Each spring as local farm markets open and the first harvest is taken from the field there is a common chorus among customers frequenting these markets; "when will you have local corn and tomatoes?"

Answering "late June/early July" does little to satisfy the anticipation of the customer waiting for their fix
of summer goodness.  In fact at times there seems to be an accusatory tone in their voice as if you are
hiding the summer bounty in some dark recess of the farm.  Of course when the first tomatoes ripen and
the peppers are ready to be picked the inevitable question is asked; "what happened to the strawberries and peas?"

One of the benefits of belonging to a CSA is understanding and appreciating the seasonality of the fruits and vegetables we eat.  Eating with the seasons connects us with our food.  The cool temperatures of spring provide us with the lush greens we feature at the beginning of the season.  Rich in vitamins these greens are some of the most nutritious foods we grow.  It is nature's way of nourishing us after a long
winter.  

As the days grow longer and the heat rises, the greens make way for tomatoes, squash, peppers and some of the more traditional summer crops.  These foods have grown with the season and have ripened under the hot summer sun bringing out their flavor.  By August the melons have ripened signifying the peak to the summer crops.

Late summer and early fall signify the beginning of the storage crops.  Potatoes and roots crops flourish
as the cooler temperatures promote the fall greens.  As October arrives the winter squash harden off and
the broccoli and cauliflower reach maturity.

This is just a cursory overview of what the upcoming season will bring us.  The real excitement comes is
watching and waiting for the crops to arrive.  At Rushton Farm we grow over 150 varieties of fruits and vegetables and each one has its place in the harvest schedule.  The Rushton Staff hopes our CSA
members will talk to us about the food being grown.  While we fully understand the desire for cantaloupes in June and peas in August we think you will find value in the diversity of produce harvested through the course of a season.  

-Fred

- Rushton Farm Staff 

-Eliza