Variety Highlights

It seems that everyone likes eating peas, but the planting and picking part can be a challenge. At my farm, we have decided that they are an important piece of our crop mix, and have found ways to ease their burden and have them week after week for our markets without too much stress. Lots of the problems around picking...

Season extension has become standard practice among farmers and many home gardeners across the country.  Growing tomatoes in a high tunnel or hoop-house extends the season by providing protection from frost and maintaining warmer temperatures that allow for earlier harvest.  High tunnels and greenhouses also provide a protected growing environment for plants which increases the potential for higher yields and...

It is early evening in Central Vermont, the sun is setting in the distance, and the aroma of fresh cut hay fills the air. As my hands quickly work, shucking a mix of dry ears of golden yellow and deep maroon flint corn, my mind wanders through thoughts of sustenance and sustainability.  I have been waiting just over ninety days...

Autumn without butternut squash is like foliage without color.  T’is the season to be enjoying this versatile, curvaceous squash.  At High Mowing, we sell three varieties of butternut squash  - you may have grown one or more of them this year.  If you did, we would love to know how they did for you.  If not, read on – and...

(Top Row) Provider, Bronco, Strike, Jade, Tavera, Maxibel (Bottom Row) Pension, Dragon Lingerie, Royal Burgundy We’ve been working on compiling the results of our 45 variety trials that were conducted at our 4-acre Trials Garden in Wolcott, Vermont.  The results are interesting – sometimes surprising – and always fun in terms of identifying standout varieties for future introduction to the...

- by Sara Schlosser  (Sara owns Sandiwood Farm in Wolcott, VT, and is also a High Mowing Sales Associate) Soybeans, or edamame, is a staple in Japanese menus and is becoming more and more prevalent in grocery stores and farmers markets. Every autumn we look forward to devouring these freshly steamed and salted protein rich treats. This year we made...

Every Wednesday, we take turns making or buying snack for everyone and have an all-employee shin-dig. Last week, Jessie and Krista from the trials crew brought in a few beautiful blueberry pies – but they were off-limits until everyone had diligently completed the bean taste test! 23 varieties, both raw and cooked, received ratings on flavor and texture, as well...

(Sarah is an independently trained student of herbology, has taught community classes on wild food/medicine ID, herbal home health, and herbal crafts in north central VT for over ten years. She is trained as a doula and has collectively facilitated and taught at an herbal summer camp for kids for the last 9 years. She works in sales at HMS...

It’s springtime - probably the busiest time of year for farmers and gardeners and anyone with a need to seed.  We know you’re busy, so we’ve decided to keep this month’s Variety Spotlight short and sweet.  We’re going to talk about melons. For those of you in cooler climates with shorter growing seasons, now is the perfect time to plant...

Fresh, vibrant, delicious organic spinach! In this spotlight we'll cover: Recommended Varieties Planting & Cultural Tips Harvest, Market & Storage Tips Diseases & Pests Seed Saving Tips This time of year, everyone is looking for signs of spring: longer days, new buds on trees, birds returning…and spinach in the garden or at the farmers’ market! Spinach is a fast-growing crop...