Just over 3 years ago after many years of co management by J and J Star Light Gardens’ ownership officially changed hands from David to them. With his plan being to continue helping SLG at the markets we of course assumed David was a farmer who would be keeping one foot in the garden. Not long after, David reinventing himself yet again renewed his therapist license and began working at the Grove school in Madison. A move that both surprised us and at the same time was no surprise at all. Of course it was a little bitter sweet as we were happy for our dear friend but saddened at the ending of an era where David was a staple on the farm always to be found deep in the tomato jungle pruning and training this year’s crop. So as you could imagine last year when David announced that he was starting a four season gardening group at the Grove school we were delighted. Over the Summer and Fall of 2025 David was popping by the farm more and more grabbing extra seedlings, seeds and supplies, telling tales of the garden they are building, proving that you really can’t take the Farmer out of David. Last week the cafeteria at the grove school featured a unique Winter only green claytonia, grown by the school’s very own gardening group led by none other than the Tomato Scientist himself. So here we are the teacher’s students, watching him continue to impact lives with his kindness, understanding and love of growing all while knowing just how lucky we were to have been in that position.
Nostalgia aside the fact of the matter is the weather is turning and the fields are calling our names. It is week 3 for the main season and we have filled all the tunnel space we are willing to with cooler season crops and now must turn to the outer fields. More onions, lettuce, kale, collards, spinach, chard and choys are slated to get into the ground as well as this season’s first outdoor direct seedings. So far two of the high tunnels are in full Summer crop mode one with tomatoes and the other with flowers. This year’s first cukes will be getting transplanted this week and we even are getting so enthusiastic as to be starting melons in the grow room.
With temps this week approaching the 80 degree mark it might not seem like the craziest idea to be starting melons, however there are two things to keep in mind. One concerning melons our first rounds will be in a high tunnel and two this is Connecticut and the weather can be fickle. Just this morning after days of being reassured that no low temps were ahead the evil number 34 showed up as a low in the not too distant future. It is with this thought in mind as to when we start and bring the warmer weather garden starts to the markets. The next few weeks will still be mostly cooler weather crops but rest assured the nursery is filling up with all your favorite Summer veg. The plant sale is live on the website now for your preordering needs or just stop by the the farm stand 3-6 on Fridays.
Have a Great Week