C.N. Smith Farm, Inc.

Spring 2012 Update

2012-02-07T12:44:00.003-05:00

Spring is almost here! Certainly this winter has been pretty fair..especially after last year's but one thing we havent seen yet is flowers in bloom! Well why not satisfy that craving with a trip to the Boston Flower and Garden Show, March 14 thru 18th, at the Seaport World Trade Center. Look for Smith Farm's booth and get a jump on your spring garden planning. Goto http://www.masshort.org/Blooms-and-the-Boston-Flower-&-Garden-Show for more information. Hope to see you there.
~Smith

Thankyou

2012-01-03T12:01:00.003-05:00

The Smith Family would like to take a moment to acknowledge and thank everyone for their thoughtfulness and condolences expressed to the family, friends and farm employees during this difficult time. Thank you all for your support.
~The Smith Family

November SALE

2011-11-14T17:51:00.003-05:00

Sale on squash and apples just in time for Thanksgiving baking...
winter squash on sale for $20.00 per bushel,
utility (pies, baking) apples.. $12.00/bu,
10lbs. of potatoes $ 6.99/bag or .89 cents/lb.
Four gallons of cider, $ 20.00/case.
also all apples in store are .99 cents/lb.
This special is running thru Thanksgiving. These prices meet or beat Super Box store prices and its all grown right on our own farm...you cannot get any fresher. Hope everyone has a good Thanksgiving!

November 2011 update

2011-11-01T12:30:00.003-04:00

The farmstand remains open thru November. We have all of our own apples with many varieties to choose from. We also have utilty apples for baking and pies. Fresh cider is pressed daily in our own cider mill. Winter squashes all grown on our own farm like butternut, acorn, and blue hubbard are all available now. We also have fall gardening supplies, jams, jellies, etc etc. Stop in sometime and stock up for the winter.
~Thanks for supporting your local family farm!

Hallo-Lantern Hayrides

2011-10-17T20:16:00.002-04:00

Hallolantern Hayride
Take a 30 minute night time hayride around the farm to view hundreds of expertly carved jack-o-lanterns! This is not a haunted ride and is fun for the whole family!

Dates are as follows:
Oct 20, 21, 22, 23, 27, 28, 29, & 30th

Times are as follows:
Thursday and Sunday hours Dark-9pm
Friday and Saturday hours Dark-10pm

Prices are as follows:
Adults $15. Children 12 & under $13.

For additional info or incase of weather problems call 508-378-2270.

mid October update 2011

2011-10-12T00:06:00.002-04:00

Pick your own apple/pumpkin status:

Apple picking is closed.
Thanks to everyone who came out and helped make this year's apple harvest a success! We had a record Columbus Day weekend with all 3 days' weather remaining perfect and enough apples to make it through the entire weekend. We still have our own apples available in the farmstand and our own fresh pressed cider.

Pumpkin pick your own continues.
Jump on a hayride on the weekend and you can pick your own pumpkin right out of the field...a great way for kids to see just where they come from! Or if you prefer, rumage through our already picked piles right at the farmstand all week long.

Other events:
Our Hallo-Lantern hayrides continue again this year later in the month. Look for updates to this blog for specific dates and times or call our farmstand (see website for number).

The farmstand has all of our own fresh produce including our own just harvested potatoes, winter squash, apples, cider, and tomatoes and even eggs from our own flock fo chickens. We also have cider donuts, fresh pastries, jams, jellies, pickles, and other assorted items. We have cornstalks, hay bales, and other ghoulish decorating items for sale as well. Be sure to check out the spooktacular greenhouse! For the gardener, we have fetilizer, lime and winter rye seed and more...

Columbus Day update

2011-10-09T20:42:00.002-04:00

Our Harvest Hoedown continues on Columbus Day Oct 10 (see description in previous post). As far as apple pick your own...we will have apples to pick on Monday for part of the day. We will be picking our "pot luck" orchard. What this means is there are apples to pick but no gaurantee of what variety is available. Additionally apple picking may or may not last all day. It all depends on the amount of people who come out to pick. If you miss out on apple picking we do have our own fresh apples already picked in the store. The other festivities will continue such as hayrides, pumpkin picking, music, food, pony rides etc. until closing time (4 pm). Have a safe holiday and thanks for supporting your local family farm.

Columbus Day weekend improtant updates

2011-10-08T19:31:00.000-04:00

Revised 10/8/11 7pm
Columbus Day weekend looks to be superb weather wise (finally) so it should be a good time for our fall harvest hoedown. What is a "hoedown" anyways? Well traditionally farmers celebrate the end of the season after six months of long days growing and tending crops, dealing with mother nature and harvesting everything to bring to market...its when the farmer finally puts down his hoe. C N Smith carries on that tradition with a celebration for everyone. Come join us this weekend Saturday, Sunday and Monday Oct 8, 9, 10 for apple picking, pumpkin picking, hayrides, music, food, pony rides and more.

NOTE: Pick your own apples is NOT guaranteed every day this weekend. We will have apples all day Saturday and part of Sunday and part of Monday however we cannot ensure all day Sunday or Monday nor can we ensure the varieties available. There are also apples available already picked in the farmstand. Picking should inlcude the following varieties however not all of these varieties will be available all day so come early for your favorites:

Cortland (limited supply)
Empire
Red Delicious
Golden Delicious
Spencer
Northern Spy
Russet
Fuji
Breaburn
Mutsu
Granny Smith (very limited supply)

We anticipate a large crowd this weekend so please help by following parking attendant directions, pick your own staff directions, pick your own rules, leaving your pets at home, etc etc. There is a small parking fee for the Hoedown festivities. Additionally, please be patient in line and we will try to accomodate everyone in as timely a fashion as possible. There will be a police officer on duty for public safety.
Thank you for your support and have a fun and safe holiday weekend.

