The Robert Treat Farm Blog

Robert Treat Farm: Sponsors Geoff Fox’s Garden on Fox CT NEWS

2011-10-20T16:05:00.003-04:00

Click to download a copy of Geoff's Garden Plan.

Robert Treat Farm Sponsors
Geoff Fox’s Garden on Fox CT NEWS

In case you missed it, Robert Treat Farm was the proud sponsor of Geoff Fox’s Garden on Fox CT News this summer. Every week at 4PM, from June until September, Geoff broadcast from his 5’x14’ garden plot planted outside the Hartford Courant Building in Harford, CT.

Farmers Keith and Sean, along with some young farm hands; Debbie, Marcello and Alex were also on hand-- and all received their “15 seconds of TV fame”. Melanie Scull got some air-time as well when we visited mid-season to replant green beans and see how the garden was growing.

Thanks to the folks at Fox CT News for the opportunity. Below is a link to the video clips and a sample of the plot layout we provided Geoff Fox. Stop in next season and let us help you get started in your own garden!

Video Clips of the Show:

http://www.ctnow.com/videogallery/64417041/News/How-Did-Geoff-s-Garden-Hold-Up-To-Irene

http://www.ctnow.com/videobeta/460a069e-5525-4733-a1ab-4320bcac87fc/News/Check-In-On-Geoff-s-Garden-8-18

http://www.ctnow.com/videobeta/63b0733b-9bd1-4b3a-bb6a-661a30a76d2e/News/Geoff-Fox-s-Gardening-Tips-8-11

http://www.ctnow.com/videobeta/3671de30-b705-4789-82c2-27f982e6fc57/News/FoxCT-Heavy-Rain-Leads-To-Bountiful-Garden-8-4

http://www.ctnow.com/videobeta/d6184c61-1718-4f63-b909-e26b266e6377/News/FoxCT-Check-In-On-Geoff-s-Garden-7-28News/FoxCT:-Check-In-On-Geoff%5C's-Garden-7/28News/FoxCT:-Check-In-On-Geoff%5C's-Garden-7/28

http://www.ctnow.com/videobeta/12f45677-569d-4368-97ef-3c6163d73833/News/FoxCT-Geoff-Fox-Talks-taking-Care-Of-Garden-In-Heat-7-21News/FoxCT:-Geoff-Fox-Talks-taking-Care-Of-Garden-In-Heat-7/21News/FoxCT:-Geoff-Fox-Talks-taking-Care-Of-Garden-In-Heat-7/21News/FoxCT:-Geoff-Fox-Talks-taking-Care-Of-Garden-In-Heat-7/21

http://www.ctnow.com/videobeta/d04f3d40-f265-4275-b54d-fcc5c4446d3b/News/Fox-CT-Geoff-Fox-s-Garden-07-14

http://www.ctnow.com/videobeta/44a184d5-02fc-40e8-a6dc-7f569d9136f8/News/FoxCT-Get-An-Update-On-Geoff-s-Garden-7-7News/FoxCT:-Get-An-Update-On-Geoff%5C's-Garden-7/7News/FoxCT:-Get-An-Update-On-Geoff%5C's-Garden-7/7News/FoxCT:-Get-An-Update-On-Geoff%5C's-Garden-7/7News/FoxCT:-Get-An-Update-On-Geoff%5C's-Garden-7/7

http://www.ctnow.com/videobeta/c86cd302-dc5e-406f-b694-4223e019a621/News/FoxCT-Update-On-Geoff-s-Garden-6-30News/FoxCT:-Update-On-Geoff's-Garden-6/30News/FoxCT:-Update-On-Geoff's-Garden-6/30

http://www.ctnow.com/videobeta/3171b03e-12e5-4923-b66b-915ed7380f9a/News/FoxCT-Get-An-Update-On-Geoff-s-Garden-6-23News/FoxCT:-Get-An-Update-On-Geoff's-Garden-6/23News/FoxCT:-Get-An-Update-On-Geoff's-Garden-6/23News/FoxCT:-Get-An-Update-On-Geoff's-Garden-6/23

http://www.ctnow.com/videobeta/edc87b61-310f-4fbd-b8e9-5ac6ce4a49a3/News/FoxCT-Explore-Geoff-Fox-s-Garden-6-16

http://www.ctnow.com/videobeta/5ceb9255-48ca-4025-8b0e-863432bb7b47/News/FoxCT-Geoff-s-Garden-6-9News/FoxCT:-Geoff%5C's-Garden-6/9News/FoxCT:-Geoff%5C's-Garden-6/9News/FoxCT:-Geoff%5C's-Garden-6/9

http://www.ctnow.com/videogallery/64786587/News/Final-Installment-Of-Geoff-s-Garden

Farmer's Market August 24, 2011

2011-08-24T08:21:00.000-04:00

Hello Marketers!
Hope you are enjoying this beautiful weather!!
Looking forward to the market on Wednesday, below please find our guests this week.

ARTISANS:
-Cornflower Gardens-an organic skin care line for the whole family made with natural ingredients:
gardener's hand ointment,eczema ease ointment, calendula oil, spritzers, facial serums,lip gloss, arnica oil- all infused in organic oils made in small batches to ensure freshness and good quality

-Funky Friendly Jewelry Stand- recycled jewelry by Michaela and Aiekhya

Entertainment:
Leroy Christy the "singing DJ" returns -playing Marvin Gaye to Sinatra for the masses!

Unfortunately......
GAMBARDELLA SEAFOOD will NOT be there and RETURNS next week, August 31st!

For a full list of our vendors please visit our website or on Facebook (and don't forget to LIKE us!)

Greetings Farm Share Members: Week 11

2011-08-17T19:59:00.000-04:00

Greetings Farm Share Members,

Welcome to week 11. Hopefully, by now most of you have been able to truly appreciate and enjoy the benefits of being a CSA member. We consider ourselves one of the more fortunate farms in the area. The erratic weather of this year’s growing season has created severe damage to various crops around the region. There are some CSA programs that are unable to supply their members with even the bare minimums. We have received many pleading calls from other farms asking us if we can supplement their shares.

The unpredictable and extreme weather patterns we have been experiencing have had their specific impact on particular crops. It rained 11 days this past May which mades it difficult for bees to pollinate berry crops. Hence, this year’s blueberry crop wasn’t as plentiful as expected. The same was true for local raspberries. Our CSA members were the only one’s who received locally grown raspberries. We were not able to offer them to the general public at all. The rain in June seriously impaired our ability to harvest strawberries plentifully this year. The excessively high temperatures a few weeks ago seriously impacted the production of local peaches.

Where fruit is concerned this has been a challenging year.

We keep careful track of the amounts of fruit that we are giving to you. It is our intention to make each of you feel by the end of the season that the fruit add on was worth your investment. Please realize that with all farm share programs the members bear the risk along with the farmer. When there is plenty it is shared with you, when there is lack your confidence in nature’s ability to restore its bounty is required.

As a matter of unfortunate fact, as my little fingers are pecking away at these keys we have flocks of blackbirds and starlings pecking away at our corn!!!! We hate to disappoint our loyal customers. When they come for corn and they see the "No Corn" sign their disappointment is palatable! Such are the challenges of farm life!!

But worry not friends!! You will have plenty to delight over this week. It just bared repeating that while we bow to Mother Nature, she doesn’t always curtsy back exactly how or when we expect.

Everyone will be enjoying tomatoes this week in one form or another! Word is the canning class was a great success so get those tomatoes tucked away in Mason Jars so in the thick of winter you are still getting a taste of summer.

Potatoes are plentiful and it looks like everyone will be getting them. Swiss chard, kale and savoy cabbage are being picked today too.

We’re sorry about flowers last week….they were out there but we weren’t! Sometimes packing those shares swallows up the hours. This week we promise to deliver!!

This week’s catch of the day is FRESH FLOUNDER!!!

Remember the CSA cooking class is this Saturday at 10am....." How to Cook Everything Under the Sun in Less Than an Hour :))" OK, so maybe not everything under the sun but it will be a class jam packed with useful information intended to help you better utilize and enjoy your membership.

So....see you on the farm!!!
The RTF Family

Farmer's Market August 10, 2011

2011-08-08T18:32:00.000-04:00

Good Afternoon Everyone!
In addition to our regular vendor line up, we have a few guests this week.
Hope you are staying cool and look forward to seeing you Wednesday!

SPECIAL GUEST VENDOR:
Kathy's Cookies will feature Lorene Stapleton of Sweet Designs in Milford, with her fabulous parfait cupcakes & whoopee pies!! Yummm!!

Caseus returns from vacation!
Caseus Fromagerie & Bistro
New haven, Connecticut
Connecticut's most diverse and detailed selection of artisan cheeses. They are
all natural, Raw, Organic, and Fresh.
“ … a cheese-lover's dream. ” - New Haven Register

Our Guest Artisans this week:
Maishe Dickman- potter extraordinaire, wheel thrown stoneware pottery.
and
Ned Spaulding- photographer, featuring "hummingbirds".

Information Table- Mark Garrett of Community Energy will be presenting information on the CT Clean Energy Options Program and the City of Milford's 20% energy committment

Barefood Books Ambassador Gloria Batty- independent eco friendly books for children-traditional and folk lore stories

Entertainment:
Carole Urban- singer/guitarist,classic rock,blues,70's & top 40

Farmer's Market August 3, 2011

2011-08-02T10:14:00.000-04:00

Good Afternoon All!!
As the summer heat continues, so do the Woodmont Farmers' Markets!
This week our guest Artisans will be:
Home "Tweet" Home- handcrafted birdhouses by Karen Myer
and
Beach Bum Sea Glass Jewelry- Kelly Poole
unique designs using quality pieces of seaglass and sterling silver
Entertainment :
Hannah Fair-folk,acoustic,singer songwriter

Information Table - Robbie Silver representative from SMART(Save Money Reduce Trash) Committee,City of Milford will answer all your questions about the new recycling totes

Blueberry season is coming to a close, be sure to stop by the Bishop's Orchards and Winery booth to get your basket of their farm grown blueberries! Don't forget the squash blossoms and fresh cut sunflowers to go with them!

See you Wednesday!

