November
The days are getting shorter as we prepare for the winter ahead. With turkey day looming, here’s what the farm is getting up to in preparation for quieter, colder days.
Vegetable Update:
Now that Spooky SZN is behind us, we are continuing the winter preparations and getting ready for things to quiet down for the cold season. Although not much is growing at the moment, we are always preparing for the next harvest. This means that in November we are gearing up for tulip planting so that we have bulbs ready by February!
Out in the fields we are spreading straw mulch over woody perennial herbs like our marvelous sage bushes and the asparagus (which we can finally harvest next year!) Asparagus takes a few seasons to become a mature plant. We have waited three years to be able to sustainably harvest this crop and are excited to bring it to you in the springtime.
Some more of our fall projects include tearing out the goat fence from the woods and assessing with our forrester where to begin our manual brush clearing and invasive plant removals in order to build off the brush removal that the goats began. The goats were a fabulous help in maintaining some of the invasive plant species growing behind the barn this season. We enjoy having them on the farm to help keep the bushes at bay and also provide some farm entertainment as goats are notoriously funny critters.
We are also re-establishing the walking trails through our woods and repairing any damage to the boardwalks. There are some lovely paths that are about to get some much needed attention now that the fields are quieter. Our big cold weather project is the preparation of the Mushroom Nursery in the woods. We have begun to locate and prepare the trees we'll fell and innoculate come December - we are excited to learn how to grow mushrooms with the help of our local mushroom experts and bring you something new!
Additionally, repairs and painting on the black barn started at the end of October, nothing like a fresh coat of paint to make you feel invigorated and ready to take on the world.
The first frost has just come recently so anything in the ground outside (besides the really hearty stuff) is officially done for the season and our preparations came just in time.
Big focus between now and our turkey day break is to get everything that is outside cleaned up, brought in, fastened down, sorted out, stored away and closed up so that all the fields, buildings and equipment are as ready as we can make them for the cold, dark months. Then we'll all slow down to 25-30 hours a week and focus on cleaning, sorting and preparing for next year. So we'll be focusing on wrapping up outside so that we can clean, organize and prepare for next year.
Flower Update
All field flower production is done for 2023!! But don't be too sad, we have Winterberry bunches & holiday greens that will supplement your needs for this busy holiday season ahead.
Just when you thought the season was over, you're reminded that Fall is one of flower farming's busiest times. Cutting back all crops, clearing beds, cover cropping &
spring bulb plantings.
Last week we completed our ground planting with just shy of 9000 tulips & 1000 narcissus flowers. Next we will complete tulipmania by planting 5000 tulips in crates to force early blooms so we all can enjoy a bit of sunshine when the days are still dark & short.
& finally we have 300 ft of ranunculus & anemone plantings to complete before the ground gets too frozen. Needless to say, November is a busy month for us.
Friday Farmstand (and Sometimes Saturday)
Last chance to enjoy! The final farmstand this season will be the weekend of October 20th and here are all the dates from now until then:
Friday and Saturday, October 6 & 7
Friday, October 13 (spooky!)
Friday and Saturday, October 20 & 21
Please enjoy the winter squash, broom corn, and gorgeous glass gem corn we have available and help us close out the end of the season! We appreciate all of you that have come to support and enjoy our offerings.
Seasonal Displays
Last month Alisa was busy with “Seasonal Fall Instalments.” around town.
We still have a few spaces left to pre book Alisa to help you bring your Thanksgiving Tablescape vision a reality. Don't sleep on this opportunity. Email alisa@maitriny.com
Holiday Workshops
We are delighted to offer two holiday events this winter season -
Dec. 2, 2023 - Merry & Bright Holiday Market - Salisbury CT 11-2 PM
The front steps of Honey Church Home
Alisa will be hosting a Center Piece workshop where you will create & bring home your own holiday centerpiece fit for your home. Event time TBD
All materials & vase will be provided**$70.00 per person. Click the link or the button below to purchase tickets.
Dec 9,2023 - Holiday Door Swag Workshop - Maitri Farm 11-12 PM
Alisa will be guiding you through this process in our heated greenhouse as we change it up this year, instead of your typical wreath you’ll make a one of a kind holiday door swag.
All materials will be provided **$40.00 per person
Finale of the Friday Farmstand
On Saturday October 21st we held our final Farm stand of the 2023 season and the last CSAs were picked up the Friday before. Every season we are glad to being you new and exciting things and we look forward to getting to see everyone when you come to the farm during these moments. Most of our days are spent out in the fields, seeding, weeding, harvesting, you know the drill. But getting to see everyone’s smiling faces when they receive their fresh veggies and flowers is what makes it all worth while. Thank you for a great season, we are already scheming up what awesome new things we can offer you next year, stay tuned!
Also keep an ear out for CSA deals coming up for 2024, a flower or vegetable CSA makes a thoughtful gift that keeps giving all season long! Links will be live soon. Updates will be on our Facebook and Instagram pages so make sure you follow us online!