Sept 2011 update 3

2011-09-28T14:48:00.002-04:00

Pick your own apples for the weekend of October 1 and 2 will include the following varieties:
McIntosh (very limited supply)
Macoun
Honey Crisp (while supplies last)
Cortland
Empire
More varieties will be available the following weekend (Oct 8, 9).
Also pick your own pumpkins(hayride required)continues this weekend. Be sure to also visit the farmstand for our own fresh vegetables, already picked apples, peaches, pears, our own apple cider, cider donuts, baked goods, home grown garlic, etc.
For the ghouls who dare come out in the daylight, there is the fabulous Halloween display and truly frightening items for sale. For the more heavenly souls, there are corn stalks, straw bales, carving pumpkins, mums and other fall plantings.
Hope to see you this weekend. Thanks for supporting your local family farm.

Farming is a lot of hard work and long days and we anticipate being very busy this weekend. How can you help? Please put trash in its proper containers or take it home with you. Please pay for all you pick. For your safety and the safety of others, please respect all rules. To help make your visit and other's visit enjoyable, and in order to maintain efficient movement of all visitors please obey the traffic controllers/parking attendants and pick your own staff...thanks and enjoy your visit.

CN Smith Farm.

Sept 2011 update 2

2011-09-21T20:01:00.003-04:00

For the weekend of Sept 24 and 25th we will be picking the following varieties:
McIntosh (limited supply)
Macoun
Cortland
Empire
Honey Crisp*
*Please note Honey Crisp picking is available on the WEEKENDS only. Thank you for your understanding. All apples are also available in the stand already picked.
Also, please remember the following: NO pets are allowed in the orchard due to health codes. Please follow all posted rules to ensure your safety in the orchard and for the protection of our trees. Picking apples from the tree is not like picking from the supermarket shelf - they are not all perfect. Please do not waste the fruit by throwing away apples simply because they have a dimple or blemish and please do not pick for the sake of picking (ie with no intention of keeping the apples !!) Finally, have fun (yes we do want you to have fun)!
We also have our own fresh pressed cider, mums, halloween decorations (be sure to visit the haunted greenhouse), pick your own pumpkins (weekends only,, hayride required) and pumpkin piles at the store.
Thanks for supporting your local farm.
CN Smith.

Sept 2011 update 1

2011-09-14T13:14:00.005-04:00

This weekend, Sept 17 and 18, we will be picking McIntosh, Macouns as well as Honey Crisp and some early Cortlands. Please note, due to our remote location in the orchard, cash is the preferred payment method. Hope to see you this weekend.
CN Smith

September 2011

2011-09-03T15:02:00.005-04:00

Its Apple Picking Time! Despite Irene's best efforts we are open for business and now picking McIntosh Apples. We will be open Wed Thur and Fri 10-4 and Weekends 9-4. We will also be open labor day. McIntosh are a bit tart right now so if you like them that way hurry in. They should sweeten up in a few days and generally the supply lasts a few weeks for pick your own. Following that other varieties will ripen (about 15 in all) so be sure to check the blog for updates. When coming to the farm please leave your pets at home due to FEDERAL health codes and observe all rules for your safety. We also have the vegetable stand fully stocked with our own peaches, plums, nectarines and produce. We also now have our own garlic ready for sale...hurry while supplies last. Hope to see you soon!
~The Smith Farm apple team.

July 2011 PYO Peaches

2011-07-22T12:24:00.003-04:00

For the past several years we have experimented with Pick Your Own Peaches and have declared it a success. Consequently, starting today (July 22) PYO Peaches will resume for the 2011 season. Simply follow the signs out to the PYO Blueberry and Peach picking shed. Please note blueberry picking containers and peach bags are now available and paid for at the PYO shed right at the blueberry parking lot. (We simply can no longer afford those of you who insist on driving away without paying.) Picking is daily from 9 to 4 for both blueberries and peaches. However, please note that peach conditions may vary and we reserve the right to close the picking for an unspecified time to allow for more to ripen so its probably best to call for conditions. Peach season is generally from mid July thru August. There is a 1 bag (5 lb) minimum, the purchase of which which allows up to three people to enter the peach orchard. Additional persons requires the purchase of an additional bag. Lesser amounts may be purchased already picked in the farmstand. Please leave your pets at home as FEDERAL health codes do not allow pets in the orchards. Please follow all posted rules for your safety.

Additionally, our farmstand is now full of fresh veggies, already picked blueberries and peaches, and more.

Hope you are staying cool and hope to see you soon at the farm.
~Smith

July 2011 PYO Blueberries

2011-07-08T20:42:00.003-04:00

July is National Blueberry Month. No, really...its National Blueberry Month. Granted anyone can nominate any month, day or year to be a national something or other but Blueberries and July certainly fit. Did you know blueberries are high in vitamins, anti oxidents and are just plain good for you! They can be frozen and enjoyed all year long too. Try them on cereal, ice cream, in pies, muffins or cakes. All sorts of recipes are out there on what to do with blueberries. Pick Your Own blueberries is open 7 days a week 9am to 4pm and generally runs now thru August. They are also availabel pre picked in the farm stand. As a reminder, kindly pay for all you pick...granted blueberries do grow on bushes but they cost money to grow!
Thanks and hope to see you soon.
CN Smith Farm

June 2011 Pick Your Own Strawberries

2011-06-08T21:20:00.003-04:00

Well summer is finally upon us and the strawberries are in! We were very lucky to avoid any serious late spring frosts so the crop is looking very healthy. Why settle for tasteless supermarket berries from who-knows-where when you can pick your own fresh ones right here in your own back yard? If you don’t feel like picking your own, we pick daily for the farm stand where you can grab a box and not even get dirty! If you can however, I recommend picking your own at least once for the experience. Its hard work but fun to see just how things grow and where they come from. We grow over 3 acres of berries so come do some picking!

