The Farmer's Journal

Kerstens’ Maple Hill Centennial Farm

N3594 Ox Yoke Road
Tigerton, Wisconsin 54486

Phone 715-535-2209 (Farmhouse)
Phone 715-460-1585 (Greenhouse, Ron’s cell)
Email: rlkersten@frontier.com
Website: www.maplehill.locallygrown.net
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/maplehillfarm

Greetings!
We are crawling out of our hibernation holes after the long winter, and realizing it’s time to let everyone know our greenhouse and nursery are opening this Friday, the 2nd of May! (Seems like we just shoveled the last snowbank, and really, we did!)

Yes, tackling ever-present and ever-growing snowdrifts became the “norm” this year in getting the greenhouse ready. Many thousands of seedlings and plugs arrived mid March and needed WARMTH that was no where to be found except the overworked radiators emitting precious heat. This heat quickly became neutralized by the strong forces of old man winter roaring and pummeling the flimsy greenhouse plastic. It required a steady, round the clock, manning of the outdoor wood furnace to meet the constant demand for refills to compensate its humongous efforts at warming the polar air. Sure glad we weren’t depending on propane!!

Greenhouse hours will be 9:00AM to 7:00PM Monday thru Saturday, like usual. Closed on Sunday, EXCEPT Mother’s Day Sunday we will be open from 10:00AM until 3:00PM.

Bare Root Sale begins Friday May 2nd. Ron and the boys will be busy potting up the new rootstock, and anyone who comes and picks up bare root before it is planted will get 15% off potted up price. This sale goes through the weekend of May 2nd and 3rd. If you are not able to make it over that week end, but want bare root stock, please call Ron ahead and he will save your selection. Cell phone # 715-460-1585.

The Five Forward Farmers CSA and Online Market are in full forward drive preparing the good soil, and seeding all sorts of delectable promises. At this time, spinach is already being harvested out of the high tunnel hoophouses. Membership is still open for the CSA, and you can email us (rlkersten@frontier.com) or call Ron on his cell (715-460-1585) for a brochure/application. First week for CSA basket delivery will be mid-June. Exact date will be sent out SOON to all who have already joined.

The Online Market is now OPEN. In the springtime the selection is small, but as the growing season gets in full swing, more and more products are added, from our farm, and the other farms in the FIVE FORWARD FARMERS CSA and ONLINE MARKET. So check back frequently. Right now we have our maple syrup and maple syrup specialty products available, fresh eggs, and fresh spinach. Yum! Yum! Place your order online by Tuesday, 8:00PM and it will be ready for “pickup and pay” at our farm on Thursday, down at the greenhouse, anytime from 9:00AM to 7:00PM. Or, if you need a special arrangement, give a call to Ron: 715-460-1585.

Check us out and “Like” our farm page on Facebook for continual updates: www.facebook.com/maplehillfarm.

Please give us your feedback. I want to “houseclean” our sender’s list. Have some of you moved on and are no longer in the area? Is this newsletter no longer applicable for you? Could you shoot me an email saying “remove me, please” and I will close your account. The rest of you who want to stay tuned could also shoot me an email saying “keep me, please”. I will greatly appreciate that and I would love to hear any other comments or suggestions you may have!

Thanks! And “Cheers!” Here’s looking forward to a prosperous bountiful growing/harvesting season…from our greenhouse to your gardens, and from our gardens to your tables!

Ron and Leanne Kersten and family at Kerstens’ Maple Hill Centennial Farm