Spring 2024

Hello from Hollyhock Farm!

It’s been a while since the farm has posted an update. We’re already well into spring and lots of things are happening!

Plant Starts: The new project for this season has been adding a plant starts operation. I’ve done tomato starts the last few years–mostly for my own use in the tomato hut, but I’ve grown extras for the market. This year I doubled down, built a new starts room, and greatly expanded my offerings. I still have tomatoes available, but also several squash varieties, basil, strawberries, peppers, flowers, and melons.

Meat: Last season proved challenging in the USDA processing arena. There are only a couple of USDA meat processors in the area, and they stay very busy. If they have any issues, backlogs are inevitable. Unfortunately, one of the processors decided to close for good last year, leaving only one for the time-being. Hopefully more capacity will come online soon. That said, lamb offerings this season are limited. I will have a few cuts and sausages available at the farm shop only!

Eggs: Egg production is up for the spring! I have some new chicken breeds that together lay a handsome mix of light brown, dark brown, green, and blue eggs. They are also fresh with bright orange yolks owing to quality feeds, and field forage, as usual. So far I have been able to have eggs available at the farmers markets we attend as well as in the weekend farm shop.

Veggies: The usual mix of veggies is in and coming along. Radishes are just ready for harvest. Green garlic and spring onions have been available for a couple of weeks now. Salad is right around the corner as are kale, collards, and chard.

-The Duvall Farmer’s Market has started and we’re there each week at Taylor Landing park in Duvall, Thursdays 3-7PM.

-The Carnation Farmer’s Market starts up at the beginning of June on Tuesdays, 3-7PM at the Big Red Barn at Tolt McDonald park.

-Hollyhock Farm Shop is open each weekend, Saturday and Sunday, 9-5PM.

– Phil