Hi Reader,

"Oh, Mom. The dirt was so soft. I love the dirt in the truck patch."

It's a true farm girl who can appreciate nice dirt. She is right. The truck patch used to be the large family garden where my parents and grandparents grew food for the family. They took care of the soil and so it has fewer rocks, more top soil and organic matter. It gives me hope that after years of improving our fields with organic practices the soil will improve similarly.

"Today we said we "joined the circus" because we were having so much fun planting lettuce with Andres. We were messing up his grid and the baby was helping us plant."

Andres was planting lettuce by hand in the "truck patch" when Farmer Reuben, aka Dad, sent Gwen and Isa out to help him finish up right before lunch.

It was a perfect day to plant tender lettuce because it was overcast so we were finally getting a break from the overpowering July sun that has zapped everything out of the plants, the dirt and the farm crew.

We even received a little rain last night which loosens the soil and gives the plants a needed drink.

Just to add some fun, the thirteen year old farm girls brought out their wooden 12 inch ruler to see if Andres was truly planting each lettuce twelve inches apart.

Nope. His grid was 13.5 inches so they insisted on making the correction as they planted. So much for his nice even rows. Silly girls.

The baby turned 2 years old this week and so, apparently, she is old enough to work on the farm. She pulled the lettuce "plugs" out of the trays and handed them to the planting crew. In fact, she was so good at the job that when they ran out of plants she pulled them out of the rows to keep the girls going. Oops!

This lettuce should grow over the next 6-8 weeks in order to be ready for our farm food deliveries in October. You'll notice that we keep planting vegetables all summer long in order to have the freshest food for you as late as possible into the fall. About one thousand baby cabbage plants went into the field this week too. This fall cabbage is the variety that can be stored long into the winter to provide you with nutrient rich food even after the ground is frozen.

But let's check in to see the July potato harvest. Normally we'd be digging potatoes this time of year but it's kind of on pause. Watch my latest video to find out why.

Fresh dug potatoes from Farmer Leroy have been included in our market boxes for the last two weeks and more are coming. You'll see these first red-skinned potatoes, then the buttery yellow ones and then the familiar white potatoes.

I used to think that potatoes from the grocery store were just fine and couldn't imagine why we should plant our own potatoes. It seemed like a lot of extra work for not much benefit. How could home grown potatoes be any better!

Oh, my goodness! I couldn't believe how wrong I was. Before we started farming, I didn't know that there were other varieties than the white Idaho potato. The potato that convinced me was the yellow Yukon Gold with it's soft, buttery flavor. That's when I learned that it doesn't matter which grocery store vegetables you love, there is always a better, more delicious variety that can be grown locally.

Tomatoes iconically demonstrate the truth the best. Everyone knows that a fresh, home grown tomato at the peak of summer is amazing. In fact, right now is the peak of the season is evidenced by the peppers, onions, eggplant, tomato, and basil coming out of our fields.

That line up sounds like a great set up for a delicious pizza. Now if only you had a Brick Oven, farm fresh mozzarella and delicious sourdough crust for all those great toppings.

Look no further than Willow Haven Farm's popular Pizza Night on the Deck beside the wood-fired brick oven. Our LAST On the Farm Pizza Night is coming soon >> Saturday, August 20.

Reserve My Table

We'll provide pizza, salad, herbal teas and water. BYOB is welcome. Other items will be available for cash purchase. Don't miss it!

• Price: $25 per person. Children 4 and under free.
• Personal size, customized pizza
• PLUS farmer's chooses the best appetizer plate from our cheeses, breads and more
• Times: Choose 5 pm, 6 pm or 7 pm seating for your party.
• Please arrive 10 minutes before your seating time.
• Event Address: Willow Haven Farm, 7686 Herber Rd. New Tripoli, PA 18066
• RAIN DATES: in case of bad weather, pizza night may be postponed to the following weekend, if possible.
• ​More info can be found HERE.​

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Don't miss this last chance to enjoy the freshest ingredients and the most beautiful atmosphere to dine before the summer ends.

Reserve My Table

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We hope you are enjoying your Farm Food Deliveries - or you will be soon!

Thank you for supporting your local farm.

We'll keep farming for you!

Reuben and Tessa DeMaster
​Willow Haven Farm​
​Directions to the farm​

P.S. It really helps our farm when you tell us that you've read this email, even if you just skimmed to the bottom.

I read it!

This will let me know that people are actually reading what I write and help me send you what you find worth while.

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Are you new? More info about our farm:

Flower U Pick Tours are 6 pm - 8pm for only $20. Bring your scissors, camera and a friend! CLICK TO SIGN UP: 💐 AUG 12 💐 AUG 13 💐

SUMMER MARKET BOX: Get all the details on our website before you make your purchase. See the Market Box options here.​

WHAT'S IN A MARKET BOX? Yep. I get it. You need to know what comes in a box. What's available? What's in season and when? Find out if our MARKET BOX deliveries of local farm food will fit your life and your goals. YES! SEND ME THE GUIDE. ​

FARM STORY VIDEOS: The Willow Haven Farm YouTube channel has fun, informative, and educational videos of our farm life and what organic farming looks like here. Check out it out here >>> VIDEOS!

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