PREPARING FOR SUMMER

       This time of year we get a little rest.  We are at the orchard every day but the hours are shorter.  Time is spent preparing the orchard and gardens for the pending crop, repairing, cleaning, and upgrading.   I am trying to insulate the ceiling in our cool room. A very frustrating task since I am not very tall and the room refuses to be square and plum. After hours of You Tube viewing, Tosh is converting fluorescent lights to LED lights.

       Summer fruit trees have bloomed.  We see little fruitlets  growing in the shelter of a dried blossom.  They grow quickly and we will soon be busy thinning down the crop so the remaining fruit are larger. Also we can remove the odd shaped  and smaller fruit.  We hope we can visit each tree  one time but if there is hail or a freeze we should return to remove damaged fruit.  

        Since the trees have woken up, we have started to irrigate.  We are thankful for the few rain storms we got in March.  A very welcome feeling.  Unfortunately not enough.  The trees need the water to survive and produce fruit.

       The hot house is nurturing vegetable plant starts.  We have started tomatoes, peppers and eggplants for our summer gardens. Many of the tomatoes have been transplanted from little seedling trays to 4 inch pots.  With the mild nights these plants spend day and night outside and are getting used to the outdoor elements.  As the days warm up we will begin direct seeding squash, beans, cucumbers and okra.

        Spring vegetables may start arriving in a couple weeks.  We look forward to carrots, peas, and potatoes from RoseWood Country Garden in Granite Bay. 

 

SLOW SEASON HOURS:

TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY  11:30 TO 1:30

FRIDAY, SATURDAY                              10:00 TO 6:00

SUNDAY                                                 11:00 TO 5:00

CLOSED ON MONDAYS

Since we are often at the farm anyway, you may call us to arrange for other times. 

Farm Stand:      (916) 791-1656

Mobile phone:   (916) 300-0720

 

 Here is what we have at the Farm Stand from Otow Orchard:

Kiwi

Yellow grapefruit 

Eureka lemons 🍋

Hachiya:  frozen pulp 

Cilantro         

Honey 🍯 from bees 🐝 at Otow Orchard. Bee pollen from bees 🐝 at Otow Orchard

⚘ Calendula Salve and Lip Balm 

 

Here is what we have from other producers:

Stoney Point Orchard in Loomis is an organic certified orchard.  They are bringing us Pink grapefruit and Limequats.

Lupi Farm in Granite Bay: No spray Meyer Lemons, 🍋 known for flavor and fragrance. These lemons are less tart than regular lemons, with floral fragrance and bright taste.   Great for adding to your water or tea. Can also be used in salad dressings and sauces.

Top O' the Hill Apiary in Granite Bay: Honey🍯. Top of the Hill Apiary also has bees wax 🐝. 

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Jams 🍑 from the Good Stuff. We currently have Quince Marmalade. 

La Bella Vito Farm is bringing us fresh🥚 eggs from pastured 🐔🐔chickens.