U-Pick Closed for the Season

We are getting numerous requests for apple picking at Granny B Farms. Our trees are still immature and bearing little fruit. Hopefully the weather will cooperate with us over the winter and into next year. Meanwhile, our U-Pick is closed for the season. If you would like to be added to our list for updates about farm activities, send us your e-mail address and/or phone number to: grannybfarms@gmail.com. 

Thanks so much for your interest in Granny B Farms. See you next year!

Local Columbus Chef Loves Babe's Jewels

Babe's Jewels

We received this review today via email:

My name is Tommy Gallo, and I own two restaurants in Columbus.  I recently received some of your produce through Sanfillipo Produce.  I wanted to take a minute and tell you that of all the Ohio produce I have used this summer, yours is truly at the head of the class.  I would also like to give special mention of your Heirloom Tomatoes, as they were vastly superior to anyone else, and frankly, some of the best tomatoes that I've eaten in years. I am aware that the work you do is a passion and love for the produce you grow.  I felt it necessary to let you know that I appreciate your hard work and care for your product, as the quality is in the look and taste. 

Thanks again, and continued success....

Tommy Gallo

Chef/Owner

Gallo's Kitchen & Bar

Gallo's Taproom

Thank you, Chef Tommy Gallo for taking time to write us. We are thrilled to hear you enjoyed our tomatoes.

Granny B's salad tomato medley, Babe's Jewels, and our many other organically grown products are offered for sale at these locations:

• On the farm at 7201 Tucker Rd., Centerburg, OH
• Saturdays from 9 AM to Noon at Clintonville Farmers' Market in Columbus, OH
• Harvest at the Woodward in Mt. Vernon, OH

Shaking Our Beautiful Hips

Rose hips are coming on--and while they may not be shaking, they are truly showing off! These beautiful seed pods are packed with vitamin C and, according to WebMD.com, used to treat many ailments. Tea lovers and herb enthusiasts include them in delicious teas. When harvest time arrives we hope to bring many rose hips to the Clintonville Farmers' Market. 

Organic Consumers Association and Mercola.com Initiate "Boycott Traitor Brands"

Find out:

1. Which Traitor Brands, or parent companies of organic brands, donated millions to defeat Prop 37 (CA) and I-522 (WA)
2. How you can fight for "Your Right to Know about GMOs"

Boycott Traitor Brands

Call these companies and tell them to support your right to know what's in your food!

Blueberry Harvest Closed For Now

Urgent Report: Blueberry Harvest has been interrupted due to an alien invasion last evening. Apparently, an alien spaceship swooped down and abducted all our ripe blueberries

...or it could have been birds.

Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience. If we have more blueberries available this season, we will let you know. Otherwise, we hope to see you next year during Blueberry Harvest.

Babe’s Jewels®

This Saturday, July 19^th, at Clintonville Farmers’ Market, you will find Granny B’s collection of cherry and small tomatoes, Babe’s Jewels®.

Babe’s Jewels®: Granny B's Tomato Medley

Babe’s Jewels®: Granny B's Tomato Medley

Grown in Granny B’s High Tunnel on straw bales, these jewels can include any combination of the following varieties, and more:

• Black Cherry
• Chadwick Cherry or Camp Joy
• Sweetie
• Green Grape
• Isis Candy
• Dancing With Smurfs
• Geranium Kiss

Hope to see you at CFM.

Babe’s Beauties®: Granny B’s Summer Squash Medley

This Saturday, July 12th, at Clintonville Farmers’ Market, you will find Granny B’s signature collection of summer squash, Babe’s Beauties®.

Our squash medley includes the following varieties:

• Green Bush Vegetable Marrow Squash
• Ronde de Nice
• Bianco Di Trieste
• Bennings Green Tint
• Yellow Scallopini

Summer's Bounty On Parade

See you soon at Granny B: U-Pick Schedule and Terms.

Black Raspberries

Blueberries

Currants

Gooseberries

Gooseberries

Blackberries - coming soon

Blueberry U-Pick Begins

Blueberries are in season and ready to pick beginning this Saturday, July 5th, from 9 AM - 2 PM. For more details, visit: U-Pick Schedule and Terms. 