Our local vendors:
Your host of the market:
Robert Treat Farm
Milford, Connecticut
A family-owned working farm and market specializing in seasonal fresh produce, fruit, plants, and flowers, along with exclusive gourmet items to go along with your meal.
The Big Green Pizza Truck
New Haven, Connecticut
Featuring "New Haven" style thin crust that we all love. Yummmm!
Bishop's Orchards and Winery
Guilford, Connecticut
Fresh seasonal fruit, produce, and baked goods such as their famous apple cider donuts and fudge. New to the market this year, wine from their winery is becoming a big hit!
Scratch Baking
Milford, Connecticut
Scratch bakes fresh, quality pastries focusing on what is in season and by using local, natural and organic ingredients as much as possible.
Hidden Brook Gardens
Ledyard, Connecticut
Hidden Brook Gardens is a certified organic farm located in Ledyard, CT. It specializes in fruit, vegetables and herbs with a focus on heirloom varieties to encourage bio-diversity as well as excellent flavors.
Gambardella Seafood
Stonington, Connecticut
Some of the freshest fish you can find, they come straight from the Stonington docks to the market for you!
Kathy's Famous Cookies
Milford, Connecticut
Baked down the street, delivered, and sold by Kathy herself. She uses the finest ingredients for some of the most perfectly concocted cookies your taste buds can experience!
Whole G Bread
New Haven, Connecticut
"Bread is a service to the community, it’s not just a business,” is their motto and their specialty is artisanal muesli bread, feigenbrot, or fig bread, and a range of multigrain fitness loaves.....bread can be healthy and delicious, who knew??
Glukey's
Milford, Connecticut
Come enjoy Gluten free baked goods from scratch from this orders-only Gluten free bakery!
Heart Felt Treasures
Milford, Connecticut
A variety of handmade felted items from local alpaca wool!
Tails Will Wag
Milford, Connecticut
The most popular homemade dog treats, baked fresh using human quality ingredients! Nothing but the best for man's best friend.
Lemon Sisters
Milford, Connecticut
The best treat on a hot farmers' market Wednesday is a crisp glass of freshly squeezed lemonade, made to order!

Mel Visits Geoff Fox's Gaarden

2011-07-31T14:34:00.000-04:00

In June, Meteorologist, Geoff Fox contacted the Robert Treat Farm to sponsor Geoff’s Garden which airs weekly on the 4pm FOX CT NEWS. On July 28, 2011 Melanie from Robert Treat Farm appeared ON-AIR LIVE from Geoff’s Garden for the 4pm broadcast.

Today’s harvest from Geoff Fox’s Garden at Fox CT NEWS outside the Hartford Courant Building in Hartford.

Melanie and Geoff trim Zinnias and select ripe Sun Sugar Tomatoes. Planted in full sun with drip irrigation and great soil, the tomatoes grew past their original stakes in just over one month.

Melanie from Robert Treat Farm on-air live with meteorologist, Geoff Fox, in Geoff’s Garden on Fox CT News at 4, showing off today’s harvest.

Melanie explains Robert Treat Farm’s CSA program. Here she’s indicating to Geoff Fox at Fox CT NEWS the size of the full share RTF Membership Basket. Freshly picked, farm-fresh vegetables available weekly for 20 weeks every year from June to October. Visit www.roberttreatfarm.com for more information and sign up for the 2012 Season.

Farmer's Market July 26, 2011

2011-07-26T20:50:00.000-04:00

I would like to start out with an apology for my excitement last week in reporting that Bishop's would be selling their wine for the first time last week! More accurately, all of the paperwork is in order, and they will be selling wine here SOON!!!!

Our musical guest this week will be:
Kendall Alderman, with his signature folk n'roll style to entertain the family.
Our guest Artisans will be :
Evelyn Lasse- creating jewelry for us all
as well as Cornflower Garden Herb Care, an organic skin care line for the entire family!
Perfect for a Farmer's market, the line features gardener's hand ointment,eczema ease ointment,calendula oil,spritzers,facial serums, lip gloss, arnica oil, all infused in organic oils made in small batches to maintain freshness and good quality,products all made with natural ingredients!!
Another amendment: Caseus Cheese will be on vacation and not present at the farmers' market this and next week (July 27 and August 3) but will return with their delicious cheeses on August 10th!
Also, Goat Boy Soaps will not be joining us this season, but we hope to have news on a replacement soon!
Looking forward to seeing you all on Wednesday, have a wonderful week!
The Woodmont Farmers' Market hours will be 3:30 to 6:30 this, and every, Wednesday!

Our local vendors:
Your host of the market:
Robert Treat Farm
Milford, Connecticut
A family-owned working farm and market specializing in seasonal fresh produce, fruit, plants, and flowers, along with exclusive gourmet items to go along with your meal.
The Big Green Pizza Truck
New Haven, Connecticut
Featuring "New Haven" style thin crust that we all love. Yummmm!
Bishop's Orchards and Winery
Guilford, Connecticut
Fresh seasonal fruit, produce, and baked goods such as their famous apple cider donuts and fudge. New to the market this year, we are excited to experience wine from their winery!
Scratch Baking
Milford, Connecticut
Scratch bakes fresh, quality pastries focusing on what is in season and by using local, natural and organic ingredients as much as possible.
Hidden Brook Gardens
Ledyard, Connecticut
Hidden Brook Gardens is a certified organic farm located in Ledyard, CT. It specializes in fruit, vegetables and herbs with a focus on heirloom varieties to encourage bio-diversity as well as excellent flavors.
Gambardella Seafood
Stonington, Connecticut
Some of the freshest fish you can find, they come straight from the Stonington docks to the market for you!
Kathy's Famous Cookies
Milford, Connecticut
Baked down the street, delivered, and sold by Kathy herself. She uses the finest ingredients for some of the most perfectly concocted cookies your tastebuds can experience!
Whole G Bread
New Haven, Connecticut
"Bread is a service to the community, it’s not just a business,” is their motto and their specialty is artisanal muesli bread, feigenbrot, or fig bread, and a range of multigrain fitness loaves.....bread can be healthy and delicious, who knew??
Glukey's
Milford, Connecticut
Come enjoy Gluten free baked goods from scratch from this orders-only Gluten free bakery!
Heart Felt Treasures
Milford, Connecticut
A variety of handmade felted items from local alpaca wool!
Tails Will Wag
Milford, Connecticut
The most popular homemade dog treats, baked fresh using human quality ingredients! Nothing but the best for man's best friend.
Lemon Sisters
Milford, Connecticut
The best treat on a hot farmers' market Wednesday is a crisp glass of freshly squeezed lemonade, made to order!

Farmer's Market july 20, 2011

2011-07-20T07:37:00.000-04:00

Good News!!
The State of Connecticut passed a statute allowing Farm wine, grown from Connecticut farm fruit, to be sold at Farmers Markets!
What does that mean for us? Bishop's Orchards and Winery will be selling their own farm fresh wine at the Woodmont Farmers' Market this week!! They will also be bringing homegrown squash blossoms, blueberries, and cut flowers with them for this week!

Our Guest Artisan this week:
Ashley Ramirez and her beads will be on site this week.
Also, Edie Francoeur, a wonderful Photographer will be part of this weeks market!

The Woodmont Farmers' Market also features entertainment for the whole family!
This weeks Musical guest will be:
Leroy Christy the "Singing DJ" on Keyboard with special numbers ranging from Marvin Gaye to Frank Sinatra!

The Woodmont Farmers Market hours will be 3:30 to 6:30 this, and every, Wednesday! We are proud of our location and our vendors, and will keep an updated list going for you each week. All are local and dedicated to the unsurpassed quality and freshness that we know you are looking for, please meet some of them below if you have not yet!
Your host of the market:
Robert Treat Farm
Milford, Connecticut
A family-owned working farm and market specializing in seasonal fresh produce, fruit, plants, and flowers. Connecticut’s link to its rich agricultural
past is alive and well here, as family farming on this property has been a tradition
since Milford was founded in 1639. Our beautiful New England barn is the perfect
focal point for the farm store and garden center.....and Farmers' Market!
The Big Green Pizza Truck
New Haven, Connecticut
Watch the line form at the antique truck, specially outfitted as a mobile pizzeria. They unfold the wooden side panels of the truck into tables, heat up the wood fired pizza oven, and begin making pizzas with a variety of toppings that are both traditional and gourmet! Featuring "New Haven" style thin crust that we all love. Yummmm!
Bishop's Orchards and Winery **First Time THIS Wednesday!
Guilford, Connecticut
Since 1871, six generations of Bishops have been serving the shoreline with fresh farm products. On Wednesdays, Starting July 13th, they will be serving the Woodmont farmers' Market with fresh seasonal fruit, produce, and baked goods such as their famous apple cider donuts and fudge. New to the market this year, we are excited to experience wine from their winery!
Scratch Baking
Milford, Connecticut
Scratch bakes fresh, quality pastries focusing on what is in season and by using local, natural and organic ingredients as much as possible. From quiches to Brownies, these specialty baked goods are the most delicious anywhere!

Hidden Brook Gardens
Ledyard, Connecticut
Hidden Brook Gardens is a certified organic farm located in Ledyard, CT. It specializes in fruit, vegetables and herbs with a focus on heirloom varieties to encourage bio-diversity as well as excellent flavors.

Gambardella Seafood
Stonington, Connecticut
Some of the freshest fish you can find, they come straight from the Stonington docks to the market for you!

Kathy's Famous Cookies
Milford, Connecticut
Baked down the street, delivered, and sold by Kathy herself. She uses the finest ingredients for some of the most perfectly concocted cookies your tastebuds can experience!

Whole G Bread
New Haven, Connecticut
"Bread is a service to the community, it’s not just a business,” is their motto and their specialty is artisanal muesli bread, feigenbrot, or fig bread, and a range of multigrain fitness loaves.....bread can be healthy and delicious, who knew??

Caseus Fromagerie & Bistro
New haven, Connecticut
Connecticut's most diverse and detailed selection of artisan cheeses. They are
all natural, Raw, Organic, and Fresh.
“ … a cheese-lover's dream. ” - New Haven Register

Goatboy Soap
New Milford, Connecticut
Handcrafted in small batches using natural ingredients Goat's Milk, Saponified Oils, and Fragrance. Goatboy makes soap, lip balms, and lotions!
Glukey's
Milford, Connecticut
Come enjoy Gluten free baked goods from scratch from this orders-only Gluten free bakery!
Heart Felt Treasures
Milford, Connecticut
A variety of handmade felted items from local alpaca wool!
Tails Will Wag
Milford, Connecticut
The most popular homemade dog treats, baked fresh using human quality ingredients! Nothing but the best for man's best friend.

Lemon Sisters
Milford, Connecticut
The best treat on a hot farmers' market Wednesday is a crisp glass of freshly squeezed lemonade, made to order!

Farmer's Market: July 13, 2011

2011-07-12T22:01:00.000-04:00

The Woodmont Farmers Market hours will be 3:30 to 6:30 this, and every, Wednesday! We are proud of our location and our vendors, and will keep an updated list going for you each week. All are local and dedicated to the unsurpassed quality and freshness that we know you are looking for, please meet some of them below.
Your host of the market:
Robert Treat Farm
Milford, Connecticut
A family-owned working farm and market specializing in seasonal fresh produce, fruit, plants, and flowers. Connecticut’s link to its rich agricultural
past is alive and well here, as family farming on this property has been a tradition
since Milford was founded in 1639. Our beautiful New England barn is the perfect
focal point for the farm store and garden center.....and Farmers' Market!

