What’s blooming

newhall_fields_community_farm

Reflecting on this year’s youth crew programming

Reflecting on this year’s youth crew programming,

it’s heartwarming to think about all the fun we had with the students. Each session was filled with laughter, creativity, and a sense of camaraderie as we delved into various activities related to farming and sustainability. Watching the kids engage with the land and each other was truly inspiring. They not only learned but had a fun while working towards a common goal.

This year has marked a significant milestone for o

This year has marked a significant milestone for our nonprofit farm, showcasing a successful and transformative experience for students of all ages who participated in our programs.

Through hands-on learning and collaboration, we’ve been able to engage young minds in agriculture, sustainability, and community service.

Excited to have more students and moments like these on the farm next season!

Students pictured 📸: Devereux@Waring school

Did you make it out to one of our pop-up markets t

Did you make it out to one of our pop-up markets this season? If so, what was your favorite purchase?

We want to know🤓…

Now that our 2024 season has come to an end, We’

Now that our 2024 season has come to an end, We’re reflecting on all the growth we had on and off the farm.

Did you know The farm has a heritage vine of Concord Grapes Growing outside the herb Garden?

Concord grapes typically grow in Massachusetts from late summer to early fall. The harvest season usually peaks around mid to late September, when the grapes reach their sweetest and juiciest state. This timing is ideal as it follows the warm summer months, fully allowing the grapes to develop their rich flavor and vibrant color. With its perfect climate and soil conditions, particularly in the eastern regions, Massachusetts has become famous for these grapes 🍇

As we wrap up another farming season, we wanted to

As we wrap up another farming season, we wanted to reflect on and celebrate the journey. Sunday, we celebrated this season at @granitecoastbrewing .

We shared and expressed our heartfelt gratitude to our incredible community,

This year has been one of growth, resilience, and connection. Every seed planted, every crop harvested, and every volunteer hour spent in the fields has been a testament to the strength and unity of our community.

We’ve cultivated both produce and relationships, sharing knowledge and experiences that have brought us closer together.

Thank you to everyone who has supported the farm, including dedicated volunteers, generous donors, and loyal supporters. Your unwavering commitment has enabled us to nourish both the land and the people, fostering a sustainable environment for future generations.

As we pause to celebrate this season’s accomplishments, we also look forward to what lies ahead. We are excited to plan for next year and continue our mission of promoting healthy eating and sustainable practices.

Together, we can accomplish so much more. We can’t wait to see you in the next season 🌱

📸: Deb Eskenazi

At NFCF, we embrace sustainable agricultural pract

At NFCF, we embrace sustainable agricultural practices to ensure a healthy ecosystem while providing fresh produce to our community. One of the vital techniques we employ is planting cover crops, and we want to share why they are essential not just for our farm but for the environment as a whole.

1. Soil Health**
Cover crops play a critical role in enhancing soil structure and fertility. Growing these crops during the off-season helps prevent soil erosion, reduce compaction, and increase organic matter content. This results in healthier, more productive soil that can sustain crops year after year.

2. Nutrient Management**
Many cover crops, such as legumes, naturally fix nitrogen in the soil, reducing our reliance on synthetic fertilizers. This not only lowers our costs but also minimizes nutrient runoff into nearby waterways, protecting local ecosystems from pollution.

3. Weed Suppression**
Cover crops act as a natural barrier against weeds. By out-competing unwanted plants, they help reduce the need for chemical herbicides. This aligns perfectly with our mission of promoting organic farming and maintaining a chemical-free environment.

4. Biodiversity**
Diversifying our crop rotation with cover crops supports a wider variety of organisms in the soil. This biodiversity enhances microbial activity, critical for breaking down organic matter and making nutrients available to our main crops.

5. Water Management**
Roots from cover crops improve soil permeability and water retention, allowing the soil to absorb more rainwater and reducing the risk of runoff. This means that our soil retains moisture better during dry spells, ensuring our plants have access to the water they need.

6. Carbon Sequestration**
Cover crops play a significant role in the fight against climate change by capturing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and sequestering it in the soil. By incorporating these practices, we reduce our carbon footprint and promote a more sustainable future.

By incorporating cover crops into our farming practices, we enhance our farm’s productivity and contribute positively to the environment. Fostering a healthier planet and nourishing our community.

