Four Town Farm expert discusses their crops and yours
SEEKONK - This month ends as one of the wettest Julys in 100 years. The rain may keep falling, but it doesn’t stop the crops from growing. At Four Town Farm, the weather has not put a damper on the summer season.
The rain could be to blame for the huge berry bushes, particularly the raspberries. Provided the weather cooperates, apples could be a huge hit in the fall. The farm is famous not only for its Pick Your Own strawberries, but also pumpkins, fava beans, English peas, raspberries and cut flowers.
Pick Your Own (PYO) items this year took a small hit, as the strawberry fields planted last year didn’t make it for this summer. Four Town Farm had enough for the stands, but not enough for PYO strawberries. Next year the fields should be all set for people to come pick their own strawberries. However, the raspberries came out bigger than ever and plentiful for the PYO raspberries season.
“It’s been Seattle kind of weather. Cool, damp and cloudy. The pepper and squash fields faired well, but have been delayed because of the weather,” said Chris Clegg, owner of Four Town Farm. “The corn has been delayed a little too.”
The farm doesn’t just provide for those who want locally grown food. They also provide horticultural services who want to start their own garden. From hanging pots to herbs, or starting your own vegetable garden, Four Town Farm has all the help you need. They have an experienced staff of master gardeners, plant biologists, lifelong farmers and lifelong green thumbs.
There have been more people planting and growing gardens, especially this year. Mr. Clegg noticed about two years ago that a lot of people started growing their own gardens to be more “green,” and this year’s economy seemed to further the trend.
“There is a huge increase in gardening, particularly with people who’ve never done it before” said Mr. Clegg.
And what about people dealing with the bad weather that are starting their own garden?
“I hope they don’t get discouraged,” he said.
“Last year wasn’t much better either with the heavy rain every few days. Gardens may get flooded, or it’s possible that the soil wasn’t prepared properly. But they appreciate what gardeners and farmers go through. It would be a learning tool this year.”
Looking back, looking forward
Four Town Farm meets...eir goods delivered.
“We have good business relationships” said Mr. Clegg.
And they are ready for fall, as the pumpkins are just starting to pop up. The pumpkins are slightly delayed in growing, but they will be ready for picking in September by the farmers, and the public in October. Four Town Farm also sells trees and wreaths for Christmas, but they don’t grow them. However, they do grow their own poinsettias.