Now for a few picking and storage tips: There is a minimum amount required for pick your own (you must pick at least 2 quarts). If you would like less they are available in the farm stand already picked. When picking strawberries you want to handle them like eggs…you simply cradle the berry in your last three fingers while pinching the stem between your thumb and first finger to break the stem. If you grab and tug on the berry itself you're only going to squish it. Be sure to move the plant leaves to find the berries hidden underneath – sometimes these are the best ones, especially as the season winds down later in June. Strawberries require a lot of sun and are therefore planted in wide open fields - we open at 9am and start picking before it gets too hot! Berries can be frozen and enjoyed all season long and even into next spring. Simply rinse in a strainer, cut off the stem and if desired, cut in half, and store in ziplock type freezer-rated bags. When freezing berries its best not to pick them over-ripe as they do not freeze well. Ripe but firm berries freeze the best while riper berries should be eaten fresh.

Also, its not too late to plant your own garden. The warm spring has everyone thinking gardens should be planted by now but you have until June 15 in general to get your veggie plants in. We have plenty of plants started and ready for transplanting plus seeds, natural and organic (our own) fertilzers, and pest supplies. Stop by the greenhouses and farm stand for all your gardening needs.

Happy Gardening and Picking!

Spring 2011

2011-04-04T20:25:00.002-04:00

Well April showers should bring May flowers...if they dont wash them away. We've put away the snow plows and re-opened with gardening supplies and spring flowers. We'll be growing all kinds of flowers and early garden plants like peas, lettuce, etc and continuing later with tomatoes, squash and cukes all ready to plant in your own home garden. We also have compost, fertilizers (natural and 5-10-10, 10-10-10 etc), lime and more. Stop in for quality plants and help support your local grower!
Thanks and hope to see you soon.
~C. Smith

March 2011

2011-02-27T21:31:00.003-05:00

We will be at the Boston Flower and Garden Show March 16th thru 20th (http://www.paragonexpo.com/index.php/BFS-General/)

Also note the Farm Store re-opens April 1st!

Did you know March 11 is Johnny Appleseed Day? Me neither, until I was reading the Farmer’s Almanac recently. No, apples are not ready in New England in March, but it is the time to prune apple trees. Fruit trees must be dormant when pruning. At Smith Farm we have several thousand trees to prune and there is no “pruning machine”. Although air pruners and pole saws reduce the work, one must still circle each tree on foot; decide what needs to go and what will produce the most and best fruit for the season. Broken or diseased branches are easy to spot and remove but what about pruning for the future? The orchard manager must decide how the tree wants to grow, what branches he wants to remove, and how to get the best fruit.

So what does Johnny Appleseed have to with all this? When settlers first arrived in the new world, there were no cultivated fruit trees except a few wild crab apple, cherry and plum plantings. For a hundred years or more apple trees were grown from seed. Johnny Chapman (aka Johnny Appleseed) was an eccentric but resourceful Massachusetts native who travelled routes most likely to be settled in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Indiana and other states purchasing land and planting seedlings. By the 1840s he owned 1200 acres of land for nurseries and hundreds of varieties of apples were grown. Most of these varieties are now only notations in old books. Who has recently perused their local Walmart and found a Ben Davis? How about a Limbertwig or Duchess of Oldenburg? I didn’t think so. These “antique” (or heirloom as its commonly referred to now) varieties are mostly extinct. Many didn’t taste very good anyways and were used for cider (refrigeration not yet being invented for long term storage).

Trees are now propagated by grafting, a technique done in March by joining a twig from one tree (called a scion) to a host root stock. The result is a tree true to the variety of the scion. Trees from seeds result in a “chance seedling” – a cross between whatever varieties were pollinated to produce the apple the seed came from – the result is sometimes good and sometimes not so good. At Smith Farm we are lucky enough to grow several antique varieties and even a chance seedling that actually tastes good. Our antique varieties ripen mostly in late October and include Baldwin, Russet, Northern Spy, Spencer, Rome and Winesap. Our chance seedling is called “Cue’s Favorite”, so called for the nickname of the person who’s field in central MA it was found growing. Cue’s Favorite is in limited supply and available only at Smith Farm sometime near the end of September to mid October.

So if you’re in the mood to taste something different and feeling as adventurous as Johnny Appleseed, come to Smith Farm in the fall. If you’re feeling as ambitious (or maybe eccentric) as Johnny and would like to plant your own home orchard, visit us in the spring. We have a small but nice selection of commonly grown varieties potted and ready to plant and can order other varieties as well…remember you need two different variety trees if you want fruit (or a crabapple tree in the yard will suffice too.)

PS. A note to our Facebook friends…due to the limited amount of time we have for updating the web page and blog and the upcoming busy planting season, we cannot always answer questions posted to Facebook. It is best to call the store once we open. Thanks.

Winter Update 2011

2011-01-26T12:17:00.001-05:00

Winter in New England…if you’re as tired as I am of the snow and cold then I know you’re thinking about spring flowers, summer veggies and even fall fruits. So I thought I’d share some thoughts to get your mind on the warmer months ahead instead of fretting about the latest snow storm to end all snow storms. Since spring is next in line, let’s start there.