Happy Halloween from the farm! 👻✨ Wishing e

Happy Halloween from the farm!

👻✨ Wishing everyone a fun and festive day filled with treats and thrills!

Check out these fun Pumpkin facts you may or may not have known.

Did you know…

*There are over 45 varieties of pumpkins? From classic orange to colorful hues, each has unique flavor and use!

* Pumpkins typically take 75 to 100 days to grow, making late spring the perfect time to plant them for a fall harvest.

* Pumpkins are not just for decoration! They’re packed with vitamins A and C, as well as fiber. A tasty treat for both the body and the soul!

* Pumpkins are great for attracting bees and other pollinators, which play a crucial role in our ecosystem.

Can you feel the change in the weather? Soup sea

Can you feel the change in the weather?
Soup season is upon us. Check out this easy celery soup recipe we’ve fallen in love with 🥣 .

**Ingredients:**

- 4 cups celery, chopped (including leaves)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: a splash of lemon juice and fresh herbs for garnish

🌿 **Instructions:**

1. **Sauté:** Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large pot. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.

2. **Add Veggies:** Stir in chopped celery, potatoes, and carrots. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. **Pour Broth:** Add the vegetable or chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 20-25 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.

4. **Blend:** For a creamy texture, use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, blend in batches in a regular blender.

5. **Season:** Add salt and pepper to taste. If desired, stir in a splash of lemon juice for brightness.

6. **Serve:** Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs. Enjoy warm!

🥄 **Tip:** This soup is perfect for meal prep! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

—

Feel free to share this recipe. It’s a comforting dish perfect for any season. 😊✨#SoupSeason #CeleryStockSoup #HealthyEating

It was such a pleasure to have @bridgewellorg bac

It was such a pleasure to have @bridgewellorg back on the farm this year for their service day. Their work on the farm was invaluable, and it’s always nice to see this annual volunteer event continue to grow in participation.

Now, they need our help. @bridgewellorg is hosting a donation drive until the end of the month. Bridgewell will gather personal items like diapers, baby wipes, and non-perishable food for various organizations, including Citizen’s Inn in Peabody.

If you’d like to support them during their drive, you can drop off donations at their Dearborn Road headquarters as part of their Celebration of Community activities. This gives Bridgewell program participants, staff, and community members a chance to make a difference.

#GiveBack #CommunitySupport #DonationDrive

📸: Debby Eskenazi

🌿 The herb garden at Newhall Fields has officia

🌿 The herb garden at Newhall Fields has officially been accepted as a part of the United Plant Savers Botanical Sanctuary Network!

We value cultivating a diverse array of herbs and native plants and are excited to be featured on their map of plant sanctuaries.

The herb garden and the perennial hedgerows are key parts of our mission to farm regeneratively. Being part of this network allows us to connect with other gardens across the nation, and affords us access to numerous educational resources that we can in turn share with our local community.

Check out the link in our bio to find out more about this amazing organization!

We are so grateful to everyone who could attend ou

We are so grateful to everyone who could attend our fire cider workshop yesterday in the herb garden.

It was a wonderful gathering of people eager to learn about the benefits of fire cider, herbs, and our growing community farm.

The vibrant atmosphere, the insightful discussions, and the shared enthusiasm made the workshop a truly special experience.

We are always thankful for the opportunity to connect with our community and share knowledge.

🫙If you couldn’t attend this year, keep an eye out for our fire cider event next season. This has quickly become an annual event everyone looks forward to.

🌿For those who attended, remember:
To finish your Fire cider Strain (Cheesecloth provided) on or around November 20th, 2024, add 1+oz Honey and bottle
Enjoy!

We absolutely love getting to know volunteers on a

We absolutely love getting to know volunteers on and off the farm. It’s a joy to see people from all walks of life come together to volunteer and learn about farming. Whether they’re local community members or visitors from far away, we always appreciate their enthusiasm and willingness to get their hands dirty.

This is Chelys’s first season with us on the farm, and her enthusiasm for working in the herb garden has been contagious 🙌

Even though they look like they might be from anot

Even though they look like they might be from another planet, we grow kohlrabi right here in Peabody.