Best Practices for Picking Blueberries:

1. Pick only those blueberries that are fully ripe (see photos below).
2. Come early in the day to beat the heat.
3. Come early in the day for maximum availability. During strawberry season we often sold out before noon.

Solid blue with no colored blushing at all

We look forward to seeing you! 

The blushing might be pretty...but the berries just aren't sweet enough yet.

Flying Horse Farms Staff Volunteers at Granny B

At least 18 staff members from Flying Horse Farms, Mt. Gilead, OH, volunteered today at Granny B Farms, weeding strawberry boxes and raspberry fields. The workers hail from the Midwest, New England, and Ireland. Many are college students, or recent grads, majoring in anthropology, marketing, and pre-med. Others are members of the Alcoa Foundation's Conservation and Sustainability Fellowship Program. All are committed to enriching the lives of the children who attend their program.

Flying Horse Farms is a summer camp providing "serious fun"* for children with serious illness, such as cancer, asthma, heart conditions, and more. Each volunteer gave a brief video interview telling us about the work and play at Flying Horse Farms. Below are a few photos from today's work experience. Videos to be posted soon.

Granny B Farms is pleased to sponsor the Flying Horse with organically grown fruit and vegetables each summer. Thank you to the staff for all their hard work today, and their dedication to a worthy cause.

Reference:
https://www.seriousfunnetwork.org/

Coming Saturday to Clintonville Farmers' Market

Aromas of basil, thyme, and sage permeate the farm kitchen as we pick and pack for Saturday's CFM. This week we will feature:

Strawberries, Sugar Snap Peas, Snow Peas,

Cucumbers, Zucchini, Chard, Kale,

French Sorrel, Oregano, Lemon Balm,

Rosemary, Anise Hyssop, Sage,

Thyme, Chives, Garlic Chives, Basil

See you there!

Projected Availability of Berries for U-Pick

Strawberry season is in full swing here at Granny B. We just picked several quarts this morning, and expect many more available for U-Pick tomorrow, starting at 8 AM. 

Other berries are coming into fruit and will be available for U-Pick in the near future. Below are our current projections. We will update U-Pick Schedule information as harvest time for each fruit approaches at http://grannybfarms.blogspot.com/p/u-pick-schedule-and-terms.html. 

Fruit / Anticipated Dates:

Gooseberries / first week of July (limited supply)
Currents / first week of July (limited supply)
Black Raspberries / first or second week of July
Blueberries / second or third week of July

Though not certified, Granny B Farms uses all organic inputs and practices. We never use GMOs or chemical pesticides. Our fruit is fresh, delicious, and locally grown. Our families eat it, too. We hope you will join us.

Just-Picked Strawberries Available Today

All organic inputs. No GMOs, no pesticides, no chemicals.

All goodness, locally grown and ready for the eating.

Fresh Picked Herbs at CFM Saturday

Granny B Farms presents fresh picked herbs at Clintonville Farmers' Market every Saturday this summer. Tomorrow we offer Chives, Sage, Oregano, Lemon Balm, French Tarragon, French Sorrel, Anise Hyssop, Thyme, and Rosemary. Purple asparagus and strawberries will also be featured, as well as a variety of tomato plants and pepper plants. See you there!

The Whole Family Picks from Raised Strawberry Beds

 

U-Picking has begun and the whole family gets involved.

Strawberry picking is family-fun time.

Sisterly love.

The raised beds are right for the whole family's reach.

Mother and daughter pick strawberries for jelly making.










See the U-Pick Schedule Page for availability.

Pruden’s Purple Tomato

Catalog #TK158 Photo, description and reviews retrieved from: http://www.rareseeds.com/prudens-purple-tomato/?F_Keyword=pruden%27s%20purple

70 days. Lovely deep-pink fruits weigh up to 1 lb. They are early for such large fruit. Similar to Brandywine in size and having the same sweet, rich taste. Potato-leaved plants.

Reviews from Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds customers.

I grow several varieties of heirloom tomatoes each year. I grow this tomato every year because it is reliable, good tasting, early for such a large heirloom, productive, and relatively disease resistant. Zone 5b.

Phyllis’s Notes:
At tomato tastings, Pruden's Purple usually vies for top honors with the Brandywine. Pruden's Purple Tomato plants for sale at the Clintonville Farmers' Market this Saturday, May 31st, from 9-1. Come ready this summer to CFM to sample more than 20 varieties of tomatoes from Granny B Farms. See you there.

