Eco-Friendly Farming in Connecticut, July III

Dear Mad Hatters,

At Mad Hatter Farm, while we are not certified organic, we do follow the criteria required of "certified" organic farms.  In doing so, we strive to protect the land from synthetic chemicals, be they fertilizers or pesticides, that harm not only the soil, but the whole eco-system that surrounds and supports the farm. 

Bugs are a very important part of farming.  Without bugs we would not have much to eat because so many vegetable plants require pollination.  Now usually when you think of pollinators you think of bees.  And bees are a big player.  Last year we were flush with bees but this year it seems like there are less.  We suspect that in early spring when we had that heat wave, many of the bees and wasps were suddenly about, but then it became very unseasonably cool for several weeks and we think they may have died off.  We aren't too sorry to see the wasps go, but the poor bees.  Yesterday I came across a solitary bee sitting of a gardening knee pad, presumably warming itself in the sun, like you would see a snake do.  We are seeing more and more bees in the fields these past few days, but I am hoping for more still.

Some bugs that are "bad", like the cucumber beetle, can do some pollinating for you as they travel from blossom to blossom trying to eat them.  And while we would prefer not to have any cucumber beetles, we are not about to take them out with a pesticide.  Some pesticides can be very specific and target just one certain type of pest, like the cabbage worm, but other pesticides are more general and kill the good bugs with the bad.  And since the bug world basically self-regulates with predator bugs and swarm bugs and birds and bats, we feel its best just to let nature do its thing. 

Back at the Farm, we are having one of those weeks where we have a little of everything and an abundance of nothing.  It is hard to say what exactly will be at each market and available for CSA.  But here goes...

This week Mad Hatter Farm will have:

• Gourmet Lettuce Mix
• Mild Greens Mix
• Arugula
• Radishes
• Snow Peas
• Ruby Red and Rainbow Chard
• Kale
• Green Onions
• Green and Red Cabbage
• Zucchini

And don't be too suprised if some cherry tomatoes or cucumbers turn up somewhere.  They are just starting to produce and ripen.  Hurray!

Today is opening day of the Woodbury Farmers Market (Hollow Park, 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.), so we hope to see you there.  Ridgefield Farmers Market is Fridays from 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m..  Both markets are rain or shine.

Thank you and have a good day!

Alix and Jeff

Mad Hatter Farm

135 Music Mountain Road

Falls Village, CT 06031

T: 860-824-7635

www.madhatterfarm.com