The Big Green Pizza Truck
New Haven, Connecticut
Watch the line form at the antique truck, specially outfitted as a mobile pizzeria. They unfold the wooden side panels of the truck into tables, heat up the wood fired pizza oven, and begin making pizzas with a variety of toppings that are both traditional and gourmet! Featuring "New Haven" style thin crust that we all love. Yummmm!

Bishop's Orchards and Winery **First Time THIS Wednesday!
Guilford, Connecticut
Since 1871, six generations of Bishops have been serving the shoreline with fresh farm products. On Wednesdays, Starting July 13th, they will be serving the Woodmont farmers' Market with fresh seasonal fruit, produce, and baked goods such as their famous apple cider donuts and fudge. New to the market this year, we are excited to experience wine from their winery!

Scratch Baking
Milford, Connecticut
Scratch bakes fresh, quality pastries focusing on what is in season and by using local, natural and organic ingredients as much as possible. From quiches to Brownies, these specialty baked goods are the most delicious anywhere!

Hidden Brook Gardens
Ledyard, Connecticut
Hidden Brook Gardens is a certified organic farm located in Ledyard, CT. It specializes in fruit, vegetables and herbs with a focus on heirloom varieties to encourage bio-diversity as well as excellent flavors.

Gambardella Seafood
Stonington, Connecticut
Some of the freshest fish you can find, they come straight from the Stonington docks to the market for you!

Kathy's Famous Cookies
Milford, Connecticut
Baked down the street, delivered, and sold by Kathy herself. She uses the finest ingredients for some of the most perfectly concocted cookies your tastebuds can experience!

Whole G Bread
New Haven, Connecticut
"Bread is a service to the community, it’s not just a business,” is their motto and their specialty is artisanal muesli bread, feigenbrot, or fig bread, and a range of multigrain fitness loaves.....bread can be healthy and delicious, who knew??

Caseus Fromagerie & Bistro
New haven, Connecticut
Connecticut's most diverse and detailed selection of artisan cheeses. They are
all natural, Raw, Organic, and Fresh.
“ … a cheese-lover's dream. ” - New Haven Register

Goatboy Soap
New Milford, Connecticut
Handcrafted in small batches using natural ingredients Goat's Milk, Saponified Oils, and Fragrance. Goatboy makes soap, lip balms, and lotions!

Glukey's
Milford, Connecticut
Come enjoy Gluten free baked goods from scratch from this orders-only Gluten free bakery!
Heart Felt Treasures
Milford, Connecticut
A variety of handmade felted items from local alpaca wool!

Tails Will Wag
Milford, Connecticut
The most popular homemade dog treats, baked fresh using human quality ingredients! Nothing but the best for man's best friend.

Lemon Sisters
Milford, Connecticut
The best treat on a hot farmers' market Wednesday is a crisp glass of freshly squeezed lemonade, made to order!

Guest Artisan this week:
Home "Tweet" Home
Hand crafted birdhouses by Karen Myer
and some young up and coming artisans named Michaela, Alekhya, and Lily who specialize in recycled jewelery!

The Woodmont Farmers' Market also features entertainment for the whole family!
Kendall Alderman will be on the acoustic guitar this week performing his "folk-n-roll" style music to market to!

See you Wednesday!!

--
Robert Treat Farm
1339 New Haven Avenue
Milford, CT 06460
phone: 203 878 4270
email: info@roberttreatfarm.com

Opening Day of Woodmont Farmer's Market 2011

2011-07-05T06:56:00.002-04:00

The Woodmont Farmers' Market begins this Wednesday, July 6th, at Robert Treat farm!
Our market hours will be 3:30 to 6:30! The Woodmont Farmers' Market is proud of our location and our vendors. All are local and dedicated to the unsurpassed quality and freshness that we know you are looking for, please meet some of them below.

Your host of the market:
Robert Treat Farm
Milford, Connecticut
A family-owned working farm and market specializing in seasonal fresh produce, fruit, plants, and flowers. Connecticut’s link to its rich agricultural
past is alive and well here, as family farming on this property has been a tradition
since Milford was founded in 1639. Our beautiful New England barn is the perfect
focal point for the farm store and garden center.....and Farmers' Market!

The Big Green Pizza Truck
New Haven, Connecticut
Watch the line form at the antique truck, specially outfitted as a mobile pizzeria. They unfold the wooden side panels of the truck into tables, heat up the wood fired pizza oven, and begin making pizzas with a variety of toppings that are both traditional and gourmet! Featuring "New Haven" style thin crust that we all love. Yummmm!

Bishop's Orchards and Winery
Guilford, Connecticut
Since 1871, six generations of Bishops have been serving the shoreline with fresh farm products. On Wednesdays, Starting July 13th, they will be serving the Woodmont farmers' Market with fresh seasonal fruit, produce, and baked goods such as their famous apple cider donuts and fudge. New to the market this year, we are excited to experience wine from their winery!

Scratch Baking
Milford, Connecticut
Scratch bakes fresh, quality pastries focusing on what is in season and by using local, natural and organic ingredients as much as possible. From quiches to Brownies, these specialty baked goods are the most delicious anywhere!

Hidden Brook Gardens
Ledyard, Connecticut
Hidden Brook Gardens is a certified organic farm located in Ledyard, CT. It specializes in fruit, vegetables and herbs with a focus on heirloom varieties to encourage bio-diversity as well as excellent flavors.

Gambardella Seafood
Stonington, Connecticut
Some of the freshest fish you can find, they come straight from the Stonington docks to the market for you!

Kathy's Famous Cookies
Milford, Connecticut
Baked down the street, delivered, and sold by Kathy herself. She uses the finest ingredients for some of the most perfectly concocted cookies your tastebuds can experience!

Whole G Bread
New Haven, Connecticut
"Bread is a service to the community, it’s not just a business,” is their motto and their specialty is artisanal muesli bread, feigenbrot, or fig bread, and a range of multigrain fitness loaves.....bread can be healthy and delicious, who knew??

Caseus Fromagerie & Bistro
New haven, Connecticut
Connecticut's most diverse and detailed selection of artisan cheeses. They are
all natural, Raw, Organic, and Fresh.
“ … a cheese-lover's dream. ” - New Haven Register

Goatboy Soap
New Milford, Connecticut
Handcrafted in small batches using natural ingredients Goat's Milk, Saponified Oils, and Fragrance. Goatboy makes soap, lip balms, and lotions!

Glukey's
Milford, Connecticut
Come enjoy Gluten free baked goods from scratch from this orders-only Gluten free bakery!
Heart Felt Treasures
Milford, Connecticut
A variety of handmade felted items from local alpaca wool!

Tails Will Wag
Milford, Connecticut
The most popular homemade dog treats, baked fresh using human quality ingredients! Nothing but the best for man's best friend.

Lemon Sisters
Milford, Connecticut
The best treat on a hot farmers' market Wednesday is a crisp glass of freshly squeezed lemonade, made to order!

Guest Artisan this week:
Maishe Dickman
New Haven, Connecticut
Custom made Ceramic paintings and stoneware!

The Woodmont Farmers' Market also features entertainment for the whole family!
Daisy the Clown will be on site for FREE face painting!
and
Bern McWain will entertain with folk guitar and blues vocals!

See you Wednesday!!

TOP TEN Reasons Why it’s a “TREAT” to Participate in a Farm Share Program

2011-06-29T16:11:00.000-04:00

Here are our TOP TEN reasons why it’s a “TREAT” to participate in a Farm Share Program!! We’d like to expand the list so send us your reasons.

CSA’s are about strengthening a sense of community. Individuals who pledge support to a farm operation bring farms and families together for delicious healthy food and to support small local farms and sustainable agriculture.

Through a farm share membership you and your family get exposed to new vegetables and new ways of cooking things you’ve never experienced before.

Introducing truly fresh, locally grown vegetables to your children’s lives is a gift you give for the future of their health and the ecological health of our planet.

Our veggies are loaded with flavor, freshness and vitamins. Grocery store vegetables are picked days to weeks in advance of your eating them. Your vegetables have no time to lose their ability to enhance your well being.

Hey!! You get to visit the farm once a week and talk to an real live FARMER!! Think about it. You get to know the person who is actually feeding you and through that relationship you learn more about how your food is grown.

Our CSA program includes options for you to expand the “eat local” movement to other areas of your diet. You are being introduced to local dairy, eggs, seafood and fruits. In time we hope to expand that to both poultry and beef. Just think of the possibilities of bringing a new level of expectation to your dinner plate!

By participating in a farm share program you are helping maintain the future of farming in your state. What kind of world would it be if you weren’t able to see an open field peppered with crops. Watching the corn grow is good for the health and a reminder of the gift our Earth is to all of us!!

Members get the “pick of the crop.” You get the first and the freshest selections hand picked with you in mind and at heart.

It’s FUN to be surprised by nature’s bounty.

The 20 week journey of following a growing season through it’s lifespan is a rare experience most American’s will never experience. Consider yourself one of the few to be fortunate enough to rediscover a way of life nearly forgotten about. Congratulations on being part of this delicious movement!

Thank you for your continued support and enthusiasm. We hope you continue to enjoy the benifits of being a member of The Robert Treat Farm CSA program.

Geoff Fox's Garden Plan. Fox CT News.

2011-06-13T13:53:00.000-04:00

We’re very excited to host Geoff’s Garden this season on FOX CT NEWS. If you’d like a copy, you can download it here. Or stop by our store for a copy. Our map includes a shopping list. Items are available in our Garden Center while supplies last. But what’s nice about this plan is you can substitute items if you desire. Keith designed the layout in a way that basically plants rows every 12”. The most difficult part will be preparing the plot of land. But it’s really an easy size to build and maintain. When we arrived in Harford, the soil was already prepared for planting. The planting and trellis including the drip irrigation took us about 2 1/2 hours to install. But just planting the seed and seedlings should only take you an hour or so. It’s a great family project, and your kids can enjoy their veggies all season long! (This size garden is suitable to feed a family of four.) Happy Planting!

Download a .PDF of the file, CLICK HERE.

Keith and Sean Help Geoff Fox Plant His Garden

2011-06-08T20:50:00.002-04:00

Download the Garden Plan, CLICK HERE.

