all spring and I finally have a chance to sit and write for awhile. I only have time because it is raining so much I have little to do in the field. Although most of the farm is now planted the growing has been really slow mostly because of the cool temps and lack of sunlight
April started out cold (“pansy weather” is what I call it). Coupled with the cold is the chance that our slow economy will hurt sales of flowers at the markets in NYC as well 
as our garden center in NJ. My blood pressure is elevated in April due to the fact that we already have 45,000 square feet of greenhouse planted and paid for but we have yet to have a sale. Most farmers are like us. We are flush in November and broke in March. Then we lay out tractor loads of money for pots, potting soil, fuel, machinery and of course payroll all in hopes that we will actually sell something. Well once again we rolled the dice and although sales came up about 10% short of last year I see this as a win when you hear about all the doom and gloom lurking about.
We moved back to the northeast end of Union Square, where we have been at home for the last 34 years, except for this past year when we were displaced by construction. That was interesting to say the least. It’s funny how we all get in such routines. Our truck was literally 300 yards down the sidewalk from our usual spot and for some folks it took until October 2008 to find us. Anyway we’re back and the construction moves on. Nice to be home!
May was great as always. Each Saturday featured nice temps and sunshine culminating in Mothers Day which, out of respect for moms, was especially nice and sales were great. All this time the farm was creeping up on us and all of a sudden there was thyme, oregano, sorrel, mint, rosemary, and chives to cut outside. On our way to cut these beauties each day one could not help but notice the 1 acre of garlic edging its way up to hip level by May 20th and today has produced scapes and we have started the harvest. You can find this garlic called “Music” at our stand on any given day in a huge pile. Get there early to find the biggest ones!
GOOD NEWS…. My son-in-law Vincent has returned from Iraq after a year. We are all so proud of his service and overjoyed to have him home safe.
June is here and summer will be starting…I think…We have had rain about 28 days out of the last 50. Too much water for some items and they are suffering like parsley and Swiss chard. This too shall pass and we will move on. The strawberries have been a little soft but really sweet. Maybe a week or so left for them if this weather keeps up. Our wonderful greenhouse tomatoes have started and boy are they great, especially the cherries. You need to try just one so we can hook you so please stop by and ask for a sample. Okay, I need to go back to the mud. It’s up to my knees in some spots. I will talk to you in a month or so…..if I get unstuck!
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Farmer Ron
