"Mark and I have been doing some deep thinking about draft horse power here. We do not yet have answers, but I’ll share our conclusions to this point, and invite your input. As many readers know, we crafted this farm around the idea of using horses as our primary source of power. … [Read more...] about Essex Farm: Reconsidering Draft Horse Power
Essex Farm: A Perfect Melon
"The cantaloupe melons are coming in, their flesh the color of mangoes, sweet and precious as these last days of summer. I harvested bushels and bushels of them this morning with Lindsay and Amy and Lindsay’s mom, Martha. Lindsay split one in half on the wagon with a harvest … [Read more...] about Essex Farm: A Perfect Melon
Essex Farm: Weed Control
"Every year is notable for something. This one may well be remembered as the year of the weeds. When Mark taught agriculture in Venezuela he was known as el diablo de las malezas – the Weed Devil. He can absolutely wear you out talking about the fine points of weed control. Out … [Read more...] about Essex Farm: Weed Control
Essex Farm: Wagons of Tomatoes
"Let’s do it inverted-pyramid style today, most important news first. It’s tomato week. I mean, the biggest tomato harvest we’ve ever seen on Essex Farm. There are wagons of luscious, fire-engine red fruits laid out at the pavilion as I type. They are both plentiful and … [Read more...] about Essex Farm: Wagons of Tomatoes
Essex Farm: Finds a Way to Humble Me
"This is our ninth season and whenever I am feeling a little smug about our progress, the farm finds a way to humble me. We went out for dinner on Wednesday, and got home past our usual bedtime, looking forward to sleep. But as we pulled into the driveway, two lambs greeted us, … [Read more...] about Essex Farm: Finds a Way to Humble Me