The seed and nursery catalogs have been filling up the mailbox over the last week (hopefully this helps keep the USPS in less red ink than usual) so if you’re thinking of starting your own garden this year, or are continuing an existing garden, then now is a good time to start planning for spring. ‘What’s to plan?’ you might ask…’ just throw the seed in the ground and it grows right?’…well not exactly. Soil preparation is most important to a successful crop, whether it be a large garden or just a few tomato pots on the back porch. First, soil pH is crucial to plant health. Blueberries and Strawberries for example prefer slightly acidic soil (add sulfur or blueberry specific fertilizers) while vegetable and fruit trees prefer a more neutral pH (add lime). Inexpensive soil test kits are usually available in garden centers or nurseries. Soil samples can also be sent to the University of MA in Amherst (small fee) for a more extensive analysis. Next up is organic matter. If you have sandy or heavy clay soil then you’ll want to add some organic matter like composted leaves, grass clippings etc. If you use this type of compost it should be well broken down and look like soil itself. Cow and chicken manure are excellent soil enhancers and good organic fertilizers but should be mixed well in the existing soil to avoid burning tender seedlings and roots. Finally starting your own seeds is fun but be sure to check the packaging for the time it takes to from start to harvest as you don’t want to still be waiting for that fresh melon when the leaves are falling in October! Also beware of late spring frosts that can kill tender young plants. Cultivation, weed control, fertilizing, pest control and watering will all be important steps as your garden continues to grow. So visit CN Smith Farm this spring for seeds, seedlings, fertilizers, pest control products, organic compost/manure and good old fashioned advice from experienced growers. You’ll have to excuse me now while I go out and shovel the latest gift from mother nature off the driveway. Don’t forget that all this snow is really nutrient laden water that will recharge our lakes and streams and even our gardens for a bountiful new season.

Winter Update 2010

2010-12-06T12:38:00.002-05:00

Well winter is defintely upon us. The strawberries are bedded down under a nice blanket of straw for the winter, the equipment is put away and the wood is chopped and split. We are now open weekends until Christmas. We have fire wood available by the cord, bin, or lesser amounts. For large orders please call the store and leave a message (508-378-2270). We also have some apples left, potatoes, winter squash, jams-jellies and our own cider - yes we are still pressing cider! So stop in some weekend and warm up in the barn...maybe even contemplate next year's garden. Merry Christmas and Happy New year !!

Fall Update November 2010

2010-11-05T22:20:00.002-04:00

November is here! But before you drag out those Christmas decorations and untangle the lights (or maybe they're still up from last year?), dont forget about Thanksgiving! We still have a great selection of late season apples, sugar pumpkins, winter squash and potatoes. As always, we grew it right here on the farm! Also local honey, jams, jellies and dont forget our own fresh pressed cider. A cup of warm mulled cider really helps ward off the cold November nights. We also sell rye seed, lime and other essentials to put your garden to bed for the winter. Additional we sell cut and split wood from our own woodlots (buying wood from other parts of the state may introduce unwanted tree insects into the local area).

To all those who came out and enjoyed the Hallowlantern Hayride - thanks so much! This year was a great success thanks to the nice weather late in October. Hope everyone enjoyed the spookie greenhouse display and liked the carved pumpkins.

Thanks again!

Fall Update "More to do in October" 2010

2010-10-13T20:00:00.004-04:00

Well another successful apple harvest has ended. To all those who came out and enjoyed themselves and respected our orchard thank you for picking at Smith Farm! If you missed out on apple picking, remember next year we start apples in September on Labor Day Weekend !! We can only keep the apples on the trees for so long (especially when some insist on knocking them all off !)
Is this the end of things to do a Smith Farm you may ask? Heck no! We still have:

Pick your own pumpkins (weekends via hayride), and the pumpkin pile at the farm stand every day.
Hallowlantern Hayride October 21, 22, 23, 24, 27, 28, 29 & 30...a night time 30 minute hayride (not haunted) to view hundreds of expertly carved jack-o-lanterns. Catch the hayride on Wed, Thur and Sunday dates from "Dark" until 9 pm and on the Fri and Saturday dates from "Dark" until 10 pm. Adults $14.00 Children 12 and under $12.00 or Ride twice for $20.00 Adults/$18.oo Children.
Farmstand remains open until winter with all of our own apples, our own potatoes, our own fresh pressed cider, Halloween display and sales, jams, jellies, baked goods, squashes, mums, and more !!

Hope to see you soon !!

Fall Update Columbus Weekend

2010-10-09T15:09:00.003-04:00

Apple Picking Conditions Saturday 10/9 3pm - very limited. Yellow delicious and Northern Spy varieties left - very limited. We will be open until 4 pm today. There will be no more pick your own apples after today.

Pick your own pumpkins will continue (hayride required) this weekend and until Halloween. Pumpkin piles at the farmstand every day.

Framstand open until winter! All our own apple varieties, our own cider, pumpkins, donuts, etc etc.

Harvest Hoedown (music, kids fun) continues thru Monday.

$5 Parking fee for all entry this weekend only due to the festivities.

Thank you!!

Fall Update 6 10/9-10/11

2010-10-05T20:59:00.005-04:00

Coming up Columbus Day Weekend 10/9, 10, 11. HARVEST HOEDOWN, PYO APPLES, PYO PUMPKINS

Note: Due to the festivities this weekend, there is a $5 parking fee for ALL activities. Handicap parking is available.

PICK YOUR OWN APPLES - resumes Saturday 10/9 with several varieties. We've picked up the pieces (literally) from last weekend and we'll be ready again Saturday. All ten varieties are not guaranteed to be available all day however. Picking will probably end Saturday afternoon! Of course all varieties will remain available in the farm stand thru November.

HARVEST HOEDOWN - music (DJ and live bands), hayrides, food, pony rides, pick your own apples (see above) and pick your own pumpkins. $5 parking fee plus ticket purchases required for some activities.

PICK YOUR OWN PUMPKINS - take a hayride out to the most sincere pumpkin patch in East Bridgewater! The Great Pumpkin would approve !! Pick your own pumpkins are available all weekend. Pumpkin piles are available at the farm stand - no hayride required.

When visiting, please observe all posted signs and rules for your protection and ours. If you plan on being rude or obnoxious, please stay home. (Yes, some people are, i wouldnt say if it didnt happen.)

NO PETS - This is per local, state, and/or federal codes regarding food production! Not because we dont like animals.

NO CLIMBING TREES - not allowed, because we said so. Would you like a 180 pound guy standing on your arms?

PAY FOR ALL YOU PICK - stealing is stealing, no matter where you do it.

PLEASE RESPECT OUR EMPLOYEES - they have a job to do too.

