The market season is off and running. Yesterday we attended the opening day of the Saratoga Springs Farmer's Market and it was a great start to the season. We joined a full house of over thirty vendors selling all sorts of fresh produce, baked goods, cheese, milk, plants, flowers, and crafts. I can't remember an opening day ever looking this good, with so much to offer. At the New Minglewood booth we had a selection of salad greens, sprouts, and vegetable garden transplants available. Dedicated customers were back in droves and were hungry for fresh local food. It was great to see so many familiar faces and to see so many of them with happy smiles on them.
Meanwhile back at the farm this week we continued to focus on getting as many crops as possible planted. The weather cooperated, eventually cooling back down to normal temperatures after the early hot spell. Moderate rain fell, just enough to water plants in nicely. The biggest accomplishment of the week was getting the potatoes planted. The first flush of dandelions is a good cue that soil has warmed enough and conditions are right for potato planting. This year we planted about a fifth of an acre, not a huge amount by potato farm standards, but definitely enough when you are planting them all by hand. This year we are growing three varieties: Russian Banana fingerling, French fingerling, and All Blue. We can't wait for the first tender spuds, hopefully by mid-July.
Our farm crew is gradually expanding for the season. Joining Jacob, whose been putting in some hours during April, is Martin who has returned for a second season and Molly, a Greenwich native, joining us between semesters at Skidmore. It's great to have the help.
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