This week Robert Treat Farm is pleased to announce we are sponsoring a 4'x15' garden for meteorologist, Geoff Fox at Fox CT News. Farmer Keith and Sean Fallon traveled to Hartford to help plant and set up a drip irrigation system. Our garden plan is available in our store if you're interested. Plants are available for sale in our Garden Center while supplies last. Tune into Fox CT News Thursday's starting this week to see how our garden grows!

Keith and Geoff plant cucumbers. We had to water right away...planting at 3pm was a bit too hot for the plants.


Keith explains how important healthy soil is to the success of a garden.


Geoff and Keith plant squash.

Geoff’s Garden is located in the visitor’s parking lot on the side of the Hartford Courant Building in Hartford, CT.

The final garden with drip irrigation in place...we had to put some newspaper over the tender lettuce to protect it from the heat. Geoff Fox and the Fox crew will tend the garden for the next 13 weeks. You too can see how our garden grows...4PM Thursday’s starting this week on Fox CT NEWS.

B's Garden Buzz-'Roses'

2011-05-05T20:42:00.000-04:00

Roses have come a long way with many new varieties that don’t require the extra maintenance often associated with rose care. These varieties include the Knock Out series, ‘Living Easy’, ‘Easy Going’ and my favorite, ‘Hot Cocoa’. If you want the classic rose scent and full petal beauty, you may want to try a hybrid tea, grandiflora, or David Austin variety. When given the conditions they prefer, maintenance becomes easier. To start they need six to eight hours of sun with four of those hours falling between ten am. and two pm. Then a rich, organic, well drained soil that is close to neutral ph. When planting a new rose bush I incorporate good compost, like Coast of Maine’s Lobster Compost, into the hole and a two inch layer of compost on top once the plant is in. They like a deep soak once a week if less than an inch of rain has fallen.

For established roses my start up routine is as follows:

Choose three to five healthy, well spaced canes the diameter of your pinky. With sharp, clean pruners, prune down to about twelve inches (or until you reach healthy growth) just above an outward facing bud. Remove any inward facing, spindly or dead branches. Cover the fresh cuts with exterior wood glue to create a barrier to the rose cane borer.

Clean away any leaves and the top layer of last year’s mulch. Spread one cup of lime and one cup of slow release organic fertilizer ( I use Rose-tone by Espoma) for each shrub and scratch into the soil. Cover with two inches of new compost. If you like you can put an inch of decorative mulch on top of the compost.

When the shrubs have fully leafed out I will start a weekly preventative spray of 3T all season horticulture oil and 2T of baking soda per gallon of water. Be sure to coat the top and undersides of all the leaves. This usually is enough, along with proper watering techniques, to keep disease at bay. If you have had black spot in the past, it is very important to keep the ground clean of debris, as that is where it starts.

I usually don’t have major insect problems because I encourage beneficial insects to come and do the job for me. It is important to identify the insect on your plant. It may just be one of the good guys coming to keep things in balance.

Once the initial care is done I wait for the beautiful flowers to come in June!

On another note, after dropping off some soil samples at the Connecticut Agricultural Experimental Station in New Haven, I went to the Plant Disease department to ask about a problem I had last summer and wanted to prevent this year. They were very helpful and took as much time as was needed to answer all my questions. While I was there another man came in to ask about a weed that was growing in his lawn. He had his questions answered and was given info sheets to solve the problem. I can’t say enough about what a useful resource the CAES is for Connecticut residents. Don’t hesitate to use this service. It is one of the reasons why it exists.

B's Garden Buzz-'Let's Get Started in the Garden'

2011-04-25T20:58:00.000-04:00

Even though the calendar says it’s the end of April, the weather has been more like the end of March. Once the temperatures warm up and are less erratic the plants will grow like crazy.

Like prepping a surface before you paint, prep work in the garden isn’t fun but will produce a better outcome.

If you have never tested your soil, or it has been three or more years since your last test, do that first. It is important to gather your samples before any fertilizers or amendments are added. For information how to test your soil go to http://www.ct.gov/caes/cwp/view.asp?a=2836&q=378202.

In organic landcare a couple of often used mantras are ‘feed the soil, feed the plant’ and ’right plant, right place’. Soil is teeming with living organisms that interact together in what is termed the soil food web. Their action releases nutrients in the soil to be taken in through plant roots. Adding organic matter, like compost, feeds these organisms, which in turn feeds the plant. Synthetic fertilizers, used overtime, disrupts the soil food web and creates an imbalance in the soil.

‘Right plant, right place’ is about choosing plants that will thrive in the conditions where they are planted. Those conditions include, the information from your soil test, the amount of sun and when, the space it needs to fit and your personal preferences.

Once you have cleaned out last years plant debris from your garden beds and pruned where needed, an application of slow release organic fertilizer and a 1-2 inch layer of compost is a great start to the growing season.

B's Garden Buzz-'B's Bio'

2011-04-16T07:55:00.000-04:00

B Wagner grew up in Woodmont and started working at Robert Treat Farm when she was 12 years old. A graduate of UCONN’s Ratcliffe Hicks School of Agriculture, she is also a CNLA accredited nursery professional and a NOFA accredited Organic Land Care Professional. For over 25 years, B has tended the grounds of a local private country club. There she has designed, installed and maintained the gardens, as well as, all aspects of golf course maintenance. She is available to assist you most Saturdays from 11-2 with your garden questions and plant selections. Call ahead to ensure she is available.

B's Garden Buzz-'Corn Gluten'

2011-04-14T19:27:00.000-04:00

     Corn gluten is the organic alternative to step one of a four step synthetic lawn program. Unlike the chemical option, it is safe for children and pets. Corn gluten doesn't harm soil organisms or the worms and insects that birds use to feed their young in the spring.
   Corn gluten acts as a preemergent herbicide by creating a barrier that will not allow germinating seeds to form roots. It will only work on weeds that grow from seed like crabgrass. There is no need to fertilize because corn gluten contains about 10% nitrogen. For best results apply when forsythia comes into bloom at a rate of 20 lbs. per 1000 sq. ft. If it doesn't rain within five days water in with approximately 1/4 inch of water. This should be followed by a few dry days to be effective. It should continue to work for about five to six weeks. This timing is also the same for chemical applications to be effective.
   If you use a lawn service to mow your lawn, keep in mind they usually don't clean their machines between jobs. They may bring to your lawn weeds, insects and diseases from other sites.

Tips for a healthy lawn:
      Mow at 3 inches or higher- more leaf area for deeper roots; shade out weeds.
      Leave clippings on the lawn-returns nitrogen to the soil; creates organic matter.
      Soil pH at 6 to 6.5- makes available most nutrients in the soil.
      If you water do it early in the morning to reduce disease. Water longer but less often to encourage           deeper roots.

references: The NOFA Organic Lawn and Turf Handbook
                    Nick Christians, Professor of Horticulture @ Iowa State University

Our Farm Share Program

2011-04-13T12:52:00.000-04:00

In 2010, we proudly introduced our Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Program. With our Robert Treat Farm (RTF) Membership Basket Program, enjoy a weekly basket of produce hand-picked by Farmer Keith and meticulously prepared by Mary Treat and her devoted staff.
Every Friday between June and October delight in the flavors our 20-week season has to offer. We offer three bountiful basket sizes to fit any budget. Payments are due before June 10, 2011. The reason for advanced payment is because the money is used to help fund the farm upfront—for expenses like seed, mulch and fertilizer.

Three Basket Sizes

Full Share
Suitable for a family of four
$35 per week x 20 weeks
$700 season

HALF Share
Suitable for up to two adults
$20 per week x 20 weeks
$400 season

SINGLE Share
Suitable for one person
$12 per week x 20 weeks
$240 season

Add-a-Fruit
Seasonal native strawberries,
raspberries, blueberries, grapes,
plums, peaches, apples and pears.
$8 x 10 weeks = $80 season

Add Fresh-Cut-Flowers
Bi-weekly selection of flowers freshly-cut
from our fields, starting late summer.
$5 x 8 weeks = $40 season

visit the site for more information. http://www.roberttreatfarm.com/

We are now accepting applications for our 2011 Farm Share Program. A program that allows families and individuals to prepurchase a share of our harvest as the crops come to ripen. You pick up a weekly baskets stuffed full of what ever crops are ripe that week.

Download the Farm Share application here.
http://www.roberttreatfarm.com/Robert-Treat-Farm_Images/Robert-Treat-Farm-OurFarm/RTF%202011%20Membership.pdf

The Robert Treat Farm.
Authentic Family Farm and Garden Center.
Located at 1339 New Haven Ave. in Milford CT.
http://www.roberttreatfarm.com

Community Supported Agriculture Programs

2011-04-13T12:47:00.000-04:00

Community supported agriculture (CSA) programs

This is a shot taken when our fields were in bloom just 2 years ago, mid summer. Our Farm Share program allows people to preorder a piece of our harvest. We prepare the best of the best picks in a neatly organized farm basket, which you can pick up every Friday as soon as the first yields come though. Why spend double to buy food that was grown in Mexico or South America, when you can pay half and get the food freshly picked from our land here in Milford Connecticut.!!!!

Read more and sign up now. Space is limited so preregister asap.
Call us if you have questions. (203) 878-4270
http://www.roberttreatfarm.com/OurFarm.html

CSA provides a direct link between local farmers and consumers. Each season, members purchase a share of a farmer's crop before it's planted. This allows the farmer to pay for seed, water and equipment upfront, so s/he is less reliant on banks and loans. Each week during the harvest time, usually June through October, the farmer delivers great tasting, healthy food to the members at pre-determined locations. In some instances, members pick up their share directly from the farm.

We are now accepting applications for our 2011 Farm Share Program. A program that allows families and individuals to prepurchase a share of our harvest as the crops come to ripen. You pick up a weekly baskets stuffed full of what ever crops are ripe that week.

Download the Farm Share application here.
http://www.roberttreatfarm.com/Robert-Treat-Farm_Images/Robert-Treat-Farm-OurFarm/RTF%202011%20Membership.pdf

The Robert Treat Farm.
Authentic Family Farm and Garden Center.
Located at 1339 New Haven Ave. in Milford CT.
http://www.roberttreatfarm.com

http://www.sustainabletable.org/issues/whybuylocal/

Buy Locally Grown. It's Thousands of Miles Fresher!

2011-04-12T11:26:00.003-04:00

Two of our very best farm hands posing for a photo after harvesting food from our fields right here in Milford, CT at the Robert Treat Farm. Authentic Family Farm and Garden Center.

There Are Many Good Reasons To Buy Locally Grown Food

You'll get exceptional taste and freshness.
Local food is fresher and tastes better than food shipped long distances from other states or countries. Local farmers can offer produce varieties bred for taste and freshness rather than for shipping and long shelf life.

You'll strengthen your local economy.
Buying local food keeps your dollars circulating in your community. Getting to know the farmers who grow your food builds relationships based on understanding and trust, the foundation of strong communities.