Fall 2010 Update 5

2010-10-02T20:52:00.003-04:00

Important update for 10/3/2010 apple picking conditions....
We will be picking the following varieties ONLY:
Spencer
Mutsu
Empire
Red Delicious
Granny Smith

Other varieties are available in the farmstand.
The above listed varieties are NOT guaranteed to be available all day. Picking is not guaranteed to be available all day but, depending on the crowd we should make it to mid afternoon. Come early!

Several reminders (no excuses when you get here, you've been told!):
NO PETS - this is per state and federal health codes, fido may like the outdoors but he cannot be where there is food to be consumed by the public !!
NO CLIMBING TREES - this is for your own good as well as to protect our investment (ie our trees)
NO STEALING - please pay for all you pick. Stuffed pockets, baby carraiges, wagons is unacceptable. Would you do that in the supermarket?
PLEASE RESPECT THE EMPLOYEES - if you are asked to not do something you shouldnt be doing, please cooporate. Yelling at employees is unacceptable behavior and quite frankly, immature.
POLICE - are on duty. If you cannot cooporate with the above requests, you may be asked to leave the premises.

We hope you enjoy your time picking. Most people do, but some feel it necessary to cause problems. Please be one of the former and not the latter!
Thanks!!

Fall 2010 Update 4

2010-09-30T12:46:00.002-04:00

Looks like a beautiful 1st weekend of October coming up. We are still picking apples and will have approximately 10 varieties open. Please note the following varieties are almost picked out and cannot be gauranteed to be available:
McIntosh (limited)
Macoun (limited)
Cortland (limited)
Honey Crisp (PICKED OUT)
The above are available in the farm stand all ready picked.

Pick Your Own bag sizes are 10lb and 20lb. Price is $2.00 per lb. There is no parking or entrance fee this weekend. Your bag purchase gets you into the orchard where you can fill it full, but not overfilled (e.g. not heaping, overflowing into pockets, purses, baby carraige bottoms, etc).

We are also doing pick your own pumpkins this weekend (hayride required).

When visiting, please follow all directions and instructions for your own safety and respect of our property. Thank you.

Fall 2010 update 3

2010-09-21T12:22:00.005-04:00

Fall is officially here this week! How about picking some apples? You can also come during the weekday Thur and Fri hours to avoid the weekend rush. This week (9/23 thru 26) we will be picking the following:
McIntosh - limited availabilty
Macoun - moderate availability
Cortland - moderate availabilty
Empire - opening this weekend! Plentiful.
Honey Crisp - PICKED OUT

Bag sizes available are 1o lb and 20 lb. You must purchase one of our bags before picking.

All varieties above are available in our farm store. We will be picking 5 more varieties in the coming weeks.

Pumpkin picking on weekends (hayride required).

When visiting, please obey all rules and instructions for your safety and the enjoyment of others. Also note that bees are extremely active this time of year...we cannot control this. You can help in the orchard by not dropping and crushing apples on the ground and properly disposing of your garbage. If you are alergic to bees, please be prepared. Thank you.

Fall 2010 Update 2

2010-09-13T21:02:00.002-04:00

Apple pick your own continues this week with new varieties open! The cool nights have hastened along some ripening. We are now picking* McIntosh, Macoun, some Cortland and Honey Crisp. Also starting this weekend is pick your own pumpkins (hayride required). Pumpkins are also available at the farmstand and we still have fresh vegies, corn, apples, peaches, etc. We are also pressing our own fresh apple cider!! Try some with a fresh baked cider donut!!
*Due to the fickle nature of, well...nature, we cannot be responsible for daily crop availability changes.

Fall Update 1

2010-08-31T22:54:00.002-04:00

Wow...hard to believe but fall is closing in on us. Pick your own Apples will begin on schedule Labor Day Weekend. McIntosh will be the first up for harvest. Several weather factors have lent itself to a nice apple crop year. Last year's rainy summer produced very large apples but due to the high water contant, some varieties were rather tasteless compared to normal. This year's dry weather, although not very healthy for our lawns, will result in somewhat smaller sized fruit with more flavor. Please keep your fingers crossed that the hurricanes remain out in the Atlantic. As you can imagine, the strong winds would not bode well for trees and fruit alike. Hope to see you in the orchard soon. Please remember to follow the pick your own rules posted at the orchard entrance so that everyone can enjoy the farm responsibly and safely! Thank you.
~Smith Farm

Summer Update 3

2010-08-17T12:29:00.002-04:00

Well despite the dry weather we have a plentiful harvest of corn, tomatoes, cucumbers, squashes and even pumpkins (thanks to alot of irrigation work)! Blueberries are winding down but pick your own peaches and raspberries are still going on. Apple picking should start on time Labor Day Weekend - we already have early apples available in the farm stand! Also now available is our own GARLIC. We have two varieties - Italian Purple and Music (white)...get it while it lasts!
See you soon!

Summer Update 2

2010-08-03T12:13:00.002-04:00

Hard to believe but the summer is flying by. We are now picking blueberries, raspberries, peaches, early apples, corn, tomatoes, squash, beans, onions and more! Stop by our farm in East Bridgewater or come to any of the farmer's markets we attend (see previous blog entry). Pick your own fans can now pick raspberries and peaches in addition to blueberries. It is still early so call for conditions and times (508-378-2270). Minimum amounts apply. Coming soon - our own garlic, stay tuned.

We appreciate your support and continued interest in picking your own fresh produce at Smith Farm. Remember, your honesty helps keep us in business and we appreciate payment for all you pick!

