There is nothing quite like the taste of vegetables picked straight from the vine on a warm summer morning. If you’ve visited us recently for riding lessons or farm programs, you might have noticed some vibrant new green rows soaking up the sun.

We are absolutely thrilled to share that we’ve expanded our roots, literally! We have officially started growing our own fresh, sustainable produce right here on the farm. It’s been a labor of love transitioning these fertile patches of land into a budding market garden, and the harvest is finally rolling in.

If you are looking for the freshest local ingredients to brighten up your dinner table, stop by our Howard County Farm Stand this week. Here is a look at what we are harvesting right now, along with a little fun history on how these summer favorites make it to your plate.

🥒 Cucumbers: The Coolest Summer Classic

Nothing beats the crisp, refreshing crunch of a cucumber on a hot July afternoon.

• The Origin: Cucumbers (Cucumis sativus) are native to ancient India, where they have been cultivated for more than 3,000 years! They eventually spread to China, ancient Greece, and Rome, where Julius Caesar reportedly ate them daily.

• Growing & Cultivating: Cucumbers are fast movers! From the day we tuck the seeds into our warm soil, it takes only about 50 to 70 days to reach maturity. They love to climb, so we train them up trellises to keep the fruit clean and straight. We harvest them by hand in the cool morning hours when they are firm and crisp, using sharp shears to clip them from the vine so the plant stays healthy and keeps producing.

🌱 Zucchini: The Generous Garden Favorite

Zucchini is the ultimate champion of the summer garden, loved for its incredible versatility in everything from stir-fries to fresh breads.

• The Origin: While squash as a species originates in the Americas, the specific modern zucchini we know and love today was actually bred and developed in Italy in the late 19th century. In fact, the word zucchini comes from the Italian word for a small squash, zucca.

• Growing & Cultivating: Zucchini is an incredibly rewarding crop that takes roughly 45 to 60 days from seed to harvest. They grow on bushy plants with massive, beautiful golden blossoms (which are also edible!). Cultivating zucchini requires a watchful eye—they grow incredibly fast once the fruit sets. We check the patch daily to pick them when they are about 6 to 8 inches long, which is the sweet spot for the best flavor and a tender, non-woody texture.

Don’t Forget the Eggs! 🥚

While you are stocking up on your green veggies at our Howard County Farm Stand, make sure to grab a carton of our fresh farm eggs! Hand-gathered daily from our happy, healthy hens, these eggs have beautiful, rich yolks that make any breakfast, baking project, or summer quiche infinitely better.

Swing By and Say Hi!

Our stand is stocked, the sun is shining, and the fields are beautiful. Whether you’re coming by for a scheduled activity or just taking a drive down our local country roads, we’d love for you to pull up, say hello, and take home a piece of the harvest.

Support local, eat fresh, and see what’s growing at the farm this summer!

If you would like more information about our Farm stand riding programs or general information, contact us today! Follow us on the farm through Instagram and/or Facebook for more up-to-date information!