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The Newton Farmer
March 2025
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Dear Farm Friends,
As the chilly days of winter give way to the invigorating promise of spring, we have already rolled up our sleeves and are busy with the new growing season. March marks a new beginning, and we are eager to sow the seeds for another productive year.
There are lots of ways to engage with the Farm in the upcoming year. Join us for a free, educational event on Thursday, May 1 at 7pm. "Food for All: The Challenges and Opportunities for Feeding Our Community" brings together leaders in local food systems to discuss the pressing issues involved in ensuring equitable food access for our community.
Our annual Seedling Sale will be May 17 and 18, an eagerly awaited event for local gardeners. We are planning many other fun events this year, so watch for more details.
Our Summer CSA sold out quickly, but if you missed out, you can still participate in our Fruit CSA and Duck Hollow's Flower Share. Our Late-Fall CSA begins in October, so watch for more details.
Registration is now open for our High School Intern Program - see details below.
We are grateful to have so many people who are passionate about preserving Newton's last working farm. We are proud to be part of such a dedicated community.
Allyson MacKenna
NCF Director of Administration and Programs
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Food For All: The Challenges and Opportunities for Feeding Our Community
Thursday, May 1 at 7 p.m.
UMass Mt. Ida Campus
Join Newton Community Farm as we present "Food for All: The Challenges and Opportunities for Feeding Our Community." This insightful panel discussion will feature:
Greg Maslowe, Farm Manager of Newton Community Farm
Glynn Lloyd, Executive Director of Nectar, founder of Fresh City Foods and a founder of the Urban Farming Institute
Jeff Lemberg, Executive Director of the Newton Food Pantry
Usha Thakrar, Executive Director of The Boston Area Gleaners
Come learn about the impact of local farms and urban agriculture on food security, community-driven approaches to reducing food waste and distributing food, and how you can support and engage with food justice initiatives. Don't miss this opportunity to explore the future of food access and sustainability in our community!
Register here for this free event!
This event is made possible by
The Bard Family Environmental Education Fund.
Thank you to UMass for providing the event space.
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Annual Seedling Sale
Saturday, May 17, and Sunday, May 18
Noon to 3 p.m.
For more information click here.
We need volunteers to help us with the Seedling Sale!
Thursday, March 20, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. - Pizza and Popsicle Sticks
Come help us label the thousands of popsicle sticks needed for the seedlings. You'll get to enjoy pizza and camaraderie with our other wonderful volunteers while helping with this very important task!
Friday, May 16, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. - Help set up the day before the sale!
Saturday, May 17 and Sunday, May 18 - Help the day of the sale! Different shifts available. No special knowledge necessary.
Click here to sign up for these fun volunteer opportunities.
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Newton Community Farm is pleased to offer a weekly fruit share in conjunction with Autumn Hills Orchard in Groton, MA. Each weekly share consists of a 4–5 pound (approximate) bag of apples and other fruits. Autumn Hills is reporting their crops are looking great and there should be a variety of stone fruits (peaches, plums, nectarines, etc.) as well. As with all things agricultural, what is available is highly dependent on the particular growing conditions.
Registration Deadline: August 19, 2025, or until sold out
Cost: $110 per share (one bag each week for eight weeks).
Duration: Eight pickups, beginning August 27, 2025, and ending October 16, 2025.
Pickups: Share distributions should be picked up at Newton Community Farm at the white tent near the barn each week during the program on Wednesdays or Thursdays between 2 and 7 pm. Fruit will be held until 7 pm Thursday, after which time unclaimed shares will be donated.
Autumn Hills Orchard is a working farm in historic Groton, Massachusetts about 45 miles northwest of Newton. The farm produces more than 25 varieties of apples, peaches, pears, plums, grapes, and raspberries. For more than 10 years, Autumn Hills has partnered with local CSA programs to provide weekly shares in the late summer through the fall. Share contents vary by week over the season but are primarily apples with other fruit varieties based on availability. The fruit varieties may include Concord grapes, peaches, nectarines, Italian plums, Bartlett pears, and Bosc pears. Apple varieties may include Ginger Gold, Paula Red, Gala, Gravenstein, Honeycrisp, Macintosh, Cortland, Empire, Cox Orange Pippin, Spencer, Mutsu, Golden Delicious, Macoun, Newtown Pippin, Rhode Island Greening, Golden Russet, SpiGold, Suncrisp, Pink Lady, Ida Red, and Northern Spy.