Have a great day and hope to see you soon.
~Smith Farm

Summer Update 2010

2010-06-29T23:29:00.002-04:00

Pick your own Strawberries has now ended. Thank you so much for a very successful strawberry season !! Up next is Pick Your Own Blueberries - which starts July 5th. In case you were wondering, yes everything is a bit early this year thanks to the warm spring. We also have fresh tomatoes, lettuce and other early vegetables now available in the farm stand. If you can't make it to East Bridgewater, look for us at one of these farmer's markets....
Bridgewater: Tuesdays 3-6pm
Canton: Thursdays 230-630pm
Quincy: Fridays 1130am-530pm
Braintree: Saturdays 9am-1pm
North Quincy: Wednesdays 3-6pm
Eat Healthy, Pick Healthy, Support your Local Farm!

Spring/Summer 2010

2010-06-06T19:49:00.002-04:00

STRAWBERRIES!! Strawberry pick your own is now open. Strawberries are also available already picked in the farm stand. Nothing beats fresh picked berries and you can freeze them too! Pick your own is open 7 days a week 9am to 4pm. Hope to see you soon !!

Spring 2010 Opening

2010-03-24T12:23:00.003-04:00

Welcome to another great year at CN Smith Farm! The farmstand and greenhouses will be opening April 1st. Garden supplies, fertilizers, mulch, loam, seeds and plants will all be available. Looking for that specialty plant that the big box stores don't have? We have a large selection of flowers and vegetable plants which we grow ourselves! Many varietes of tomato, seed potatoes, fruit trees etc are available as the spring planting season progresses.

Anxious for fresh produce? Then you might be wondering what the first pick your own crop is...We traditionally start picking Strawberries around Father's Day in June! Be sure to check back to the website (www.cnsmithfarminc.com) or this blog for future updates.

Thanks and Happy Spring!

Spring 2010

2010-03-08T17:11:00.002-05:00

Spring is coming! The ground is thawing and the mud is forming. But soon the mud will dry, the fields will be plowed and the seeds planted. Fruit tree pruning started in February and is still underway. Stay tuned for greenhouse and garden center opening dates....

Winter Update

2009-12-31T12:56:00.002-05:00

Its cold outside! Time to do maintenance on all of our equipment and get ready for next year. We have firewood for sale as well as potatoes, squash and some apples and cider left in the store. Hope everyone is enjoying the holidays and snowy weather. Spring will be here before you know it so start planning your gardens now....
~Smith

November Update 1

2009-11-01T22:06:00.002-05:00

Well the short days of November are here. Fortunately the temperature has moderated and we're enjoying some nice New England fall weather. Thanks to everyone who came by and helped make our pick your own apples, pumpkins and Harvest Hoedown a great success this year!
You can still stop by the farm stand for our own fresh squeezed apple cider, butter nut and acorn squash, potatoes, and apples - all grown on our farm. We have a nice selection of late season apple varieties such as Baldwin, Northern Spy, Russet, Spencer, Empire and Honey crisp. And we still have some of the old stand-by's like Cortland, Macoun and McIntosh...plus several others. For those of you with home gardens, now is the time to clean up and get some winter rye from our garden supply section.
The farm store will be open right thru Thanksgiving and into December.
~Smith

October Update 5

2009-10-18T22:22:00.002-04:00

Hallo-lantern carved pumpkin night time hayrides...not haunted.
Oct 22, 23, 24, 25, 29 and 30th.
Thurs and Sunday hours: Dark to 9pm
Friday and Saturday hours: Dark to 10pm
Weather permitting.
Discount ticket pricing on Oct 22 and 29
For more info call 508-378-2270
We also have some apples left on the trees. Call for pick your own availability.
The store is still open. Get your apples, squash, cider, etc.
Pick your own pumpkins on weekends.
Ice Age 3 Movie Promotion* in the pumpkin patch Oct 24/25. 11am. - 3 pm Great fun for the kids!
*A private promotion not directly affiliated with C.N. Smith Farm.

~CNS

October Update 4

2009-10-16T16:18:00.002-04:00

Oct 18/19 weekend, and later. Thanks to a bumper crop this year, we still have pick your own apples available. Empire, Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Russet (a nice tart cooking apple) and some limited supply of Macouns. We are open 10-4 in the weekend but it may be best to call and check just in case. Also p-y-o pumpkins and hayrides. Coming up, Hallowlantern Hayrides (night time, not haunted, carved pumpkin hayride). The farm stand is stocked with all favorite varieties of fresh apples, winter squash, cider and more. Be sure to check out the halloween display!
Thanks to all (and the weather) for making our Harvest Hoe-down a great success.
CNS

Columbus Day 2009 update

2009-10-11T22:03:00.003-04:00

Columbus Day Update October 12...We still have apples! We will be doing pick your own apples for as long as they remain on the trees during the last day of our Hoedown (harvest festival), from 10a.m. to 4p.m. (or until supplies last). Varieties available are Macoun (limited supply), Empire, Red Delicious, Mutsu, Spencer, Golden and Red Delicious, Russet, Fuji, Breaburn (limited supply) and Granny Smith (limited supply).

Note: No particular variety is guaranteed to be available for pick your own...when they're gone, they're gone!
After pick your own ends, we will comtinue to have our own apples, cider, pumpkins, squash, and much more available in the farm stand into November.

Our harvest festival is also going on Monday as well. This includes everything mentioned in the previous update.

Enjoy your holiday !!

October Update 2

2009-10-06T12:34:00.003-04:00

Apple picking status October 10, 11, 12:
We will be picking the following varieties: Macoun (*limited supply*), Cortland (*limited supply*), Empire, Red Delicious, Yellow Delicious, Fuji, Braeburn, Spencer, Russet, Northern Spy, Mutsu, and Granny Smith (*limited supply*).

This weekend is also our big Harvest Hoedown - Sat, Sun, and Mon too...music, hayrides, pony rides, pumpkin picking and apple picking.

Pick your Own Apples is not gauranteed to be available Sunday afternoon or Monday afternoon. Apple varieties posted are not gauranteed to be available all 3 days. It all depends on the weather, and hence the crowd that comes out to pick. If our p-y-o orchard gets picked out, we will have our own apples available in the farmstand.