Pantano Romanesco Tomato

Catalog #TM127 Photo, description and reviews retrieved from: http://www.rareseeds.com/pantano-romanesco/?F_Keyword=pantano

A Roman heirloom that was sent to us by Signor Barbetti from Italy. The fruit are large and are deep red with almost a purple tint. The flesh is very rich, flavorful and juicy. An excellent tomato for home and market gardeners; very rare and delicious. 70 Days to Maturity. 70 days to maturity.

Reviews from Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds customers.

Second year with 100% germination! These produced a full 2 weeks earlier than other varieties (even those bought as larger plants!) Important for folks who are selling at farmer's market! Great taste as a slicer & wonderfully meaty for sauces. The Pantano Romanesco will ALWAYS have a place in my garden! (Rock Falls, IL)

I was actually looking for smallish tomatoes to dry because I don't really like the texture of fresh tomatoes. (I guess I didn't read the description very carefully.) These are huge- both the plants (which outgrew the stakes and now gracefully drape over the fence) and the tomatoes. What surprised me the most is that I really like these sliced and fresh- very sweet and tasty. Unlike the varieties of plum and grape tomatoes in my New England garden, these didn't look diseased by late August although they didn't start to ripen until then either. (Windham, CT)

Phyllis’ Notes:

Pantano Romanesco Tomato plants for sale at the Clintonville Farmers' Market this Saturday, May 31st, from 9-1. Come ready this summer to CFM to sample more than 20 varieties of tomatoes from Granny B Farms. See you there.

Organically Grown Strawberries: U-Pick Availability Coming Soon

Karena pauses her weeding among the raised strawberry beds. Soon we will have strawberries for U-Pick. Watch for availability dates and times. Only thing better than tasting freshly picked local strawberries is knowing they were grown with organic methods and lots of TLC.

Strawberry fields coming along beautifully

Marmande Tomato

Catalog #TM119 Photo, description and reviews retrieved from: http://www.rareseeds.com/marmande-tomato/?F_Keyword=marmande

Semi-determinate 70 days. Popular old French variety developed by the Vilmorin Seed Co. Scarlet, lightly ribbed fruit have the full rich flavor that is so enjoyed in Europe. Medium-large size fruit are produced even in cool weather. Productive market variety. Imported European seed.

I grew only eight of these plants last year and they were generous and tasty producers and did not get the usual leaf problems. Our climate is very hot and dry and I used drip irrigation. The most remarkable thing about them was that I took them camping with me and they lasted 17 days and kept firm to the end. I will definitely grow them again.

Tolerated a cool wet summer in Ontario, Canada near Algonquin Park. Very productive.

I grew six varieties this year, all from baker creek. I think this was my least favorite variety. I like juicy tomatoes vs the kind with thick walls and this one was juicy but I didn't think the flavor was much better than a grocery store tomato. It was just ok…They are good producers with nice-sized fruit (larger and flatter than a baseball) I think they might make some good sun-drieds but not so much for fresh eating…I think I will try a different red variety next year.

Phyllis’ Notes:

Marmande Tomato plants for sale at the Clintonville Farmers' Market this Saturday, May 24th, from 9-1. Come ready this summer to CFM to sample more than 20 varieties of tomatoes from Granny B Farms. See you there.

Isis Candy Tomato

Catalog #1232 Photo and description retrieved from: http://www.seedsavers.org/onlinestore/tomato_3/Tomato-Isis-Candy.html

(Solanum lycopersicum) Gorgeous bicolor cherry tomatoes are red with a spectacular cat’s eye starburst on the blossom end. Rich, sweet, fruity flavor. Plants are loaded with 1½" fruits in clusters of 6-8. Bred by Joe Bratka of New Jersey. Indeterminate, 70-80 days from transplant.

Phyllis’ Notes:

I grew these in 2012 because my granddaughter's middle name is Isis. They are so delicious, we've started growing them every year. Isis Candy Tomato plants for sale at the Clintonville Farmers' Market this Saturday, May 24th, from 9-1. Come ready this summer to CFM to sample more than 20 varieties of tomatoes from Granny B Farms. See you there.

