These sunny summer days are great for lounging by the pool or enjoying a beach day but for plant life it’s not so relaxing! Just as you have probably noticed lawns in your neighbourhood are turning brown, the fields at Forsythe Farms 2009 Inc. have been a bit dry lately, too.
The corn crop started out well but the heat has been stressing the plants. Next time you're out driving take a look at some of the fields you pass to see if you notice some signs of stress: curling leaves, brown edges, and stunted growth. Because of this stress there may not be a great corn crop this year; but we’re still hopeful for wetter weather ahead!
Come enjoy a gorgeous day at Forsythe Family Farms 2009 Inc.
Being on the farm this summer has shown me firsthand how fields and crops experience seasons of renewal. It’s neat to see that while one fruit or vegetable is being harvested and its season is ending, another crop is just starting to thrive and will soon be ready to eat. For example, garlic will be ready soon, but that means garlic scapes will be gone shortly. A great way to enjoy their flavour year round is to process the scapes and freeze them for use in soups and dishes later on.
Berry season is also following this cycle: strawberries are nearly finished, but don’t worry - Forsythe Family Farms 2009 Inc. still has lots of other delicious berries to offer! Gooseberries, blackcurrants, and raspberries and doing well. Unfortunately, elderberries went to feeding the wildlife this year as the birds found them pretty tasty and helped themselves!
As these crops cycle, be sure to check out the Pick-Your-Own page (http://forsythefamilyfarms.com/pick-your-own/). There you may consult the availability chart so you know when to expect your favourite fruit or vegetable to be ready for harvest, so you don't miss out.
Farmer Forsythe has been regularly irrigating the raspberries to make sure there is a healthy crop this year. It was actually pretty refreshing to get caught in some of the spray as I was trying to capture a photo of the rainbow in the mist.
Look forward to blueberries coming to the farmers markets and pretty soon Niagara fruit. Do you have a favourite dessert or summer drink made with berries? Let us know in the comment section below.