Hope to see you this weekend!

October Update 1

2009-10-01T12:33:00.003-04:00

Apple picking status for the weekend of Oct 3 and 4: We will be picking Honeycrisp, Macoun, Cortlands, and Empires! Empire is a nice small sized eating apple that especially goes well in kids lunches. It is a McIntosh/Red Delicious cross with a very unique flavor (that is neither Mac or Red Delicious in nature). Don't let a little drizzle keep you out of the orchard either! The orchard is mowed so your feet wont get too wet. Its supposed to be mild as well this weekend. If unsettled weather continues on the weekends we may have an extended picking season this year so stay tuned - (we are usually picked out by Columbus Day but if no one comes because its rainy, then we may have enough for a few more Oct weekends!)

September Update 4

2009-09-25T20:16:00.002-04:00

September 25/26 apple pick your own varieties will be McIntosh (limited supply), Macoun, Cortland and Honeycrisp. Hope to see you at the farm. Before visiting, check out New England Apple's pick your own video link in the previous post (September Update 3) for picking tips.

September Update 3

2009-09-17T20:46:00.004-04:00

September 18/19 Apple picking: We will be picking McIntosh and Macouns this weekend. A few other varieties may be available however this is dependant upon how they seem to ripening by the weekend, so they will not be posted at this time. For excellent pick your own tips on what to do and not to do at your local farm, check out New England Apple association's video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-NbCpbZWOc
Hope to see you this weekend!
~C. Smith

September Update 2

2009-09-11T10:13:00.002-04:00

A quick update for Sept 12/13 weekend. Still picking McIntosh apples. Blueberry and Peach pick your own has ended. Raspberry picking still available. Other apple varieties available in the farm stand as well as our own fresh pressed cider, peaches, and vegies. Thanks to everyone who came out Labor Day Weekend. It was one of our most successful Labor Day's to date!

September Update

2009-08-28T12:10:00.003-04:00

A close call with tropical storm Danny but September's apple season is looking very good. We have early apples available in the farmstand and pick your own peaches every weekend. Pick your own blueberries and raspberries are still available. Pick your own apples will begin Labor Day weekend September 5th with McIntosh apples. We'll also be giving free hayrides that weekend with one of our antique tractors. Speaking of antique tractors, our 3rd annual antique tractor showing in the orchard will be Sept 12 from 10am-2pm. Some members of the NEATTA (http://www.neatta.com/) will be attending, weather permitting.

Note our new pick your own apple hours this year - we're now open on Wednesday, in addtion to Thur, Fri, Sat and Sunday. 10am to 4 pm.

Be sure to catch us at the Braintree Farmer's market. The market operates every single Saturday morning from 9 to 1, rain or shine, at the Braintree Town Hall Mall until October 31st. We also have our roadside stand on Rte 106 in West Bridgewater.

Hope you've had a nice summer and hope to see you soon at the farm !

August 2009 update

2009-08-10T22:30:00.003-04:00

So summer is here...finally...sort of. Here's whats coming up next:

Corn Festival Aug 22/23. Hayrides (weather permitting), produce and fruit samples, and of course - corn on the cob.
Now picking peaches - pick your own is on the weekends only (via the blueberry parking lot).
Blueberry pick your own continues all week.
Raspberries will probably start this coming weekend (8/15).
Our own Garlic will be available in our store most likely mid-August. The rainy weather delayed harvesting this crop too.
Look for Apple picking to start Labor Day weekend (already? geez.)

Its been a rough growing season so far for Massachusetts farms. First the rain and now a tomato/potato blight has infected the Northeast and many farms have lost some of their crop. This is the same strain of blight that created the Irish potato famine so many years ago. So if you think local tomatoes are a bit pricey this year you know why. Incidentally, the Dept of Agriculture has determined this blight was brought to our region by a "big box" store selling infected plants. Now you know why buying from your local farm is so important.
We've worked very hard at Smith Farm this year to ensure the success of our crops. Protecting against the blight, managing the crops in damp, wet, and generally unfavorable growing conditions has been challenging to the say the least. So whether you usually buy from us or other local farms, please continue to support your local grower and know that we all appreciate your business.
~Smith

Mid July '09 Update

2009-07-23T21:41:00.003-04:00

Well some decent weather finally arrived. Enough to get things ripening anyways even tho it looks like some rain again in the near future. We're now harvesting our own corn, squash, zuchinni, cucumbers etc. The inclement weather has set our tomatoes back however so they will be later. Blueberries are of course still available. We're also picking the first peaches and plums of the season. Coming soon - pick your own peaches !!

July Update 1

2009-07-12T23:11:00.002-04:00

Well the rain has finally stopped and things have started to grow. Quite a few of our vegetables are behind a few weeks but we have some summer squash and zuchini coming in. Fresh peas, lettuce and greens are available as well. New this week: BLUEBERRIES. We have them already picked in the store and pick your own should start soon. Thanks to all who braved the crummy weather and came out to pick strawberries. We took a hit on the second half of that crop due to the rain so lets hope we have some sunshine and good growing weather here on out!! Thanks again and we hope to see you soon. ~CN Smith

Mid June '09 Update

2009-06-18T22:35:00.003-04:00

The rainy weather isnt helping but we have strawberries !! Pick your own when it isnt pouring outside as well as in the farm stand. We also have our own lettuce, peas, garlic scapes (greens), and other spring crops coming in. Be sure and stop by the farm in East Bridgewater or one of the farmers markets we attend:
South Station Boston - Tuesday and Thursday.
City Hall , Brockton - Friday, (10:00-2:00) .
Braintree - Saturday.