Another member of the brassica family- it’s related to cauliflower, broccoli, and cabbage. The bulb has the consistency of a raw potato, but tastes sweet like broccoli. Peel the bulb, and you can cube it and roast it, cut it thin and eat it raw with hummus, or shred it and add it to a slaw!

Our final pop-up farm stand was last month, and it

Our final pop-up farm stand was last month, and it was great to see so many smiling faces 🌱

📸: Debby Eskenazi

If you weren’t able to make it to one of our pop-up Farmstands this season, consider joining us for our fire cider workshop this Sunday, October 20th, at the farm or visiting us @herbstalk WINTERGREEN MARKET on Saturday, November 30th, at the Armory in Somerville, MA.

🛟Save the dates!

Today, we want to wish our farm Manager, CJ, and a

Today, we want to wish our farm Manager, CJ, and all the other amazing farmers a Happy National Farmer Day!

Cheers to all the hardworking farmers out there! Your dedication and commitment to feeding your communities do not go unnoticed.

Thank you for all you do to keep us nourished and your unwavering resilience in the face of challenges. We appreciate you today and every day.

#NationalFarmerDay #ThankAFarmer #gratitude #oct12

Tickets still available! 🔗Link in bio to join

Tickets still available!
🔗Link in bio to join us

JOIN US IN THE FARM’S PERENNIAL HERB GARDEN TO LEARN FROM OUR HERBALIST, REBECCA INGALLS, AND MAKE YOUR OWN TRADITIONAL TONIC BLEND WITH FARM-GROWN INGREDIENTS.

#savethedate
SUNDAY OCTOBER 20TH,
12PM - 2PM

NEWHALL FIELDS COMMUNITY FARM
193 LYNN STREET, PEABODY

Last week, we hit a significant milestone on the f

Last week, we hit a significant milestone on the farm—we’ve officially harvested a little over 10,000 pounds!

There are still a few more harvest days to go, and we can’t wait to see our final harvest count.

If you’ve been on the farm this season, give yourself a round of applause 👏👏👏.

💚We couldn’t have reached this milestone without you.

We saved Echinacea seeds last week and were so gla

We saved Echinacea seeds last week and were so glad we did.

Here are a few reasons you should also consider saving seeds from your garden.

-Firstly, it allows you to preserve the genetic diversity of the plant, especially if you have a particular variety that you want to continue growing in your garden.

-Secondly, seeds from Echinacea can be a cost-effective way to propagate the plant in future seasons.

-Last but not least, by saving seeds from your plants, you can ensure that they are adapted to your specific growing conditions, leading to stronger, more resilient plants in the long run🌱

Have you started saving any seeds from your garden?

Newhall Fields Fire Cider workshop has become a Fa

Newhall Fields Fire Cider workshop has become a Fall tradition!

This is the fifth year we are offering the opportunity to join us at the farm to make your own Fire Cider blend from roots, vegetables, and herbs grown right here.

We hope you will join us for the fun and take in the brilliance of the landscape at this beautiful time of year. We will supply jars, instructions, and all ingredients, but do feel free to bring your own refreshments.

This event is open to the public, so please pass it along to any friends who may be interested!

We suggest a donation of $40, but please donate as little or as much as you’d like. All are welcome.

🎟️Link in bio for tickets

Tuesday was our fourth year working with @bridgew

Tuesday was our fourth year working with @bridgewellorg for their annual volunteer Day. This year was our largest turnout yet.

The event’s success was not just a result of our efforts but a collective achievement of the seventy volunteers who joined us for a day of fun and hard work. We were thrilled to see so many people volunteering on the farm, and their contributions were invaluable.

Everyone worked tirelessly to help with various tasks around the farm, from harvesting herbs/ seeds to laying a new floor in our hoop house and even erecting another Predator perch in our fields. It was a wonderful day filled with teamwork, laughter, and a real sense of community. We’re already looking forward to next year’s Bridgewell Volunteer Day and hope to see even more volunteers join us for another memorable day on the farm.

Special thanks to State Rep Tom Walsh, Greg Stefano, @stefanoslandscaping team , @jeol_usa , and @bridgewellorg for your support on Tuesday.

📰Have you seen? :
We were featured in 10/1/24 @itemlive issue
The link to the article is in our bio!

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