You'll support endangered family farms.
There's never been a more critical time to support your farming neighbors. With each local food purchase, you ensure that more of your money spent on food goes to the farmer.

You'll safeguard your family's health.
Knowing where your food comes from and how it is grown or raised enables you to choose safe food from farmers who avoid or reduce their use of chemicals, pesticides, hormones, antibiotics, or genetically modified seed in their operations. Buy food from local farmers you trust.

You'll protect the environment.
Local food doesn't have to travel far. This reduces carbon dioxide emissions and packing materials. Buying local food also helps to make farming more profitable and selling farmland for development less attractive.

When you buy local food, you vote with your food dollar. This ensures that family farms in your community will continue to thrive and that healthy, flavorful, plentiful food will be available for future generations.

Article Source: http://www.foodroutes.org/whycare1.jsp

Buying local is this easy:If you live in the Milford, CT area the Robert Treat Farm is hands down, the best way to get locally grown produce. We sell what we grow at our farm store and at the Woodmont Farmer's Market, which is held weekly on our property through out the summer.

The very best way to buy local is:
To enroll in a Farm Share Program!
We are now accepting applications for our 2011 Farm Share Program. A program that allows families and individuals to prepurchase a share of our harvest as the crops come to ripen. You pick up a weekly baskets stuffed full of what ever crops are ripe that week.

Download the Farm Share application here.
http://www.roberttreatfarm.com/Robert-Treat-Farm_Images/Robert-Treat-Farm-OurFarm/RTF%202011%20Membership.pdf

The Robert Treat Farm.
Authentic Family Farm and Garden Center.
Located at 1339 New Haven Ave. in Milford CT.
http://www.roberttreatfarm.com

Why Buy Locally Grown?

2011-04-12T11:12:00.002-04:00

Why Buy Locally Grown?

You’ve probably been told a million and one times that you should buy locally grown. And, you’ve also probably seen local farmers markets sprout up around your neighborhood. But why should you buy local? What’s the benefit to you, your community and the environment?

Local food tastes better. By buying local, you are receiving the freshest possible produce, picked just hours before delivery to your local store. Produce that travels long distances is days older. Sugars turn to starches, plant cells shrink, and produce loses its vitality and flavor.

Local food is more nutritious. Once harvested, produce quickly loses nutrients. Since local produce is sold right after it’s picked, it retains more nutrients.

Local food preserves genetic diversity. Large commercial farms grow a relatively small number of hybrid fruits and vegetables because they can tolerate the rigors of harvesting, packing, shipping and storage. This leaves little genetic diversity in the food supply. Family farms, on the other hand, grow a huge number of varieties to extend their growing season, provide eye-catching colors and great flavor. Many varieties are “heirlooms” passed down through the generations because of their excellent flavor. Older varieties contain the genetic structure of hundreds or thousands of years of human selection and may provide the diversity needed to thrive in a changing climate.

Local food promotes energy conservation. The average distance our food travels is 1500 miles, mostly by air and truck, increasing our dependence on petroleum. By buying locally, you conserve the energy that’s used for transport.

Local food uses less packaging. Buying produce from a farmers market or from a farm itself is a no-frills process that involves less packaging.

Local food supports local farmers. The American family farmer is a vanishing breed - fewer than 1,000,000 people (less than 1%) of Americans claim farming as a primary occupation. It’s no wonder: it’s hard to make a living when you get less than 10 cents of every retail food dollar. By buying locally, the middleman disappears and the farmer gets full retail price, in turn helping farmers continue to farm.

Local food builds community. By getting to know the farmers who grow your food, you build understanding, trust and a connection to your neighbors & your environment. The weather, the seasons and the science of growing food offer great lessons in nature and agriculture. Visiting local farms with your friends and your family brings that education and appreciation to the next generation.

Local food preserves open space. Do you enjoy visiting the countryside where you see lush fields of crops, meadows of wildflowers, picturesque barns and rolling pastures? Well, this should also serve as a reminder that our treasured agricultural landscape survives only when farms are financially viable. By spending your money on locally grown food, you’re increasing the value of the land to the farmer and making development less likely.

Local food keeps taxes in check. For every $1 in revenue raised by residential development, governments spend $1.17 on services, which increases taxes. For every $1 in revenue raised by a farm, a forest or open space, governments spend $0.34 cents on services. You do the math.

Local food supports the environment and benefits wildlife. Family farmers tend to be good stewards of the land – they respect and value fertile soil and clean water. And their farms provide the fields, meadows, forests, ponds and buildings that are the habitat for many beloved and important species of wildlife. In addition, buying local also reduces the use of fossil fuels and helps to protect the environment from harmful exhaust fumes.

Local food is about the future. Supporting local farms today helps keep those farms in your community, ensuring that your children and grandchildren have access to nourishing, flavorful and abundant food. When you choose to buy locally, and make your choices known, you raise the consciousness of your family, friends and neighbors.

Article Source: http://www.dosomething.org/tipsandtools/why-buy-locally-grown

We are now accepting applications for our 2011 Farm Share Program. A program that allows families and individuals to prepurchase a share of our harvest as the crops come to ripen. You pick up a weekly baskets stuffed full of what ever crops are ripe that week.

Download the Farm Share application here.
http://www.roberttreatfarm.com/Robert-Treat-Farm_Images/Robert-Treat-Farm-OurFarm/RTF%202011%20Membership.pdf

The Robert Treat Farm.
Authentic Family Farm and Garden Center.
Located at 1339 New Haven Ave. in Milford CT.
http://www.roberttreatfarm.com

Getting Your Garden's Soil Ready.

2011-04-11T11:59:00.000-04:00


The soil your plants grow in is very important. The Robert Treat Farm has a wonderful Garden Center Filled with everything you'll need to get your garden ready for the season. http://www.roberttreatfarm.com/GardenCenter.html

Experts say getting your garden soil ready should come in advance, its always before you actually start planting your garden. They say that you should begin preparing the soil anywhere from 2-4 months before planting. So you might end up preparing the soil before you even decide what type of garden you want to have!

Gardeners are frequently disappointed to discover that the soil is causing landscape plants to struggle for survival. The soil maybe full of debris, clay or stones, compacted, too shallow, or lacking in organic matter.

But, why is it so important having your garden soil ready? After all, plants have been growing for millions of years, right? Shouldn’t you be able to just stick a plant in the ground and watch it grow?

Different plants require different types of soil, and soil needs to have a lot of nutrients in it as well as a balanced PH level in order for plants to take root and thrive. Getting your garden soil ready for planting a flower garden can be a very serious business. Many astute gardeners attribute their green thumb to good soil. They know that garden success starts in the ground.

The Three Components in Getting You Garden Soil Ready

Area Clearing
Soil Aerating
Adding Soil Amendments or Plant Food

Clear the Area

Pick up any brush, twigs, branches, rocks, or other debris and get them all out of the way. You should be starting with a nice, level, flat, clean area that you want to have your garden in. If you have to mark off a garden space, use rocks, spacers, or other identifiable items to mark out the area that you are claiming as a garden.

Aerate the Soil

On getting your garden soil ready, it’s important to break up and aerate the soil that you will be planting in. Use a rototiller or a hand tiller or even a spade to break up the ground and turn over the soil. While you are breaking up the soil, be on the lookout for any rocks or branches that may be buried under the soil and clear those out too.

Add Soil Amendments or Plant Foods

With a little knowledge and determination, you can use soil amendments to improve poor soil and make your landscape flourish. Soil amendments are materials that are mixed into the topsoil to promote healthy plant growth. Most garden and landscape plants perform best in soils high in organic matter. Because organic matter is used up in oxidation, especially in warm climates, or where soils are frequently tilled, it should be added to the soil every year.
Plant Food’s primary function is to supply nutrients. You will need to add a few bags of potting soil that has been enriched with plant vitamins and nutrients or mulch or both to the existing soil. Mix the new into the old so that the nutrients in the mulch and vitamin enriched soil blend into the original soil, this is why getting your garden soil ready is always advisable.

Article Source: http://www.basicsofgardening.com/getting-your-garden-soil-ready.html

Here at the Robert Treat Farm Garden Center we offer topsoil, mulch and fertilizer that are perfect for getting your garden ready this year. Ask one of our staff members for the best selections and advice.

To learn more about our garden center, visit http://www.roberttreatfarm.com/GardenCenter.html

The Robert Treat Farm.
Authentic Family Farm and Garden Center.
Located at 1339 New Haven Ave. in Milford CT.
http://www.roberttreatfarm.com

Getting your garden ready for Spring

2011-04-08T13:22:00.000-04:00

April is the perfect time to give your garden the attention it needs to bring you months of enjoyment in the long lazy days that await us. A little bit of garden CPR now, will bring you months of color to brighten the view from your kitchen window, and might even inspire you to spend more time outdoors enjoying the delights that can be found in entertaining outdoors.

Plant your bulbs now, if you have not already. My favourite bulbs to plant in early Spring are Tulips, Gladiolus, Calla Lily, Caladium, Amaryllis, and Delphiniums.

Plant bulbs in clumps to give them a natural effect, and to hide the bulbs that fail to blossom. Survey the area you want to plant the bulbs in, decide where you want them, then dig a large area and simply toss your bulbs in the hole with the pointed side up (and if like me you generally ignore instruction packets, make a point to read them on this occasion to ensure you plant them deep enough). I generally give them a good drink before I cover them with soil and then again once the soil blankets them. Make sure you mark your bulb location so you can ensure the area stays moist and to avoid disturbing it.

Rejuvenate your Lawn. Your grass is at its most fragile right now and needs plenty of TLC to nurse it back to life after a long cold winter. Give your lawn a good feed and re-seed, then keep it moist to encourage germination. To ensure that all of your hard work pays off, work from a wooden plant or kneeling board to prevent damaging it further.

Tidy up your garden equipment

• Get your garden tools in shape for the busy season by sharpening your mower blades, replacing any damaged tools, ensuring you have gardening supplies stocked in your shed (plant food, bird netting, what ever you need to keep your garden growing).
• Look over your garden steps, decking, paths, fences to check for winter damage and repair replace as needed.
• Tidy up your garden furniture by giving everything a good wipe down and polish, then repair or replace any broken equipment.
• If you have children, now is a good time to review your garden toys and get rid of anything broken that cannot be fixed, they have outgrown or that you are just tired of looking at.

The Robert Treat Farm Garden Center. From our Green Houses to your Garden. Located in Milford CT.

