A closeup shot of a frog in front of a plant

Happy Solstice!  While this marks the coming of summer beach days, sunburns and tomatoes, it also marks the point at which days start getting shorter (gasp!).  For us on the farm it means our planting window for summer crops is narrowing to a mere crack.  We have been on our hands and knees planting peppers (and finding friends), tomatoes, cucumbers, melons and squash — all the things that are the highlight of your grill, summer salad and gathering.  In the midst of this window, we also have to plan for storage crops like cabbage and carrots — both of which were seeded this week.  (Just a mere 4-6 months before we will actually eat them, lol).  It’s definitely a lot of forethought and mind exercises; both living in the moment of present-day priorities and future desires which can only come about by doing something now.  Time flies, as you know, and this window can open and close if one isn’t paying attention!! But don’t worry, we have all your present-day and future taste bud wishes covered : )

 

Logo of maine harvest bucks program featuring an illustration of a beet with leaves.

I wanted to highlight the great work happening around the state to get food to those in need.  We participate in programs with The Good Sheperd Food bank, St. Mary’s Nutrition Center, the Androscoggin Gleaners, Maine Harvest Bucks and more.  It takes a little extra effort on our part; paperwork, trainings, customer education and communication, equipment purchases…but we think it’s well worth it.  Fresh food is essential for healthy bodies, brain function and making a good future happen.  If YOU would like to participate in this good food train, there are many ways to engage.  One is by DONATING a week’s share or a season’s share to a local family (we supply the food, a volunteer delivers it to a local family).  Another is by volunteering with one of these great organzations…..our open farm day this weekend can answer those questions on how to get involved!!

 

 

This Saturday June 21st 10-2pm | Free Admission

  • Explore the farm with guided tours, meet the piglets, and see how we grow our veggies with love.
  • Family fun awaits! Enjoy cornhole, face painting, and hands-on activities at the booths hosted by Androscoggin Gleaners, Cooperative Extension 4-H and Master Gardeners. Learn about their programs, discover how you can support their work, and get involved in building a healthier, more sustainable community.
  • Savor Asian-fusion bites from Bao & Beyond, featuring our own farm-fresh veggies.
  • Sip refreshing drinks from Jackass Annie Mobile Bar – a portion of proceeds supports Androscoggin Gleaners and their mission to fight food insecurity.
  • Stock up on local products at the Little Ridge Farm market—cheeses, eggs, honey, maple syrup, beef, jams, salsas, and more.
  • Learn more about how you can continue to be part of our community with events throughout the season like yoga, food preservation and cooking classes, Farm Tales Story Hours for kids and more.
Bring the whole family for a day of fun, food, and community—see you on the farm!
This Week’s Bounty: lettuce mix, spinach, chard, kohl rabi, radish, dill, cilantro
(rhubarb for sale in the farm stand)