June 2009

2009-06-05T23:12:00.002-04:00

Our first crop is coming in - Strawberry picking has commenced for the farm store. Pick your own will start soon so check back here on the blog, our website, or call the farm at 508-378-2270 for info. We still have flower and vegetable plants as well as fruit trees and various shrubs available for sale in the garden center. Dont forget mulch, potting soil, compost and fertilizer for your new or existing garden! The threat of frost is over (hopefully) and there is still time to plant tomatoes, potatoes, squashes, corn and others (June 12 being the average end date). Happy growing! ~CNS

Spring 2009 Update

2009-03-21T22:24:00.003-04:00

Welcome back spring !! Lots happening at the farm...orchard expansion and renovation continues. Over 1000 new apple trees will be planted this April but it takes 3 or more years until they will be open for pick your own !! Its an investment we are making for the farm's future. Also, new this spring is a free Easter Egg hunt (weather permitting). The store is now open for all your seed, plants and gardening needs. We'll be set up for April 10 and 11 from 11am to 3pm. The eggs are something special too !! Sunny Bunny Easter Eggs (SunnyBunnyEasterEggs.com) are made by special folks ! Visit their website for more info about these amazing people. Hope to see you at the farm soon.

Late Fall Update

2008-11-12T12:55:00.002-05:00

The harvest season maybe over but the farmstand is still open. We have our own fresh pressed cider, winter squashes, potatoes and late variety apples still available. Baking for Thanksgiving? Why settle for canned fillings at the supermarket when you can grab a basket of apples or a sugar pumpkin for that fresh pie, bread or whatever your tastebuds are asking you to make. Dont forget to pick up some jam, jelly, pickles, or local honey too! Happy Thanksgiving and hope to see you at the farm. ~C. Smith

Hallo-Lantern Hayrides !

2008-10-16T17:04:00.002-04:00

The next fall event will get under way this weekend starting this Friday. Several hundred expertly carved pumpkins will be on display during an approximately 20-minute nighttime hayride. This is NOT a haunted hayride and is fun for the whole family. The hayrides start at dark on the following dates: Oct 17, 18, 19; 23, 24, 25, 26; 29, & 30. Call for ticket info. The farmstand will be open at night during the hayride hours as well. Hope to see you there !!

Updated October Info

2008-10-11T22:25:00.003-04:00

As of Saturday October 11 APPLE pick your own is CLOSED. Due to the overwhelming crowd we had today our pick your own orchards got cleaned out. We still have the Harvest Hoedown Oct 12 and 13 which includes pick your own pumpkins, hayrides, live music, pony rides, etc. We have a nice selection of our own already picked apples available in the farmstand as well as our own fresh pressed apple cider. If you missed apple picking remember, we begin picking around Labor Day weekend (1st or 2nd weekend of September) so next year be sure to come earlier !! ~CNS

October 2008 Update

2008-10-03T12:41:00.002-04:00

Looks like a nice weekend this Oct 4 and 5 weatherwise for some apple picking! We are getting into our October varieties such as Empire, Delicious, and Cortland. We still have some earlier varieties like McIntosh and Macoun in limited quantities as well. See the Pick Your Own page at cnsmithfarminc.com for more details. And be sure to come by the farm Oct 11, 12 and 13 for our Columbus Day weekend "Hoedown" - 3 days of live music, pony rides, hay rides, pumpkin and apple picking (apple picking is NOT guaranteed to be available all 3 days this year), fresh cider and produce in the farm stand.

Grower's Update September 2008

2008-09-25T13:06:00.003-04:00

Well the apple harvest is in full swing and despite some rainy weekends, business has been brisk. Our antique tractor show Sept 13 was fun for the customers and tractor owners alike. We still have plenty of apples available and are now transitioning from the early fall varieties to the mid season varieties. We should be picking McIntosh and Macouns for another weekend or so and will definitely be picking Cortlands and Empire in the coming weeks. Delicious, Fuji, Spencer, and Granny Smith varieties will be available the first or second weekend of October. Unfortunately our Honeycrisp trees did not produce enough for pick-you-own however we do have them available in our farm store. Please remember that we cannot control nature so we can only estimate when certain varieties will be open for picking. I'd also like to remind folks that our farm is privately owned. We work hard to produce a quality crop and care for our trees and ask that you follow the few pick-your-own rules we have posted and respect our property. Thanks again for your business and I hope you have fun when you visit.

GROWERS UPDATES

2008-08-15T19:16:00.005-04:00

SPECIAL UPDATE FOR JUNE 2008 – We sell only our own, in-season, locally grown fruit and produce. Fruits and produce sold at our farm in East Bridgewater, our roadside stand in West Bridgewater, or any of our farmer’s markets locations were planted, grown, and harvested in our own local fields. Our on-site cider mill is federally inspected and certified. Additional items sold in our store, which we may not produce ourselves, are purchased from trusted local growers, bakers, or producers only.
Update for Spring 2008. There’s lots happening at the farm! While the store was closed over the winter, we renovated our produce retail area with all new display coolers and expanded the overall room size. Also, an entirely new cold storage bay is being constructed to keep our harvested crops as fresh as possible for our customers. We think you’ll enjoy the larger space and new look to our produce area. See the farm stand page for more information and pictures as soon it’s finished!
In addition to the store renovations, the new animal viewing area is finished. The kids really enjoy the goats, chickens, turkeys and other small animals. Please note that the animal viewing area is open during store hours only.
The growing season appears to be on track weather-wise. Fruit tree pruning wrapped up in March and new trees were planted in April. Be sure to visit the pick your own page for more details. New flowers and vegetable plants are popping up in the greenhouses – a sure sign warmer weather is finally here. We hope to see you soon.
Please keep in mind when visiting that C.N. Smith Farm is a privately owned working farm. Visitors are kindly asked to remain in designated customer areas, observe warning signs and stay clear of parked or operating equipment for obvious safety reasons. Also, to help us keep costs down and maintain cleanliness, please place trash in proper receptacles or take it home with you. For health code reasons, please leave your pets at home. Your cooperation is appreciated so that everyone may enjoy the open space and fresh locally grown produce we cultivate.