Wander through our garden center, and you will find a great collection of interesting and unusual annuals, sought-after perennials, shrubbery and trees.
You’ll notice all our pretty greenhouses filled with the things we grow for you to discover. Custom potting is a specialty of ours so you can get exactly what you
want. If you don’t know what that might be, it doesn’t matter – we can help
you choose something you'll love! Perhaps we can work to make something
special – in your favorite color, or for a shady area, or even to attract
beneficial insects and hummingbirds.

We take your garden success personally, because we are gardeners, too!
Your garden will be blooming with all kinds of natural wonders because we
have a wealth of knowledge – and the green thumbs to prove it! We will be
only too happy to help you choose just the right things for your project.
Whether it is a ceramic planter on a balcony or a whole landscape – every
project deserves a little planning for the best results and having the right
plant in the right place is a very good place to start. Maybe you’ll get
inspired to plant an herb or vegetable garden this year but don’t know
where to begin, or perhaps you would like to know how to prune the
roses you are about to plant or how to dead-head your flowering annuals.
Let us show you.

All of our gardening supplies are carefully selected for this area.
You’ll find everything you will need – mulch, the proper fertilizer, grass seed,
as well as whimsical statuary and ornaments, or an interesting birdbath for
your feathered friends. If you are looking for the perfect gift, you might
decide on a Robert Treat Farm Gift Certificate – they never expire and
may be used to purchase anything we have for sale.

http://www.roberttreatfarm.com/GardenCenter.html

Don't forget about our Farm Share Program.
Where you can prepurchase a share of our harvest as it comes to ripen.
Every Friday through out the whole summer.
To learn more.

To download the registration form, click here.

Call us if you have questions about any gardening product or service offer.

(203) 878-4270

Source: http://www.housewifebliss.com/2011/03/07/getting-your-garden-reading-for-spring/

Great Early Spring Vegetables to Grow

2011-04-08T12:40:00.001-04:00

As winter slowly transforms into early spring, there are many fantastic vegetables that can be planted.
Some vegetables prefer warm or hot weather, but there are many that perform best in cool temperatures. To get a jump on your vegetable garden, try growing a few cooler season vegetables in early spring. Here are just a few vegetables that grow best in cooler seasons.

Lettuce.

Lettuce is a cool weather crop that performs best when grown before the heat of summer starts coming in.

Head lettuce can be started indoors six weeks before the last frost date and transplanted outdoors three weeks before the last frost date.

Leaf lettuces can be direct-sowed in the garden in early spring or fall.

Thin seedlings to about 8 inches apart or 12 inches apart for head lettuces in rows at least 18 inches apart. Be sure to pull any weeds by hand to avoid disturbing the delicate, shallow roots of nearby plants.

Try to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Use mulch around plants to help keep soil cool and moist.

You can make successive plantings for a prolonged harvest. Most lettuce seedlings can tolerate a light frost.

Head lettuces need a long, cool growing time compared to leaf lettuces. Leaf lettuces can be harvested when the leaves reach about 2 inches.

When leaves are 4 to 6 inches, the entire plant can be pulled and used in salads before they become bitter and tough.

Some excellent lettuce varieties to grow are:

• Buttercrunch
• Red Salad Bowl
• Burpee Bibb
• Braveheart
• Black-Seeded Simpson
• Vivian
• Iceberg

Peas.

Peas, also called English Peas or garden peas, are a great crop to start in early spring.

Peas perform best when temperatures remain below 80°F, but above 25°F. They can tolerate temperatures below 25°F for brief periods, but prolonged exposure can have detrimental effects in later development. Flowers can drop off and vines can wither if temperatures rise above 80°F. Direct-sow peas in the garden as they do not perform well when transplanted. Most pea plants need a trellis or stakes for support. Plant the seeds at a depth of 1 inch and about 6 to 8 inches apart.

Some recommended pea varieties are:

• Wando
• Super Sugar Snap
• Burpeena Early
• Oregon Sugar Pod
• RSVPea

Broccoli.

Broccoli grows more vigorously in cooler weather and can be planted in spring or fall. It grows best in rich soil with plenty of nitrogen and calcium. Broccoli can be started indoors and transplanted in the vegetable garden, or direct-sowed about 18 inches apart in the garden.
Grow from seed when the soil is about 40°F or above, or from transplants when the soil reaches 60°F.

You might want to try these broccoli varieties:

• Flash
• Raab Rapini
• Green Goliath
• Bonanza
• Green Spring Calabrese

Cauliflower.

Cauliflower can be grown in much the same way as broccoli. Seeds can be sown directly in the garden when soil temperatures reach about 40°F. Seedlings can be transplanted in well-drained, rich soil that receives full sun to slight shade. Weed very carefully around cauliflower to avoid damaging leaves which can cause under-developing heads (or buttoning).
To protect white cauliflower varieties from sunscald, blanching may be necessary. Blanch by pulling the longest leaves over the head and hold them in place with twine or soft strips of cloth. Begin blanching as soon as you see a head and make sure the leaves are dry. Purple and green varieties do not need blanching.

A couple awesome cauliflower varieties for your vegetable garden are:

• Early White
• First White

Brussels Sprouts.

Brussels Sprouts can be planted by seed 1/2-inch deep and 2 inches apart in an outdoor seed bed about 90 days before the first frost date. They require rich soil with good compost or well-aged composted manure. Stalks can produce 50 to 100 sprouts at the points where the leaves join the stalk. They can be interplanted with lettuces and spinach. Use a good organic fertilizer for feeding seedlings and protect them from direct sun until they are well established.

Some Brussels Sprouts for your vegetable garden are:

• Long Island
• Dimitri
• Catskill

Source: http://www.veggiegardener.com/great-early-spring-vegetables/

The Robert Treat Farm
Community Supported Agriculture Program. (CSA) The Robert Treat Farm Share Basket.

Learn More. Visit our website. http://www.roberttreatfarm.com/OurFarm.html

To Download the registration form and be enrolled in our 2011 Farm Share Program.
Click here.

Why Purchase the RTF Membership Basket?

• Enjoy eating freshly-picked, delicious, veggies
• Make a healthy choice by eating what grows each season
• “Homegrown” means grown here inMilford on our 30 acres
• Try new varieties and recipes (we’ll even give you a few recipe ideas)
• Teach your family where your food really comes from
• Help support local business and preserve farmland
• Save money vs. supermarket or bulk food stores
• Member discounts on select market items*
*For a reduced price, add select items to your basket on pickup day.

Did You Know...

• Supermarket produce travels thousands of miles and can sit in a warehouse for several days before it sits again on the supermarket shelves waiting for you to buy it? These varieties may survive the travel, but they tend to loose nutritional value on the way, and don’t necessarily taste good.

• Supermarket produce is usually treated with chemicals so it can last long enough and look good enough for you to want to buy it?

• Many children don’t know where food comes from!

Why Buy Local? Robert Treat Farm is Local and Connecticut Grown!

2011-04-05T12:18:00.010-04:00

Why buy local?

There are countless reasons why buying local food is both rewarding and delicious, including enjoying the taste of fresh food, improved health and nutrition, environmental stewardship, support for family farms and rural communities, and ensuring animal welfare.
There is also significant peace of mind in knowing where our food comes from. One of the biggest benefits to buying food locally is having someone to answer questions about how it was grown and raised. What goes into that loaf of bread? Can we be certain that the hog that is now bacon lived a life without suffering? How do we know those jalapeños are salmonella free?
Developing a relationship with local farmers gives us an "in" with our local food system. At farmers' markets we can get answers to questions like: When do tomatoes come into season? How might I use celeriac? Often, we can take a tour of the farm our food comes from. Some farmers are thrilled to share their knowledge and experience with their customers. Ask about the challenges your local farmers face and what they are doing to address them. It doesn't have to be complicated. Ask about the weather! Any farmer will be pleased to talk about how the growing season is going and how that affects the food they grow. Knowing local farmers can go a long way to simplifying buying local.
Another significant reason to buy local is to keep food miles to a minimum. "Food miles" refer to the distance a food item travels from the farm to your home. The food miles for items in the grocery store are, on average, 27 times higher than the food miles for goods bought from local sources.¹
In the U.S., the average grocery store's produce travels nearly 1,500 miles between the farm where it was grown and your refrigerator.² About 40% of our fruit is produced overseas and, even though broccoli is grown all over the country, the broccoli we buy at the supermarket travels an average of 1,800 miles to get there. Notably, nine percent of our red meat comes from foreign countries, some as far away as Australia and New Zealand.³
Our food is trucked across the country, hauled in freighter ships over oceans, and flown around the world. A tremendous amount of fossil fuel is burned to transport foods such long distances, releasing carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, particulate matter and other pollutants that contribute to global climate change, acid rain, smog and air and sea pollution. The refrigeration required to keep our fruits, vegetables, dairy products and meats from spoiling during their long journeys burn up even more fossil fuel. In contrast, local and regional food systems produce 17 times less CO2.⁴

We are now accepting enrollment applications for our 2011 Farm Share Program.
A freshly picked basket of locally grown produce direct from our fields here at the Robert Treat Farm in Milford Connecticut. For the application and details about the program, visit our website.
For The application, click here.

http://www.roberttreatfarm.com/OurFarm.html

Source: http://www.sustainabletable.org/issues/whybuylocal/

Happy Spring!

2011-03-14T22:35:00.000-04:00

It's been a LOOOOONG winter and spring is right around the corner. We have been working in the greenhouse getting ready for our opening day, April 1st. No fooling! Stop in for some pretty pansies, to learn more about our farm share program, or just to say hello.

The Woodmont Farmer's Market, Wednesday, July 14th

2010-07-14T13:55:00.009-04:00

Wednesday, July 14th (3:30pm-6:30pm)

Our specialty food vendor will be the one and only Cupcake Truck featuring
their scrumptious chocolate,red velvet and caramel cupcakes. There is always
room for cupcakes!
(The Cupcake Truck returns August 11th and September 8th)

• Gambardella's Seafood - the freshest fish in town

• The Big Green Truck -wood fired brick oven pizza-take one home or eat at
the shaded picnic table at the farm

• Robert Treat Farm -seasonal fresh produce and flowers

• Wave Hill Bread -country French bread-a market favorite

• Chaplin Farms -produce and fruit

• Scratch Baking -a wide array of specialty baked goods

• Bodhichitta Farms -organically grown produce, shiitake mushrooms & maple syrup

• Trudy & Sage Goat Milk Soaps

• Steven's Cedar Bat Houses

• Kathy's Cookies -cookies & biscotti's

• Three Sister's Farm -honey,beeswax candles,lip balms and more

• Glukey -homemade gluten free treats and breads
("Cheesecake to a T" returns July 21st)

• Tails will Wag - handmade treats for your best friend

• The Lemon Sisters -fresh squeezed lemonade

Guest Artisan:

Susan Ashelford of downtown Milford's, Given to Gauche-jewelry
maker and designer

Roses for Autism

"Roses and Lilies" proceeds support vocational
opportunities for people on the Autism Spectrum

Information Table:

A representative from Connecticut Sea Grant and the
Noank Aquaculture Cooperative will seek feed back about starting a
Community Supported Aquaculture Program in CT

Become a Friend of the Market or give as the perfect gift to your "foodie"
friends or family.
Inquire at the lemonade stand

Guest Entertainment:

Eclectic singer, songwriter -James Velvet & Dick Neal
-New Haven area musician

See You All There!

