When I spoke with Chris from Vaiuso Farm at the market last Saturday, he said a little heat and rain would really get the produce to “pop.” Needless to say, your farmers market friends are presently picking popping produce! Thanks to their hard work, the fruits and veggies will be piled high as we ride the heat wave together on Saturday.
This week’s weather was just right to push the summer harvest into full swing. Midweek storms delivered about two inches of rain. Daily temperatures peaked near 90; about 5 degrees above-average for mid-July. Many summer crops, like cucumbers and tomatoes, thrive in these conditions. The weeds thrive, too! “They’re growing like monsters,” said Andromeda from River Crest Farm. “We're spending lots of time weeding!”
Although this week’s weather has the produce popping, the weekend heat will make even the most summer-loving crops cranky. “They'd rather have a balance of summer heat and rain without the scorching,” said Andromeda. What do cranky crops need most during a heat wave? Water. Andromeda and her family will be placing soaker hoses on everything throughout the heat wave. They’ll be adjusting their farming routines to keep cool, too. “We’ll get most of the work outside done early in the morning and late in the evening while staying super hydrated,” said Andromeda.
On Saturday, Andromeda, Chris, and the rest of the gang will travel the few miles from their farms to our market with this week’s abundant harvest. Chris from Vaiuso Farm is most excited about his lettuce, which he will offer for the first time this season. The River Crest Farm family cannot wait to share their colorful beets with you. Lars from Clover Nook Farm hopes to debut cherry tomatoes this Saturday. He’ll also sweeten up the market with his peaches and blueberries.
It will undoubtedly be a summery market. But we’ve all been through heat waves before, and we’ll share a few laughs as we get through this one together! Interestingly enough, one of the best things you can do during a heat wave is spend time with friends and family. According to the CDC, the risk of illness during a heat wave decreases seven-fold if you ride the wave with others.
Come share the bounty of the summer harvest as we ride this heat wave together as a community! Saturday, 9 to 1, Wasson Field!
Saturday, July 20th
Sunny and summery with temperatures nearing 90 by market close.
Be sure to...
Check out Animal Friends Kids Day! Free events under the shade from 930 to 12, including live reptiles, face painting, and crafts!
Expected Tents
Farms:
Clover Nook Farm – Blueberries, peaches, tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, squash, cucumber, etc.
River Crest Farm – Garlic, onions, rhubarb, beets, cabbage, etc.
Vaiuso Farm –Radish, broccoli rabe, arugula, lettuce, corn, etc.
Ekonk Hill Turkey Farm – Pasture-raised chicken, turkey, pork, and beef.
Prepared Foods:
Elm City Cookie
Health and Wellness:
Sabatino Chiropractic
Healthy Energy Therapeutic Massage
Home Goods and Gifts:
Blue Lily Cotton
Crystal Beetham Art
Design Stork Studio
Knit Knit Hooray
Usborne Books
Beauty and Skincare:
Ridge Runner Soaps
Sue Glennon’s Daisy Blue
Jewelry:
Milford Rocks