Marshfield Farmers' Market

My favorite time of the year as a farmer is the late summer harvest, but right now is a close second place.  The swell of the buds and the tiny winks of green set an atmosphere of great anticipation for the rich tasting delights to come.  I am drooling with the dreams of early asparagus and strawberries, the spinach and snap peas and the exciting days of juicy tree fruits dripping down my chin upon first bite.  

It has been a strange spring of drastically fluctuating temperatures.  That means a great risk of crop damage even before the buds have broken, as now through the blossom stage poses the greatest vulnerability.  Farmers won’t know the results for some weeks yet.  Until then the strawberry, blueberry, apple and peach crops are waiting to burst into blossom and that anticipation provides me with extra energy to dive into preparing and planting things.  There is also a bonus to this time of year that the summer harvest can’t deliver; the insect pests have not yet emerged!   This lack of bugs adds credibility to the idyllic scene of perfect peach possibilities in my farming daydreams.

At the Market this Saturday the free demonstration at 10:30 am will be how to make your own Pizza at home.  I attended this talk last summer, presented by Cecilia Dahl of Fire It Up! Flatbread.  I’ve made pizza at home for years, but attending the talk uncovered many things that have moved my pizzeria status up to the next level!  Dahl’s tricks for the best crust, her multiple stretching methods, tips on toppings and more were so wonderful that I decided to host a DIY pizza party.  The party was a hit resulting in 11 personal pizzas and much laughter the entire evening.   This demonstration at Fire It Up is personally recommended and comes with a taste test at the end.  After the demonstration regular pizza making will commence.

If you are motivated to plant flowers, fruits and vegetables on your deck, patio or yard, this month is your last shot at purchasing raised beds made by the Appalachian Service Project from Scituate.  The beds are crafted by the students who will travel this summer to rebuild homes in the poorest areas.   Building the raised beds doubles as a fundraiser and the opportunity to practice basic construction skills for the project’s participating adults and students.  A sample unit will be on display at Saturday’s Market 10 am – 2 pm.

Once again the 4H Hare Raisers are coming with rabbits for petting and there will be a free children’s activity.  The soothing tunes of the Harper and the Minstrel will fill the area under the grandstand in concert with the enticing aromas of prepared foods and baked goods.  Other news includes a roast sale at Highlands Pasture Farm 100% grass fed beef, and Agraria Farm returning this month.  For those who are addicted to growing your own fruit, there will be 4 varieties of hearty bare-root strawberry plants available at just $1 each.  Strawberries can be planted out anytime in the next couple of weeks and will yield years of sweet tangy berries.   

The Marshfield Farmers’ Market is open on the 3rd Saturday of each month 10 am – 2 pm through May.  In June it switches to weekly Friday markets.  Located at the Marshfield Fairgrounds, 140 Main St., it offers free parking/admission, stroller/wheelchair friendly grounds.  Social media provides updates @MarshfieldFM, and the website is www.MarshfieldFair.org/fm.htm or call Lorrie at 781-635-0889.