Woodmont Farmers' Market
at the Robert Treat Farm
1339 New Haven Avenue
Milford CT 06460
203-878-4270
www.roberttreatfarm.com

The SuperMarket vs. The Local FarmMarket

2010-06-14T15:57:00.010-04:00

Did You Know...

• Supermarket produce travels thousands of miles and can sit in a warehouse for several days before it sits again on the supermarket shelves waiting for you to buy it? These varieties may survive the travel, but they tend to loose nutritional value on the way, and don’t necessarily taste good.

• Supermarket produce is usually treated with chemicals so it can last long enough and look good enough for you to want to buy it?

• Many children don’t know where food comes from.

Did You Know at the Robert Treat Farm...

• Produce is fresh, often picked hours before its out for sale—for sweet corn each hour makes a difference.

• The only travel our veggies make is from our fields, to your car, and then to your kitchen. Now that’s one way to lessen a carbon “footprint”.

• We stand behind what we grow and we are always happy to talk with you about varieties, preparation, and preservation.

• The plants we sell at our Farm Market are the same we plant in our fields. This yields the produce you will receive in your RTF Membership Basket.

• Our Farm Market has been open for more than 60 years, and our farm has been in operation since Milford was founded in 1639.

Visit us at www.roberttreatfarm.com more information

Get Your Family a Once a Week Seasonal Produce Basket.

2010-06-11T16:25:00.000-04:00

The Robert Treat Farm Membership Basket
Once a Week Seasonal Produce Basket
Available for 20 Weeks (June 18-October 29) Flexible Pick up Schedule

Why Purchase the RTF Membership Basket?

• Enjoy eating freshly-picked, delicious, veggies

• Make a healthy choice by eating what grows each season

• “Homegrown” means grown here in Milford on our 30 acres

• Try new varieties and recipes (we’ll even give you a few recipe ideas)

• Teach your family where your food really comes from

• Help support local business and preserve farmland

• Save money vs. supermarket or bulk food stores

• Member discounts on select market items*
*For a reduced price, add select items to your basket on pickup day.

go to www.roberttreatfarm.com for application and more information
Or stop by the Robert Treat Farm Market at
1339 New Haven Avenue Milford, CT 06460

Become an RTF Member!

2010-06-09T12:34:00.002-04:00

Become an RTF Member!

go to www.roberttreatfarm.com for application and more information
Or stop by the Robert Treat Farm Market at
1339 New Haven Avenue Milford, CT 06460

Pictured above is a sample RTF Membership-Family Basket.
If you find you can’t use some items you can always gift them to a friend. If you find you prefer certain items over others, or have dietary restrictions, please let us know. We may be able to accommodate your needs.
Our basket should feed a family of four for one week. Of course, you can supplement your basket any time at our Robert Treat Farm Market and Garden Center.
The RTF Membership-Personal Basket is half the produce of the family basket. For example: four ears of corn instead of eight. It should be enough food for one or two adults and last one week.

Our RTFMembership-Special Offer will only be available during the 2010 season. If you join us after our June 18 enrollment date we will pro-rate your membership and set your start date accordingly. You still choose a personal or family-sized basket.

Make a Fresh Choice.

2010-06-07T12:24:00.000-04:00

Join Our CSA Program and Save Money!

2010-05-07T12:07:00.008-04:00

Farm Fresh Doesn't Cost More.

The amount of produce pictured here will cost you $68 at your local supermarket.
Imagine spending only $35 per week for the same amount of produce—picked fresh from our fields!!!

A one-time registration fee entitles you to a set amount of produce
ready for pick up on Fridays from June 18 to October 29.
Download the application online by clicking here: http://www.roberttreatfarm.com/OurFarm.html
or call 203-878-4270

Registration must be completed by June 18th.
Hurry while we still have openings!

The Spring Rains Have Started - and we have a new CSA!

2010-03-13T16:01:00.001-05:00

Hello All,

It seems to me that winter tricked us all because by hiding for a few days this week and giving us temperatures in the high 50's. It was too hot in the greenhouses even in a t-shirt last weekend, but now that it's raining and damp, I'm beginning to think that we have a little way to go. But who really knows?!

That's the thing about nature and the elements, you just never know what you're really going to get. Growing and farming for a living includes living with so many variables. I sometimes wonder if the gamble taken every new season by those of us who sow and plant, then nurture, coddle and talk to a bunch of seedlings might be totally nuts. The answer might indeed be a resounding "yes!" - especially the talking to part....

But more so the risk involved. So much can happen in a season, and many crop failures are totally out of the hands of the grower, and in those of Mother Nature herself. If not her, then whatever name you want to give to the almighty Economy, and the whim of the stock exchange along with anything else which affects our money - or lack thereof.

This year, we've decided to offer a Community Supported Agriculture or membership program to the list of things we do. The requests have been increasing over the past year, and the reason is clear: People want to feel connected to something that is real, something which gives them a sense of belonging in a world that seems more uncertain these days.

The idea of a CSA is simple: you buy a share of the harvest from a local farm. You don't know exactly what you're going to get, but you know it's going to be good. You pick up your box each week - Fridays for ours - and you take it home to enjoy. What could be better than seasonal produce, freshly picked by people you probably know or will come to know rather than something anonymous from a grocery store?

We grow a wide variety of crops - an advantage for a CSA program because while you'll get some of the same things each week, over the course of the 20-week season, you'll likely get to try some things that you don't normally buy very often. You and your loved ones will gain a much better understanding of what seasonal eating is all about and the healthy benefits of food that has not traveled further than you went on your last vacation! Plus - your dollars go back into your local economy rather than somewhere hard to trace.

Depending on how many people you are feeding, your box may or may not be enough produce for a week, but for two people who cook for themselves most of the time, it should be a good amount with some supplementation necessary depending on the amount you eat. For a family of four, you'll get a few good meals out of your box. And depending on the season and growing conditions, you share in the harvest and its bounty alongside us, the growers.

To become a member of our CSA, click here to go to our website for more information about cost etc - then download and print the application form to mail in with your check. You may also fill out the application at our store, and you have the option of paying by credit card in person at the store rather than by check. We open for the season on March 27th.

Check back here each week to see what we're up to, and see you soon!!

All the best,
Annalisa

Photos: Top - one of the greenhouses with seedlings busy growing to be transplanted outside later. Bottom - beets are one of our earliest crops - these are golden beets and the more common red variety.

Winter Squash-versatile and they store well too

2009-11-07T09:40:00.006-05:00

Look at these beauties!

We love these healthy and nutritious treasures. Get them while you can!

You won't believe it, but we still have some of our tomatoes!! Please, no arguments, it's first-come, first-served!

Please call ahead for hours of operation

Winter Greens

2009-11-06T21:01:00.003-05:00

Winter Greens are at their best right now!

If you haven't tried the hearty cool-weather greens that we grow yet, maybe you should give them a try. They are always better after the first frost, and that came early this year, so we have been enjoying them ever since!

Here's Jenna, our much-loved Collard Queen with a great looking harvest straight from our own fields. We also grow other seasonal specialties, such as purple-top turnips, mustard greens, broccoli and broccoli rabe.

Pretty Pumpkins All In A Row!

2009-10-06T22:18:00.001-04:00

Come and get yours!

We love decorating with all our colorful pumpkins at this time of the year. If you're up for making pie, we have pumpkins for pie too.

If you're not making your own, but don't want anyone to know, pick up one of our made-from-scratch pies in our store - we won't tell and they are so much better than the average pie, because they are made by just one person - just for us!!

2009-08-11T17:48:00.004-04:00

Dear All,

I can't thank you all enough for supporting your local farms and artisan food producers by shopping each week at the market. It has been a very tough year for the whole country with the economy, but the weather we've had in the Northeast has just added insult to injury, especially to growers! So thank-you again, for coming out rain or shine (or cloudy!) to buy good, local food from people you've got to know and trust.

This lovely photo of some of our seasonal fresh vegetables was taken on the set of Channel 8's "Connecticut Style" last week. Check back later for the recipes!

Here's who will be at the farmers' market this week, Wednesday, 3:30pm - 7pm rain or shine:

Gambardella Fresh Fish
Wave Hill Bread
Cheesecake to a T
Snooty Foods - gourmet dips, spreads, pickles
Cato Corners homestead cheeses (cheeses made with milk from their own herd of Jersey cows)
Kathy's Cookies
Rose's Berry Farms - berries, produce
Beltane Farm Goat Cheese
Pizza on the Grill (made to order)
Three Sisters Farms - honey, beeswax candles, lipbalms and other specialties (will be back on Aug. 26th)
Hidden Brook Gardens - certified organic produce
Chaplin Farms - produce and fruit
Roby's Organic - garlic, specialty potatoes, produce
Tails Will Wag - handmade dog treats
Lemonade Ladies - fresh squeezed lemonade
Farm to Hearth pizza in the beehive oven will be back next week and every other week.

Music will be provided by volunteer acoustic duo Chris and Howie, who will be playing favorites from the 70's, 80's and more!! Thanks guys!

Woodmont Farmers' Market August 5th

2009-08-11T09:08:00.004-04:00

The Watutsi Kings entertained all the farmers' market shoppers with some great music. Singing sisters Juliana and Claire joined in the fun with this little ditty.......

Yet again, the weather co-operated and kept away the wet stuff, but boy it was hot! Some if us walked down to the beach after the market closed at 7pm to go for a nice cool swim!

National Farmers' Market Week This Week

2009-08-05T13:32:00.006-04:00

It's Market Day today and National Farmers' Market Week

We have been very lucky with the weather for the farmers' market - in fact our mantra is "the sun always shines on market day"!! Last week it rained right before we opened, then stopped. However, it carried on raining everywhere else, so people thought we were rained out. We are here rain or shine and always have a good time. If you don't believe me, take a look at the video below!

Listed below is who will be coming this week. We hope you make it over. We have live music by Michael Knox and the Watutsi Kings for your listening pleasure!

Gambardella Fresh Fish

Wave Hill Bread

Cheesecake to a T (have you ever had cheesecake on a stick before?)

