Author: Bryan Housel

Circle Brook Farm

Farm News – September 8, 2025

Hello Folks! We received slightly more than an inch of rain from the storms that came through the area late last week. What fell from the sky certainly was heaven-sent (pun intended). Unfortunately, the storms that came through on Saturday night into Sunday did not drop any precipitation on the farm, only soaking both of our Sunday markets and resulting in thousands of dollars of lost income. I guess I am still complaining about the weather, lol. (more…)

Thyme

Thyme

There are actually over 100 varieties of thyme, but only 2 that are used in the kitchen: Garden thyme and lemon thyme. Garden thyme has a woodsy, pungent aroma, while lemon thyme, when crushed, has a distinct lemony smell. Leaves and sprigs are used in salads as garnishes, and in soups, chowders, and in many Cajun and French dishes. (more…)

Sweet Corn

Sweet Corn

Corn, also known as “maize”, is one of the most important cereal crops grown around the world.  Farmers differentiate “sweet” corn – varieties grown as food – from other varieties used for animal feed, industrial use, or products like flour, corn syrup, and popcorn.  Corn was originally domesticated starting around 9000 years ago in south-central Mexico, with early farmers selecting favorable traits from the wild teosinte plant.  By the time of European colonization in the 15th century, corn had spread across the Americas and become a major food source for the indigenous population. (more…)

Circle Brook Farm

Farm News – August 25, 2025

Hello Folks! We received ¾” of rain last week – enough to help some seeds to germinate, but not enough to supply large, rapidly growing plants with the water that they need. There is not much precipitation forecast, so we continue to move the sprinklers around the fields. The mild temperatures are certainly a blessing that minimizes the stress on the crops and my crew alike. (more…)

Circle Brook Farm

Farm News – August 18, 2025

Hello All! We are still badly in need of rain, as last week’s brief storms dropped a meagre eighth of an inch. We have a reasonable chance (80%) of some precipitation on Wednesday, keep your fingers crossed. In the meantime, we do our best to keep the crops alive and growing. (more…)