Indigo Rose Tomato

Catalog #3616 Photo and description retrieved from: http://www.johnnyseeds.com/p-8711-indigo-rose-og.aspx

Darkest tomato bred so far, exceptionally high in anthocyanins. Anthocyanins are powerful anti-oxidants. In the early stages of fruit development, Indigo Rose develops a dark purple pigment in its skin where exposed to direct sunlight. Green when unripe, purple-red when ripe, the 1-2 oz., cocktail-sized tomatoes have good flavor with 'plummy' overtones. Developed by Jim Myers at Oregon State University using traditional plant breeding techniques. Moderately vigorous. Compact indeterminate. Organically grown. 75 days.

Phyllis’ Notes:

We started growing Indigo Rose Tomatoes in 2013 at Marianne's request. She wanted this variety because of the anthocyanins, to insure her family's health. Our friends at Aujumama’s Food Truck makes a delicious jam out of these tomatoes. Indigo Rose Tomato plants for sale at the Clintonville Farmers' Market beginning Saturday, May 17th, from 9-1. Come ready this summer to CFM to sample more than 20 varieties of tomatoes from Granny B Farms. See you there.

Geranium Kiss Tomato

Catalog # LS286 Photo and description retrieved from: http://livingseeds.co.za/geranium-kiss-tomato

(Lycopersicon esculentum) It is a very unusual bush tomato that produces masses of large cherry type fruit. Not small enough to be called cherry tomatoes but not large enough to rate as a small tomato. The lovely red fruit have a small point or nipple that gives it a distinctive look; however it is the foliage that really stands out. It truly does look like a geranium.

Phyllis’ Notes:

Geranium Kiss Tomato plants for sale at the Clintonville Farmers' Market beginning Saturday, May 17th, from 9-1. Come ready this summer to CFM to sample more than 20 varieties of tomatoes from Granny B Farms. See you there.

Golden Monarch Tomato

Catalog #TY117 Photo, description and reviews retrieved from: http://www.rareseeds.com/golden-monarch/?F_Keyword=golden%20monarch

80 days. Large, bright yellow fruit have outstanding flavor, being sweet and tangy. Plants produce lots of 10-to 14-ounce lemon beauties. Was listed by the Buist Seed Company in the 1940s.

Reviews from Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds customers.

This tomato is the best tasting in my garden this year. It has a citrus tangy flavor to it. Also very productive.

Reasonable vigor. High yielding even in Texas heat. Apparent disease tolerance. Six to 12 oz. fruit with strongly ribbed boat shapes. Exerted and flattened, wide stigma. Sparse foliage. Flavor is exceptional with full, strong, tart tomato flavors and long lingering aftertaste.

Phyllis’ Notes:

Golden Monarch Tomato plants for sale at the Clintonville Farmers' Market beginning Saturday, May 17th, from 9-1. Come ready this summer to CFM to sample more than 20 varieties of tomatoes from Granny B Farms. See you there.

Organic Gilbertie Paste Tomato

Catalog #3040 Photo and description retrieved from: http://www.highmowingseeds.com/organic-seeds-gilbertie-paste-tomato.html

(Lycopersicon esculentum) HEIRLOOM. This long-time favorite is requested by customers year after year! Long, slender shape with characteristically green shoulders and a slight crook in the neck. Narrow fruits are on average 7” long and 10-12 oz. Flesh is very solid, with a beloved rich flavor that makes excellent sauces and soups. Very small seed cavity. One of the varieties we’ve carried since 1996, when High Mowing began as Tom’s hobby. Indeterminate

Phyllis’ Notes:

Gilbertie Paste Tomato plants for sale at the Clintonville Farmers' Market beginning Saturday, May 17th, from 9-1. Come ready this summer to CFM to sample more than 20 varieties of tomatoes from Granny B Farms. See you there.

Golden Beauty Tomato

Catalog #TF0207 Photo and description retrieved from: https://store.tomatofest.com/Golden_Beauty_p/tf-0207.htm

75 days. Strong leafy plant yielding lots of 2-inch, slightly flattened fruits. Color more a ivory-yellow than gold. Delicious, delicate, sweet fruity flavors that are clean to the finish and long lasting. Indeterminate.

