Newsletter: January 2021

Hello farm friends,

This is the first newsletter from Twin Birch Farm. We’re hoping to send updates out periodically when there is seasonal information to share -- what is growing and what is ready for purchase.

Speaking of history, I wanted to reflect on what we’ve done to get to where we are today.

In late summer of 2015, Tom Coletti, my partner, saw acreage for sale in Ipswich, MA. We drove up to check it out and were stunned by the serene landscape. It took two passes to actually purchase the property after much back and forth with the land owners. Alas, we got it.

We arrived in March of 2016 and worked for eight months to clear and prep the farmland. We started by establishing the initial fields and began construction on our home in May of 2017, finally moving in permanently in February of 2018.

Our intention with farming was to start small and try a selection of vegetables and fruits that grow best in open fields with plenty of sun, sandy soil, and a high water table. Most importantly, we wanted to focus on offering a unique selection to the public, even in limited quantities.

Decorative branches

These decorative branches initially included: pussy willows (March for Easter), Corkscrew willows (for winter holiday arrangements), Winterberry branches (for Christmas), Blue Ball Hydrangea (for May weddings) and Annabelle White Ball Hydrangea (for June and July Weddings). During the summers of 2016, 2017, 2018, we cultivated and nurtured these trees, which were already here on the property and needed care. As a result, they’ve done well and we’ve been actively harvesting when in season.

Asparagus

We started with asparagus because the farm had a history of producing it. Funny enough, there are lots of remnant asparagus plants all over the place. It’s a nice reminder of the past. We began with 400 plants – 4 varieties of 100 plants each in 2019 and the same set in 2020. We harvested the first crop May of 2020 and are delighted to offer this every year in the May-June time frame.

Rhubarb And Strawberries

When it comes to rhubarb there is no better complement to rhubarb than strawberries. Best enjoyed in pie, muffins, or soup, there are so many options; we love them all.

This summer, we had the most prolific harvest of rhubarb,. With the addition of strawberries this year, you can expect to see this amazing combination in the upcoming summer season.

Potato, Garlic And Onion

In 2019 and 2020, we grew brussels sprouts, red pontiac, yellow gold and purple fingerling potatoes. All were extremely successful.. We continue to sell the red pontiac through the winter, as the crop this 2020 season was abundant. For summer of 2021, we plan to grow more purple fingerling potatoes, as they were in high demand.

On the garlic front, we will grow German garlic from now on, as the soil is perfect for this variety. This fall, we planted 600 cloves of garlic and are hoping for a strong harvest in the summer.

Grapes

We planted Concord grape vines in 2018, and this year’s harvest was exceptional. While we sold a lot of grapes, I also made jam and it was a hit. It captured the Concord grape flavor -- sweet and delectable on anything. On toast or on really anything.

We also had black Thomson’s grapes. This varietal is seedless and tastes like candy eaten fresh off the vine. I plan on adding more in the future.

Eggs

We have a small flock of chickens. They are free range and lay the most exquisite green, pink and pale eggs. We’re thinking of expanding the flock. More on this soon.

Lavender

On the decorative side of the product list, we have 300 lavender plants The field is scenic when in bloom. We sell small sachets that we arrange for your home or your travel.

Sunflowers And Zinnias

The sunflowers this summer were stunning. Imagine seeing the brightest red, orange, copper and yellow sunflowers, standing seven feet tall all through the summer. It’s a wonder that these vibrant colors are all mother nature at work. We will have more this coming spring 2021 and we’re offering family pictures in the sunflower field for a day at the farm stay tuned.

2020 and 2021 Outlook

As we wind down 2020, we’re uplifted by the prospect of our next season. With all that is going on in the world, we need sunshine and hope. Earlier this year, we built a high tunnel to grow green leafy vegetables early in the spring and hothouse tomatoes, cukes and peppers early in the summer.

Our farm stand will operate during the summer, offering an “honor system” contactless pickup two days a week, or you can pre-order items as they’re available in season over Facebook or by calling.

We look forward to seeing you all eating fresh, organically-grown fruits and veggies. Thanks for reading our first newsletter. Please share with others. We welcome new friends to the farm.

Please keep in touch as the dream of farming is always on my mind.

Regards,

Shendel Bakal