It’s that time of year again at Joe’s Gardens. “The Big Flop,” as they refer to it, is underway and the farm is beginning to transition from being a plant nursery to harvesting all the fruits and vegetables that are starting to spring up. “We go from being all about plants to all about the rewards – the produce, the fields, the local berries and fruit,” co-owner, Nathan Weston beams. “Ah, it just gives you a new push of optimism!”
When everyone on the farm has gotten to the point where they do not want to look at another plant again, Nathan explains how nice it is to see a familiar face stopping by for summer produce. “Not everyone we work with does plants, so they come in strictly for produce,” he says. “We get to see a lot of old familiar faces and it’s awesome. We really enjoy that.”
Joe’s Gardens grows a vast variety of different produce but they also sell products from other local Washington farmers as well. This year Joe’s Gardens will even be adding eggs and dairy. “The eggs are coming from Osprey Farms,” Nathan explains. “The dairy we offer is from Twin Brook Creamery out in Lynden. We might add other products along the way. We are starting out small to see how it goes.” Nathan also mentions the possibility of ice cream in the future – a product that I am sure most of us would be extra supportive of.
Joe’s Gardens is going to continue working with farms like Smallwood, located in Okanogan, WA, for branch fruits such as peaches and apples. “They are predicting to have one of their best harvests ever,” Nathan says. “They didn’t have rain for two to three weeks, which gave them a really long time for blossom set. A really good set will give you more fruit and bigger fruit and less irregularities where, if it doesn’t quite get pollinated right, it will be deformed.” So be on the lookout for some spectacular peaches near the end of July. You certainly would not want to miss out on the rewards of such rare and perfect conditions.
Nathan was also excited to share that Joe’s Gardens is growing Roma tomatoes, their second season of okra and a dense little head of lettuce they are calling their “mini-crisp romaine.”
“Last year was our first year growing okra and it wasn’t very successful, but very educational,” Nathan says. “We didn’t know how big it should be so we got a lot of calls that our okra was too big. Also it can be very itchy!” He explains that the plant itself produces oil that burns skin. “So we’re going to be picking them small this year and with long sleeve shirts on.”
Joe’s Gardens’ mini-crisp romaine, however, is an instant winner and something you will want to try if you haven’t already. It has the flavor of romaine but the dense, crisp-ness of a head of iceberg lettuce. A single head of it can weigh three pounds. That’s a lot of flavor packed in! “Head lettuce has gotten a really bad rap,” Nathan says. “It’s just a low brow lettuce. But the mini-crisp romaine is a great lettuce and has some really great uses!” You can tell Nathan is really passionate about this particular vegetable – and for good reason.
Nathan elaborates that “The Big Flop” this year has been fairly stress-free thus far. The weather has been cooler and that makes the plants easier to take care of, considering that they do not need to be watered as often. Having said that, the wet spring brought with it a bout of fly maggots that has affected the cauliflower and broccoli crop. “It’s one of the downsides to being a no-spray farm,” Nathan says. “You just grin and bare it and move on. We are very fortunate that our fields are so diverse, with how many crops we plant and how often we plant them. If we lose a crop like the broccoli or sugar snap peas, we aren’t going to go out of business. Our customers understand that if there is a little bug hole in it, it’s not the end of the world. It’s a small trade off for being a truly spray free farm. That’s just part of being Joe’s – that understanding and the relationship with our customers.”
If you aren’t a Joe’s Gardens customer yet, don’t hesitate! Visiting Joe’s Gardens is a treat, and like Nathan describes, there is a strong relationship between customers and employees. You will always be greeted warmly and well taken care of. So stop by, check out their website, or give the Westons a call at 360- 671-7639. Check in to see when specific produce is in season or be happily surprised upon arrival. Either way, you won’t be disappointed.
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