Dear CSA Member
August and the tomatoes are finally ripening. It seems that tomatoes across the region have taken their time ripening this season. The early season wet and cold weather are not the most favorable growing conditions for tomatoes but the month of July was dry and the tomatoes have done well. The tomato plants have been tied up in a “basket weave” of twine to keep the tomatoes off the ground. Stakes are pounded into the row every other plant and then twine is wound down the row around one stake and then to the back of the next. Twine is then reversed on the row so that the tomato plant is held between the strands. The tomatoes have better air circulation and the leaves and fruit are off of the ground.
The onion harvest was great this season and they are the best looking and tasting onions we have grown in years. Last weeks’ Shallots are included in this overall onion family harvest. This week you will receive White Sedona Onions. The onions are harvested when their tops start to decline and the outer skin of the bulb is starting to thicken and dry. The onions are pulled, crated and then laid in long rows in the greenhouses on the benches to dry. Air and warmth allow the skins to finish drying and the onions are now ready for distribution for your CSA share.
We hope that you will mark your calendar with the upcoming Fall Farm Festival. The Fall Farm Festival will be held on the farm September 12 from 11:30-3:00. Please use the 145 Garcia Lane, Leeds, NY 12451 address. There are directions on the farm website Contact Us tab https://www.stoneledgefarmny.com/contact-information — or using your GPS. It is a great day to come to the farm and see how your vegetables are grown, meet your farmers and walk the fields. We have the grill hot and will have pork as well as grilled Sweet Corn and Portobello Mushrooms. There will be fresh fruit, Stoneledge Farm Coffee and water. We ask that members bring a dish to share so that lunch is a giant pot luck get together. If possible, please bring your own place settings, utensils and cup. No pets, please.
Stoneledge Farm Marketplace products: Coffee, Chocolate, Honey and Maple will be available for sale at the Festival.
There are flowers to pick and take home from the flower garden. If you would like to take flowers home, please bring your own scissors and something that will keep the flowers until you get home. Wet paper towels or newspapers in a plastic bag will usually do the trick.
It is really a great day to visit Stoneledge Farm and everyone who grows your vegetables. Please make a note on your calendar and come to the farm. If you have any questions, please send an e-mail to the farm. Hope to see you at the farm.
For more information about outdoor activities please check out:
https://www.greatnortherncatskills.com/
https://hikethehudsonvalley.com/
Use the West of the Hudson search.
Hudson Valley Hiking Guide (www.trails.com)
For information about the wineries in the Hudson Valley Region go to: www.hudsonvalleywinecountry.org/
There are a limited number of 1/2 bushel boxes of fruit available for order through the CSA online Marketplace. Please place your order by 5PM the day previous to delivery so we can have your order packed for delivery with your CSA shares.
Enjoy the harvest
Deborah for everyone at Stoneledge Farm