Farm News – June 8, 2026

Hi Folks! So here we are at the first week of the Circle Brook CSA season – lettuce begin! In the Ron Howard movie “Parenthood”, the roller coaster is used as a metaphor for the ups and downs of that endeavor. I think it is an apt one for farming as well. Certainly, the weather in recent days has been taking us for a wild ride; with 90 degree days followed quickly by 20 degree nights. But it also speaks to the emotional highs and lows of my occupation – the thrill of watching a crop sprout and grow and the heartbreak of seeing it destroyed by unkind weather or devoured by non-human mouthparts.

Just a few days ago, as I made my rounds in the field, I was elated to see beautiful arugula which we had fought against the voracious flea beetle to grow. We sprayed it with an organic-approved biological and then covered it with fabric row cover. I was sure it would be a tasty part of the first share, but the heat and dry weather took its toll. This morning when I passed, it had bolted – stretched out into a flower-stalk and turned yellow. The mustard greens, of which arugula is one, are cool weather crops, and they will be abundant and beautiful in the fall.

Nevertheless, we have a nice first share for you!

The share will be: spinach, bok choi, radishes, kale (with a few collards mixed in), lettuce, garlic scapes, choice of an herb (mint, thyme, oregano), and possibly peas (the pea-alliteration has started already!).

Premium shareholders will enjoy a second herb and a choice of broccoli raab or tatsoi.

Enjoy! Farmer John