As we enter the new year, Kathy & I truly wish the very best to all of our friends and customers in 2024. Each of you have left us with blessings during the last year that have enriched our lives beyond measure.
2023 brought significant changes to Silver Maple Farm. At the close of each season, we evaluate our successes, and those projects that didn’t quite turn out the way we envisioned.
The Certified Organic nursery we opened last spring was a huge hit. As word of the nursery spread on social media, we became a point of destination, bringing new customers from an hour away to embrace the treasures we offered. In addition, we chose to have a stand here in town at the Sultan Farmers Market. We engaged with a multitude of customers, seeking the wide variety of fresh, Certified Organic produce we offer, free of harmful chemicals.
We also applied for and were excited to obtain a second Organic Certification, becoming part of The Real Organic Project! A growing farmer-led movement, The Real Organic Project is committed to true uncompromised organic farming, which holds to a much higher standard than the USDA. That means food grown in healthy soil, maintained using sustainable, earth-friendly practices.
Last fall, with childlike excitement, Kathy & I poured through seed catalogues and websites to find new varieties to offer our farm customers. We chose Indigo Cherry Drop, sporting a blueish hue on the crown of the tomato, a refreshing option to a typical red cherry. We also selected the Black Krim tomato, a bold smokey-flavored heirloom, with fruit tipping the scale from half-to-one-pound each. Last summer we experienced a huge demand for peppers. While we’ll still grow sheepnose pimentos, cayenne, and jalapeño peppers, our customers will be glad to know we’re adding poblano, serrano, and NuMex spice jalapeno peppers. A typical jalapeno shape the NuMex is a bright canary yellow with a mild citrus flavor.
I have long considered watermelon to be the world’s most perfect food (in my opinion) and we will be growing Sugar Baby melons for discerning pallets. As many of you know, each season we expand our herb selections, and 2024 is no exception. This year we’ve added marjoram, a perfect ingredient for soups, stews & sauces.
Now, here is the big news….as you may recall, last year we brought in an inventory of garden tools from Terrabonne, as well as Kellogg’s & G&B organic bagged soils and fertilizer. This March, we will receive our first seed rack from Botanical Interests. We’re thrilled to bring these 144 Certified Organic flower, herb, and vegetable seed options to our customers. We’ll also offer a countertop display of beautiful flower seed varieties to attract songbirds to your garden. This is so exciting just thinking about!!
Looking forward to seeing all of you again at the farm! ~ Loren & Kathy