July 2012 Update

The summer is moving along pretty fast and so is this year's growing season. Strawberry picking has pretty much ended but don't worry, Blueberry Pick Your Own begins July 7! In fact, we are already picking some blueberries for the farm store on a limited basis. But maybe you cant make it to the farm? Well if your near Braintree on Saturdays from 9am-2pm or Plymouth Plantation on Thursdays 230-630pm stop into see us at the Farmer's Markets in those locations. As always, our famr store is stocked with our own in season fruits and vegies. Garlic scapes are now available, local honey from bees on our own farm, and various plants, seeds and gardening supplies. See you at the famr! ~Smith

June 2012 PYO Strawberries

The growing season is upon us. First up is Strawberries! Yes, with the early spring we are picking some strawberries already which are for sale in the farm stand and Pick your own (PYO) strawberries starts June 1st!(feel free to call the farm stand for picking conditions). We still have planting supplies, seeds, vegetable and flower seedlings and more. Stop in the farm store for all your home gardening needs. Happy growing, ~Smith.

Spring 2012 Update 4

May is finally here and we seem to be past the dangerous freezes we experienced the last few weeks. We are hoping our fruit trees were not severly affected. Parts of MI, NY, and PA have experienced near total fruit crop failures so its important for New England to have a viable crop. Keep in mind there is still a frost potential for the next week or so and given this years crazy weather, who knows? Garden plants are growing nicely in the greenhouses. Tomato plants, pepper plants, lettuces and more are available. Mothers day plants and Memorial Day flowers are also available. The garden center has plenty of seed potatoes with several varieties, as well as onion sets, and vegetable seeds still available. Be sure to stop in for all your seed and plant supplies. We start our vegetable plants from seed and grow them in our own greenhouses. Unlike big box stores, our plants are healthy from the start and will not be carriers of diseases like early or late blight. This is not to say they cannot contract it once planted in your yard however, they will not be a new source of blight unlike imported plants.

Spring 2012 Update 3

April is in full swing and that means so is the gardening season. The farm stand is now stocked with seeds (packaged and loose), onion sets, seed potatoes, fertilizers, lime and fruit/veggie sprays. We also have a nice selection of fruit trees potted and ready for your home orchard. Lettuce, broccoli, and cabbage plants are available in 6 packs now as well as early spring flowers. More garden plants and flowers will be available as the spring progresses. Its time to get your peas, lettuce, cabbage and similar plants in the ground but beware, frost is still a potential for less hardy plants! Happy gardening~Smith Farm.

Spring 2012 Update 2

The farm store opens April 1st – no fooling! Stop in for gardening supplies, compost, fertilizer, seeds, spring flowers and more. The warm weather probably has you thinking it’s time to plant the garden but vegetable seeds are just getting started in the greenhouses. We could still have cold spells in April and frost potential into May. And as you’ve probably heard by now the warm weather could introduce a host of issues with your lawn, berry bushes and fruit trees. Winter moth is a major concern in the south eastern part of the state. The caterpillar (approx. 1 inch long when mature, pale green with a white stripe running longitudinally down the body side) will hatch in the March/April timeframe and will be hungry. A number of internet sites can be found to familiarize yourself with this pest and its control. If you choose to hire anyone to apply pesticide or other controls, be sure they are a professional arborist or otherwise trained/licensed so as not to damage your landscape. The time to prune fruit trees is nearing an end however blueberry pruning can still be performed while the plants are dormant. Do not prune evergreens or flowering shrubs except to remove dead or winter damaged branches. A good lawn care program should begin in earnest starting with raking, weed and pest control. Remove dead or left over plant matter from the garden and work in lime, decomposed compost and/or manure so you’re ready for planting in May or June. Compost and manure will help retain moisture in the garden which is important since it’s looking like we could have a dry season. It’s been a nice easy winter this year so I hope you’re all rested up for the work yet to come. Looking forward to a successful growing season…~Smith.

Spring 2012 Update

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

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