Phyllis’ Notes:

Golden Beauty Tomato plants for sale at the Clintonville Farmers' Market beginning Saturday, May 17th, from 9-1. Come ready this summer to CFM to sample more than 20 varieties of tomatoes from Granny B Farms. See you there.

Costoluto Genovese Tomato

Catalog # TM210 Photo, description and reviews retrieved from: http://www.rareseeds.com/costoluto-genovese-tomato/

The fluted, old Italian favorite that has been around since the early 19th century. Fruit are rather flattened and quite attractive with their deep ribbing. This variety is a standard in Italy for both fresh eating and preserving; known for its intensely flavorful, deep red flesh. This variety has also became very popular with chefs in this country.

Reviews from Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds customers.

I saw someone's review say they prefer this tomato for fresh eating. I'm glad they enjoy the fresh flavor. As a chef, I much preferred these hard-to-find beauties cooked. I predominantly use these for home use-- canning juice and sauces. The plants just keep producing. A few plants gave me over 100 quarts, and I gave away bushels to neighbors and friends. They are shockingly full flavored. Not overly sweet, or acidic, but flavorful. A very 'tomatoy' flavor. Deep and complex. They reduce wonderfully for a thick, rich sauce. Minimal processing required for juice or soup. Skins can be tough depending on growing conditions, but easy enough to concasse. Fresh, they tend to have a mealy texture. If you like to cook or can, or looking for a paste tomato alternative, I highly recommend this one.

Very easy to grow. It can be used any way a tomato can be used. On a sandwich, in a sauce, Frozen for later use, etc.

Phyllis’ Notes:

Costoluto Genovese Tomato plants for sale at the Clintonville Farmers'Market beginning Saturday, May 17th, from 9-1. Come ready this summer to CFM to sample more than 20 varieties of tomatoes from Granny B Farms. See you there.

Dancing With Smurfs Tomato

Catalog #3437 Photo and description retrieved from: http://www.tradewindsfruit.com/dancing-with-smurfs-tomato-seeds

A true blue cherry tomato variety with small fruits that ripen to a deep purple-blue in sunlight. Nice cherry tomato flavor, good production. Dusky blue-green stems and foliage too! Breeding line may still be unstable. Open pollinated. Small indeterminate. 65-70 days

Phyllis’ Notes:     

Dancing with Smurfs Tomato plants for sale at the Clintonville Farmers' Market beginning Saturday, May 17th, from 9-1. Come ready this summer to CFM to sample more than 20 varieties of tomatoes from Granny B Farms. See you there.

Dagma's Perfection

Catalog #5080 Photo and description retrieved from: http://www.tomatogrowers.com/DAGMAS-PERFECTION/productinfo/5080/

This beautiful bi-colored heirloom tomato is distinctive among other yellow and red varieties because of its pastel coloring. It matures to a soft shade of pale yellow painted with subtle striping of light red. The 12 oz. slightly flattened fruit has delicious, rich flavor with nuances of tropical fruit that suits it well to simple salads or slices with only a light drizzle of dressing. Indeterminate. 72 days.

Phyllis’ Notes:

Dagma’s Perfection Tomato plants for sale at the ClintonvilleFarmers' Market beginning Saturday, May 17th, from 9-1. Come ready this summer to CFM to sample more than 20 varieties of tomatoes from Granny B Farms. See you there.

Chocolate Stripes Tomato

Catalog # TF-0115A Photo and description retrieved from https://store.tomatofest.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=TF-0115A

One of the Top 3 tomatoes of the 2007 TomatoFest. Our organic tomato seeds produce very large, indeterminate, regular-leaf tomato plants that yield a plentiful crop of 3-4 inch, mahogany colored with dark, olive green-striping (similar to black zebra).  Fruits have delicious, complex, rich, sweet, earthy tomato flavors. Chocolate Stripe, another desirable 'black tomato," is an excellent tomato and a fine choice for your tomato garden. Produces well into the autumn. A great sandwich tomato and salad tomato.

According to http://www.restorationseeds.com/products/chocolate-stripes-tomato, this tomato reaches maturity in 75-80 days.

Phyllis’ Notes:

Chocolate Stripes Tomato plants for sale at the Clintonville Farmers'Market beginning Saturday, May 17th, from 9-1. Come ready this summer to CFM to sample more than 20 varieties of tomatoes from Granny B Farms. See you there.