Register here.
Other CSA Programs
In addition to our Summer CSA program, which is sold out, we also offer a Late Fall CSA program. Information will be available on our website by mid-fall for the Late Fall CSA.
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High School Intern Program | |
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This unpaid internship is a great chance for you to get hands-on experience working on a busy farm. The internship is open to high school students (ages 14 to 18). Our farm is small, which means we use every bit of space to grow veggies, and most of the work is done by hand. It’s a great way to learn about farming while getting a feel for what it’s like to work on a real farm.
As an intern, you’ll get hands-on experience in all kinds of farm work, like planting, harvesting, and packing produce. While these sessions are running, we’re harvesting produce for our farmers market, farm stand, food pantry donations, and our CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) sharers. We’re a small farm, but we grow a lot of vegetables. Interns help us harvest hundreds of pounds of cucumbers, tomatoes, and more each week.
We also want to make sure you leave with a well-rounded understanding of our food system. Each day during break we host educational discussions about topics such as organic farming, sustainability, farm finances, and more. You can even guide some of the topics based on your interests!
Internship Dates & Schedule
The internship lasts 4 weeks, working on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 8am-12pm. You’ll need to be available for the entire 4-week period. Here are the two terms you can choose from in 2025:
- Term 1: July 8 – July 31
- Term 2: August 5 – August 28
Sign up here!
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NCF is partnering with Duck Hollow Farm once again to bring you fresh, local flowers all summer. Sign up for 15 weeks of floral bouquets, organically grown in Sherborn, MA. The program runs from June 19 through September 25.
Pick up weekly at NCF on Thursdays between 2 pm and 7 pm.
The price is $330, plus optional add-on posy each week for $75.
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Gardening can be a rewarding and therapeutic hobby, but for beginners, it might feel a bit daunting at first. Fear not! With these simple tips and tricks, you'll be well on your way to cultivating a thriving garden.
1. Choose the Right Location
The first step to successful gardening is selecting the perfect spot. Most plants need about 6–8 hours of sunlight per day, so find a location with plenty of sunshine. Ensure the area has good drainage and is protected from strong winds.
2. Start Small
It’s easy to get carried away with ambitious plans, but it's better to start small and manageable. Begin with a few plants that are easy to grow and maintain. Once you get the hang of it, you can gradually expand your garden.
3. Know Your Soil
Understanding your soil type is crucial for healthy plants. Perform a simple soil test to determine its pH and nutrient levels. Depending on the results, you may need to amend your soil with compost or other organic matter to improve its quality.
4. Select the Right Plants
Choose plants that are suitable for your climate and soil type. Visit your local nursery or gardening center for advice on the best plants for your area. Some easy-to-grow plants for beginners include tomatoes, herbs (like basil and mint), lettuce, and marigolds.
5. Water Wisely
Proper watering is essential for plant health. Water your plants early in the morning or late in the afternoon to reduce evaporation. Ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Remember, overwatering can be just as harmful as underwatering.
6. Mulch for Success
Mulching helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as straw, wood chips, or compost, around your plants. This will also add nutrients to the soil as it decomposes.
7. Feed Your Plants
Plants need nutrients to grow strong and healthy. Use a balanced fertilizer or organic compost to feed your plants regularly. Be mindful of the specific needs of each plant, as some may require more nutrients than others.
8. Keep Pests at Bay
Pests can wreak havoc on your garden, but there are natural ways to keep them in check. Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs and spiders that prey on harmful pests. You can also use homemade remedies, such as a mixture of water and dish soap, to deter common garden pests.