Snooty Foods - gourmet dips, spreads

Cato Corners homestead cheeses (will be back next week and every other week )

Kathy's Cookies

Rose's Berry Farms - berries, produce

Beltane Farm Goat Cheese (will be back next week)

Farm to Hearth - back by popular request - Todd and Melissa with their wood-fired flatbread pizza

Pizza on the Grill (will be back next week and every other week)

Hidden Brook Gardens - certified organic produce

Hickory Tree Farm - produce

Chaplin Farms - produce and fruit

Roby's Organic - garlic, specialty potatoes, produce

Tails Will Wag - handmade dog treats

Lemonade Ladies - fresh squeezed lemonade

Broken Arrow - native plant specialist

Live music by the Watusi Kings!

2009-07-29T07:51:00.007-04:00

We are having a sale on perennials until Sunday August 2nd - buy two, get one free of equal or lesser value.

The Woodmont Farmers' Market is from 3:30-7pm every Wednesday rain or shine in our parking lot and we have a great line-up of vendors again for you this week, July 29th, as well as Ben and James, two young musicians who will be playing a wonderful mixture of Irish folk and Bluegrass.

For those of you who can't make it to the market, our selection of gourmet and local foods has been slowly growing, and at this time of year we are open every day. Our own produce is starting to come in more now that the weather is getting more like summer!! Wednesday used to be the day we were closed, but by popular request, we are now open while the farmers' market is open from 3:30-7pm.

Here's what you will find at the market this week:

Gambardella Fresh Fish

Wave Hill Bread

Cheesecake to a T (have you ever had cheesecake on a stick before?)

Snooty Foods - gourmet dips, spreads

Cato Corners homestead cheeses (cheeses made with milk from their own herd of Jersey cows)

Kathy's Cookies

Rose's Berry Farms - berries, produce

Beltane Farm Goat Cheese

Pizza on the Grill (made right before your eyes)

Three Sisters Farms - honey, beeswax candles, lipbalms and other specialties

Hidden Brook Gardens - certified organic produce

Chaplin Farms - produce and fruit

Roby's Organic - garlic, specialty potatoes, produce

Catch a Healthy Habit - raw food smoothies, cookies and other specialties

Tails Will Wag - handmade dog treats

Lemonade Ladies - fresh squeezed lemonade

Mary Neschke - local photographer

Watercolors by Carlene - local artist

Amatrudo's Medical Massage - chair massage by certified therapist Leslie Amatrudo to revive you!

2009-07-29T07:33:00.006-04:00

Connecticut Style!

We had fun again with Desiree on Channel 8's "Connecticut Style"

Below you will find our recipes for roasted corn salad and grilled

sea scallops which were a big hit with the crew. Mike and

Laura Gambardella supplied us with the most enormous scallops

on the day, and if you want some for yourself, come to the farmers'

market on Wednesdays 3:30-7pm or to the farm on Saturdays

when the Gambardellas are selling their wonderful seafood!

Robert Treat Farm Roasted Corn Salad

8 ears freshly picked corn

1 small onion - finely chopped

Large bunch fresh cilantro finely chopped

1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

big pinch of sea salt

freshly ground black pepper to taste

Soak corn in the husks in cold water for 15-20 minutes

Roast on barbeque grill for 20 minutes on medium heat, turning 4 times

Allow to cool enough to handle, then peel off husks and silk

Cut kernels off cobs with sharp knife

Whisk together olive oil, lime juice, salt and pepper in serving bowl

Add onion and corn kernels, toss well and serve

May also be served chilled

Grilled Sea Scallops

20 medium to large scallops

1 large clove of garlic, minced

Juice of 2 lemons

2 tablespoons melted butter

2 tablespoons olive oil

Bamboo or wooden skewers soaked in water for at least 20 minutes

Sea salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Marinate scallops in garlic and lemon juice for 20 minutes

Preheat grill

Place 4-5 scallops on each skewer depending on size

Brush with a little butter and olive oil

Brush grill with olive oil

Grill for approximately 4 minutes per side depending on size, until translucent all the way through

Serve immediately

Tune in 12:30pm, Wednesday, July 22nd Channel 8!

2009-07-20T11:40:00.015-04:00

We will be appearing on Channel 8's "Connecticut Style" again this Wednesday, July 22nd cooking up some more summer favorites for you. Tune in, Channel 8, 12:30pm.

Then from 3:30pm - 7pm, the Woodmont Farmers' Market takes place as usual in the parking lot.

This week again, the Waterfront Jazz Project www.waterfrontjazzproject.com is playing for us. They were really popular last week and we thank them very much for volunteering to play.

If you play in a band or know someone who does, and would like to volunteer to play at the market - please contact us! It's a great place to be for a few hours.

2009-07-10T17:49:00.006-04:00

Perennial Sale - now until Sunday only!

Stop by this weekend for a great deal. We are having a sale on perennials now until Sunday, July 12th, buy two, get one free!

2009-07-10T17:38:00.010-04:00

Did you see us on TV?
We were on Channel 8's "Connecticut Style" on Wednesday, July 8th at 12:30pm. By the time the farmers' market opened at 3:30pm, we were amazed at how many people had watched the show and then come to buy beets ready to make the roasted beets with goat cheese and the frittata with the beet greens Annalisa demonstrated!

You can check out the video for yourself by going to our home page and clicking on the link on the left hand side.

That's Annalisa, Jena and Erika on the set before the show, (photo above) and one of the show hosts, Desiree Fontaine with Annalisa in the photo below.

Tune in again at 12:30pm, Channel 8, July 22nd and August 5th for more cooking fun!

See below for our recipes.

Roasted Golden Beets with Goat Cheese

2 bunches fresh golden beets (or a mixture of red and golden)

Olive oil for roasting

1 package chevre goat cheese

Dressing:

1 shallot

Small clove garlic (optional)

1/2 cup good olive oil

1/4 cup aged balsamic vinegar

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon honey

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh tarragon for garnish

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Trim leaves from beets and set aside, leaving about an inch of stem. Leave long root intact.

Wash beets and place in roasting pan.

Coat with olive oil and cover pan with aluminum foil.

Roast for 1-1 1/4 hours depending on size or until tender.

Allow to cool enough to handle, then trim stem and slide skins off. Pinch off root.

If beets are small, leave whole, otherwise slice.

To make dressing:

Finely chop or mince shallot and garlic

Place in jar with tightly fitting lid

Add remaining ingredients and shake until well mixed.

Just before serving, crumble goat cheese over beets and drizzle with dressing.

Garnish with fresh tarragon.

May be served chilled or while the beets are still warm.

A nice variation is to use your favorite blue cheese instead of goat cheese.

No Fuss Frittata with Beet Greens

Greens from one bunch of beets

1 clove garlic (optional)

1 small onion

6 farm fresh eggs

1/4 cup milk or half and half

1/2 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese or parmesan

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

Preheat oven to 400 degrees

Thoroughly wash and dry beet greens.

Chop greens, garlic and onion finely and saute until wilted with olive oil in cast iron skillet. Allow moisture to evaporate.

Beat eggs and milk/cream lightly then pour over greens.

Allow to cook on medium to low heat until edges start to firm up.

Sprinkle cheese on top and transfer skillet to oven.

Bake for 10-15 minutes until the eggs have set and puffed up and the color is slightly golden brown.

Serve warm straight from the skillet.

You can save energy and make these two dishes together simply by starting the oven off at the higher temperature and turning it down once the frittata is made, leaving the beets to roast. Check for doneness after 50 minutes then continue cooking accordingly.

2009-07-03T17:23:00.001-04:00

2009-07-03T14:13:00.021-04:00

We were all worried when we got up Wednesday morning that it was going to pour with rain for the opening of the 2009 Woodmont Farmers' Market season, and it certainly did rain heavily after Mary had finished decorating the tractor and trailer for its new job as a stage for the afternoon festivities. But the strange and wonderful microclimate of Woodmont as well as our mantra "the sun always shines on market day" seemed to clear everything up by the time the vendors started arriving to set up around 2:30pm.

We opened at 3:30pm and a steady flow of shoppers kept arriving until we closed at 7pm.

We have a wonderful variety of vendors:

• Gambardellas - fish

• Beltane Farm - goat cheese

• Hidden Brook Gardens - organic produce

• Wave Hill Breads - artisan French bread

• Cheesecake to a T - cheesecake

• Snooty Foods - spreads, dips, pickles

• Cato Corners - farmstead cheeses

• Three Sisters Farm - certified naturally grown honey, lip balms, soaps and other specialties

• Roses Berry Farm - produce, fruit

• Trudy and Sage - goats milk soaps

• Cornflower Gardens - herbal skin care cosmetics

• Fresh Lemonade

• Tails Will Wag - dog and cat treats

• Kathy's Cookies - cookies, brownies

• Catch a Healthy Habit - smoothies, raw foods to go

• Farm to Hearth - wood-fired and made to order flatbread pizza

Mike and Laura Gambardella have been at the farmers' market from the beginning last year and love it so much they have been coming to the farm all year to supply the growing number of people who have gotten hooked on their wonderful fresh fish. So when they mentioned a young friend of theirs who happened to be an opera tenor as someone who was interested in singing at the market, we thought "why not?!"

Aaron Caruso came over to the farm a couple of weeks ago and we talked about making a stage from a vintage Farmall tractor and a wooden trailer - both of which while rather elderly, are still in regular use. If you happened to be at the market on Wednesday, you couldn't help but have a chuckle because Aaron brought quite a few friends to sing and play with him including his band who all sat up on the trailer and played. It made quite a good stage!

Newly crowned Miss Connecticut, Sharalynn Kuziak dropped in to see us delighting lots of young girls and aspiring princesses who waited to have their photos taken with her.

All in all, it was a great afternoon, despite the sometimes threatening skies which never spilled a drop after we opened.

Check back for updates, list of vendors each week and other news!

The Woodmont Farmers' Market is coming soon...

2009-05-15T11:24:00.019-04:00

This market offers a fabulous shopping experience
located on the Robert Treat Farm property on the corner of New Haven and Merwin Avenues adjacent to the historic beach community of Woodmont-on-the-Sound.
Featuring picked-that-day-produce of all kinds, organic hydroponic greens, cheeses, grass fed beef, fish straight off the boats in Stonington, French crusty bread and baked goods, cheesecakes, local clams, herbs, soaps and so much more! Guest artisans and musicians add to the European atmosphere of this upscale market.

Location
Robert Treat Farm at 1339 New Haven Avenue in Milford, Connecticut 06460

Dates
Wednesdays 3:30 pm - 7:00 pm
July 1th - September 30th

Contact:
Milford Woodmont Farmers' Market
Robert Treat Farm
1339 New Haven Avenue
Milford CT 06460
203-878-4270
Market Master: Annalisa Russell-Smith
woodmontfarmersmarket@gmail.com