July 17, 2025
The moment many of you have been waiting for has finally arrived: Minnesota sweet corn season is officially here! We've started picking our homegrown sweet corn, and it's absolutely delicious.
We'll be honest, we're seeing more tip worms than we'd like in this first planting. There's not much we can do about it without resorting to GMO corn, and that's not how we do things around here. We do rely on a regular spray routine with our sweet corn to keep those pesky worms at bay. However, all the rain we got in late June drastically disrupted that schedule as we just couldn’t get into the fields. When that happens, the worms move in and start enjoying the sweet corn before we get a chance.
But don't worry, a small worm at the tip doesn't mean the ear is inedible. Simply take that kitchen paring knife and slice the tip off. We promise the corn is still edible and you’ll be JUST FINE! Just remember, Minnesota sweet corn only gets better as the season progresses. It really is the best time of year.
The Harvest List
Beyond sweet corn, our harvest list is growing daily, and we couldn't be happier or busier.
- We're adding to our tomato varieties with the first heirloom and Valencia yellow tomatoes picked bright and early Monday morning.
- We've also started harvesting green peppers, tomatillos, and jalapeños – anyone craving fresh salsa?
- Our green and waxed beans are simply beautiful this season. After struggling with the bean crop last year, it's wonderful to have such a great yield so far. If you’re looking to freeze some beans, we’d recommend doing so now while the supply is plentiful.
Melon Forecast: Getting There!
The first cantaloupes from our high tunnels are ready! You can find them at the Minneapolis Farmers Market and our other pop-up locations like Centennial Lakes in Edina and the Plymouth Farmers Market. It won't be long until we have enough to supply all of our stands.
We know many of you are also eager for those delectable Sugar Cube melons. We're harvesting a couple every few days, but we truly mean "a couple." Give us about another week to ten days, and we should have a steady supply for everyone.
Battling the Elements: Cucumbers vs. Wildfires
Many of you likely experienced the distinct smell of Canadian wildfires this past weekend. Stepping outside Saturday morning, it genuinely felt like being at a campfire.
This smoky air doesn't just affect our breathing; it impacts plant growth too. The smoke acts as a filter, reducing the sunlight reaching our crops. We've noticed this most significantly with our cucumbers.
We have a very precise harvest schedule we've followed for years, but smoky skies throw everything off as the plants essentially stop growing. It's almost as if enough UV light is blocked that growth is stunted until the air clears. It's another challenge we face, but thankfully the air cleared quickly this past weekend, minimizing the impact on our cucumbers.
Little Things To Be Thankful About
While we face challenges completely out of our control (like wildfires), we're finding immense pride in the small victories right now.
- Our raspberries have really come on, tasting sweet and making the perfect topping for your morning yogurt or evening ice cream.
- Our day-neutral strawberries are finally producing a wonderful crop. After losing most of our June-bearing berries, we now have a steady supply of great-tasting strawberries that we hope will last until the first frost. They look fantastic and taste even better!
- Even with a few worms in the corn, the flavor and freshness of our produce far surpasses anything you'll find at the grocery store right now.
- And, tomatoes. Is anything better than a BLT on a hot summer night?
The days may be long and stressful right now, but when we take a moment to remember what we're proud of and the amazing quality produce we get to share with all of you, we rest a bit easier.
Thank you all for letting us grow for you!