9. Prune and Deadhead
Pruning and deadheading (removing spent flowers) are essential for maintaining plant health and encouraging new growth. Regularly check your plants for dead or diseased leaves and remove them promptly. This will also help prevent the spread of diseases.
10. Be Patient and Have Fun
Gardening is a learning process, and it's okay to make mistakes along the way. Be patient and enjoy the journey. With time and practice, you'll develop the skills and confidence needed to create a beautiful and bountiful garden.
Happy gardening!
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Herb-Roasted Cauliflower and Broccoli
Ingredients
- 1 head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1 head of broccoli, cut into florets
- 3 Tbs. olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp. dried thyme
- 1 tsp. dried rosemary
- 1 tsp. dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the cauliflower and broccoli florets.
3. Drizzle the olive oil over the vegetables, then add the minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, oregano, salt, and pepper. Toss well to ensure the vegetables are evenly coated with the oil and herbs.
4. Spread the seasoned vegetables in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and golden brown around the edges. Stir once halfway through the roasting time.
5. If you're using Parmesan cheese, sprinkle it over the vegetables during the last 5 minutes of roasting.
6. Remove the roasted vegetables from the oven and transfer to a serving dish. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Enjoy your delicious and healthy herb-roasted cauliflower and broccoli!
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Thank you to our recent donors listed below and to those who wish to remain anonymous. Apologies in advance for any names we inadvertently left off this list. (Please let us know if we made any errors.) We appreciate your support!
Consuelo Valdes* Ginny Friedman* Meredith Miller* Elissa Fenster* Craig Bouchard* Ellie Starr* Ruby Kang* Jameila Haddawi* Rachel McLeod* Sera Miller* David Scott* Alex Klibaner* William Shad* Wendy Walters* Stacy DeBroff* Alyssa Gusenoff* Margaret Richards* Dan Scheib* Greg Reibman* Kelly Wingo-Capone* Margie Lipshutz* Audrey Cohen* Elizabeth Wilkinson* Valori Treloar* Eleanor Paradise* Rachael Rosner* Linda Huang* Varsha Tanguturi* Amy Volk* Jennifer Hughes* Laura Bishop* Pam Adelstein* Kristoff Homan* Lilian Keefe* Joan Balaban* Gordon Moriarty* Debra Hall* Nancy Mann and Ron Rice* Nancy Israel* Marie Fredrick* Julie Tishler* Joyce McGovern* Adam Milne* Molly Perencevich* Barbara Seal* Ina Bachman* Alyssa Bickoff* Chagit Steiner* Linda Chafets* Susan Israel* Brenda Baker and Andrew Liu* Jenny Reed* Mara and David Gorden* The George and Louise J. Hauser Charitable Trust* Julie Irish* Jessica Brooks* Sara Barcia* Elizabeth Richter* Tai Sutiff* Martha Heller* Rebecca and Mark Leiter* Victor Polk and Cathy Chapman* Farm Service Agency* Joyce Pollock* Ashia Ray* Patricia Rand* Beth Polasky* Gloria Plottel* Martha Lawler and Richard Ropelewski* Kristin Knox* Rachel White* Mark Jurman* Katharine Normandin* Google* Elizabeth and Hugh Wilkinson* Intel Foundation* Nicole, Jacques, Sebastian, Jonah, and Caleb Goupil* Dell* Tom Brown* Star Market West Roxbury* Jenifer Nesin and David Perna* CVS Health* Shell Oil Foundation* Leonard Glass, MD* Olga Goldberger* Mary Vadnais* Anne Stoma* Regina Wasserfall In Honor Of Peentz Dubble* Suzanne Greenberg* Donna Cohen* Niraj Shanbhag* Tracy Soehle* Carey Vose* Boeing* Nyssa Patten* Claire Caine* Anne Drowns and David Kezer
Thank you to our hard-working volunteers!
Susan Tornheim* Dede Vittori* Madelyn Sorensen* Mindy Sieber* Laura Bishop
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Newton Community Farm is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, EIN #20-2482452. If you would prefer to donate by mail, please send a check payable to Newton Community Farm at the address below. Please also check with your employer if matching funds are available. | | | | |
