This is the final farmstand column for the season; stands that remain open are noted below, along with what will continue to be available there and when they will close.
This year’s drought had a profound impact on crops. But despite July fields that looked more like dust bowls, many late summer and early fall crops recovered during rainy September, and the unusually small early apples gave way to some normal-sized varieties late in the season. It was undoubtedly a difficult year financially for local farmers and orchardists, though regular local customers helped ease that pain. The farmstand column will return next season, when it is hoped that growing conditions will be more favorable.
Carlson Orchards, 115 Oak Hill Road, 978-456-3916
Pick-your-own apple season has ended. In the store this week: Honeycrisp, Evercrisp, McIntosh, Macoun, Gala, Cortland, Northern Spy, Empire, Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Mutsu, and Jonagold apples, as well as utility apples, including Honeycrisp. Apples will continue to be sold through the remainder of this year and well into next year, although the number of varieties will shrink. On the back porch, produce from Idylwilde Farms in Acton will continue to be available for the remainder of this growing season. This week’s offerings include green beans, zucchini, summer squash, cucumbers, cantaloupe, and butternut, honeynut, delicata, acorn, and buttercup squash. Gourds, pumpkins, and mini-pumpkins from Wilson Farm in Lexington are also still available. Store is open daily, year-round, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Doe Orchards, 327 Ayer Road, 978-772-4139
Pick-your-own apples has ended. At the stand, a good supply of Honeycrisp, Golden and Red Delicious, Macoun, McIntosh, Cortland, Empire, and Gala apples. Apple cider and some decorative gourds are also for sale. Open daily (weather permitting), 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through the first weekend in November, then daily 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. until Thanksgiving.
The orchard will open for “choose and cut” Christmas trees starting Nov. 25 (the day after Thanksgiving) from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and it will remain open during those hours through the weekend or until trees are sold out (which usually happens sometime that weekend). Owner Pam Lawson said anyone who stops by to buy apples can take a walk to look at the Christmas trees in advance of the sale.
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Good Spirits Farm, 106 East Bare Hill Road
At the self-service farmstand: spinach, kale, turnips, Brussels sprouts, collard greens, and winter squash (honeynut, butternut, acorn, golden Hubbard, North Georgia candy roaster, and Musquee de Provence). Also herbal teas, spice mixes, raw unprocessed honey, and raspberry, blackberry, blueberry, huckleberry, peach, and quince jams.
The stand will be open until the Christmas holidays, and vegetables and squash will continue to be available as the weather allows. Honey, jams, teas, and spices will also be available, as will the farm’s own line of hand cream made from its honey, herbs, and beeswax. Tabletop arrangements of evergreens will be for sale during the holiday season.
Open daily, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Old Frog Pond Farm, 38 Eldridge Road
Closed for the season.
Westward Orchards, 178 Massachusetts Avenue, 978-456-8363
Pick-your-own apples has ended. In the store this week: Jonagold, Empire, Baldwin, Pink Lady, Ginger Gold, Honeycrisp, Gala, McIntosh, Macoun, and Cortland apples; Bosc and Seckel pears; tomatoes (heirloom, and slicers), kale, cabbage, collard greens, leeks, winter squash, peppers, eggplant, cauliflower, broccoli, kale sprouts, carrots, beets, mixed potatoes, red onions, shallots, and mixed herbs. Westward-grown produce will continue to be available, although the list will dwindle as the weeks go on.
Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily until Dec. 31. Holiday open house is Dec. 2 through Dec. 4, and from Dec. 27 through Dec. 31, everything in the store will be 25% off.
Willard Farm, 218 Still River Road, 978-456-8291
Things are wrapping up at the stand this week. As of Halloween, there were still some gourds, corn stalks, and winter squash available, along with Maxant Farm honey. Stand is open daily until it closes for the season.
All produce listed is Harvard-grown unless otherwise noted.
