Where are all the tomatoes?

Where are all the tomatoes?
Bunching radishes
Farm Update
 
"Where are the tomatoes?"  This a frequent question we have lately and the answer is in two parts; we have less than we planned to at this time of year and its not really the season yet!
 
We do some early tomato successions in our structures which (because of space limitations) are far fewer plants than we put in the field.  However, since they are protected we are able to start them earlier and keep them longer than field tomatoes.  We start in the greenhouse (our most temperature controlled growing space), then did another planting in Hoophouse 1 (partially heated) and then a much larger planting in Hoophouse 3 (no heat, but double-layer inflated plastic covering).  The idea is that we can plant in areas with decreasing levels of protection as the spring progresses.
 
Field tomatoes are a little different because we have the same limitations as home gardeners.  The end of May is the earliest transplanting date for this area because the risk of frost is passed.  At that time we were also busy transplanting the other hot season plants we had ready to go, but everything was done by early June.  This year there was an extra-late frost in our area at the very end of May, so being slightly behind on planting turned out to be a good thing.  We have frost protection methods for some fruit crops (like peppers) that we use in the late season when plants are still producing and there is risk of light frost.  Young plants don't have this same ability to deal with cold soil and frost and on our scale we don't have a good method of protecting them, so its just better not to push them. 
 
Our field tomatoes are right on track in their development with nearly full-sized fruit that will begin to take on colour before very long.  When these field tomatoes start producing is typically when tomatoes become abundant. 
 
Tomatoes from our structures have been producing less than they typically do.  The heat wave a few weeks ago was actually too hot for Mediterranean crops, so right now there is also a gap on the plants where the flowers all died.  We're also trying to address some disease issues and change their fertility regimen because they do seem to be underproducing.
 
So that is the long answer; its not quite tomato time yet, but we are working on improving our early succesions.
 
Flower garden:  We have a cut flower garden on the farm!  You are welcome to take some home with you when you visit to pick up your order.  It has moved for this year, so follow signs from the barn.
 
WE ARE HIRING:
We are looking for a full-time crew member!  Follow the link below.
 
JOIN OUR TEAM
 
MIDDLE RIVER MUSIC FESTIVAL
 
The date is fast approaching!  The wonderful sights and sounds of our music festival is happening again, this time on August 24.
 
We are super excited to be hosting our festival again, complete with a very exciting line-up guaranteed to get you out of your seats and dancing! And while you are welcome to bring your snacks and beverages, we will also have our fan favourite, New Leaf Planet-Based Foods on site slinging some delish food!
 
As usual, the doors open at 2pm and the festival goes til 11pm. Kids under 12 are free.
 
You can purchase tickets here:
 
FARM STORE NOTES
 
THINGS TO NOTE FROM US:  We're adding cooking scallions.  These have that same fresh green onion flavour, but a better ability to stand up to sauteing or grilling.  An excellent early onion and the larger size makes them easier to proccess!
 
Green cayennes and shishitos start this week with limited quanities.
 
Green peppers continue and this week we have a seconds option.  Seconds green peppers are in strange shapes but are all quality peppers. 
 
Eggplant quantities will increase because the field ones just started producing.
 
We have lots of basil in right now so we have an XL size available.  Great time to make pesto!
 
From the field we have fresh garlic, carrots, beets, kohlrabi, cabbage, broccoli, fennel, greens, head lettuces, zucchini, radish, green onions, red tropea onions, choi, kale, chard and herbs.  From the greenhouse/hoophouses are tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplant and jalapenos.
 
 
FROM OUR SUPPLIERS:
 
Peaches: Great Lakes Farms (Port Stanley)
 
Blueberries: pints and flats from Blueberry Hill (Rodney)
 
HOPE Eco-Farms (Aylmer): New potatoes, watermelons, green beans and eggs.
 
Pfenning's: Cauliflower
Through Pfenning's: Ontario tomatoes and mushrooms.  Travelling from further away; citrus, ginger, turmeric.
 
Bakery: Houlette de vie (St. Thomas) sourdough breads are available this week, but not next.  Make sure to stock up!  Artisan Bakery (London) is available until it closes out on Tuesday morning.  
 
Dairy: Milk, yogurt, and curds are from Mistyglen Creamery (Belmont).  Please note: bottles and jars need to be rinsed well before being returned.
 
Pantry:Fire cider from Booch (London) and cold-pressed hemp oil from Mat's Fine Oils (Staffordville) we are restocking the sunflower soon.
 
 
Eggplant is taking off!

Weekly pickup / delivery schedule:

Farm pickup will be Thursday from 4 to 8 pm. 

Deliveries will be Thursday or  Friday in London / St.Thomas.  We will send out the schedule Wednesday night.

Refer-a-friend:  If you refer a friend and they sign up for our 2024 main season please send me a note and I'll give you a $25 credit as a thank-you on your account!
link:
Note that if you you will no longer get reminders about your subscription!

Common Ground Farm 6986 Middle River Road St. Thomas, Ontario N5P 3S9
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