Just Grow Up Farm

08/10/2023

How cool is this? We took cattle panels (16 feet ) and made an arch to grow our watermelon and cantaloupe! Since the fruit becomes so heavy, my solution wad to create "melon slings". It keeps the fruit off the ground so the raccoons and such don't eat it all.

08/08/2023

The view as of today! My sunflowers are finally opening up and smiling.

07/23/2023

07/23/2023

I believe knowing how to grow your own food is a skill everyone should posses. As a child I watched my grandfather cultivate a bountiful garden each year and my grandmother preserve all that was not immediately consumed. I had such reverence for my grandfather that just watching him work the soil, observing the miracle of photosynthesis (which I was certain he controlled) and enjoying what grew gave me a tremendous appreciation for nature and what the earth can provide. It was their stories of surviving first, the Spanish Flue then the depression that made me aware of the need for common sense preparedness. Several years of participation in the Boy Scouts and a term of military service further reinforced that belief.

So this farm grew out of the need for a retirement project that would observe that safe advice while providing me some hard, meaningful work, quality food and an opportunity to use my background in science to build a farm using sustainable, eco friendly practices. I became intrigued with a farming practice called Aquaponics and made the focal point of this farm a solid structure greenhouse dedicated to this ancient practice In brief, Aquaponics combines aquaculture (raising fish) and hydroponics (growing plants in water instead of soil) to cultivate crops. It's a closed loop ecosystem where constantly recirculating water brings nutrients created by the fish to the plants which absorb the nutrients and return fresh water to the fish. I grow vertically (Just Grow Up Farm) so I can produce 6 times more vegetables per square foot than conventional farming. It utilizes but 10% of the water required for conventional farming, requires no weeding, pesticides or fertilizers. Growth is faster as plants are bathed in a constant supply of nutrients and they can be grown year round as the environment is controlled. Its primarily for the product of leafy greens as pollinators are discouraged from going in the greenhouse. Fruiting and root vegetables are raised outside in grow beds which are all equipped with drip irrigation for water conversation.

Fortunately this project was never intended to be a money making enterprise as it became a very involved and time consuming DIY project. Now complete, I'm trying to determine how to best put this farm to use. During the development and learning phase of this project I experimented with a variety of leafy greens and vegetables that I forced on friends, neighbors and the community. For certain I'm going to continue donating produce and have identified a group called "Building Bridges" that provides meals and a place for veterans to gather that I'm looking forward to working with. But with the greater interest in local farming, I'm hoping this page attracts other enthusiasts that would enjoy sharing ideas, resources, and time. With world events as they are, it's never a better time to develop community with your neighbors and other like minded people.

"Agriculture is our wisest pursuit, because in the end it will contribute most to real wealth, good morals and happiness: - Thomas Jefferson

10/24/2022

This is the other part of Just Grow Up during the Fall/Winter season. I will be at the Easthampton High School this coming Saturday! Shop small and come and support our very talented local makers! This is an awesome opportunity to purchase those special one of a kind items for yourself or for others and get a jump on Xmas.

10/23/2022

So we are all cleaned up and shut down for the upcoming Fall/Winter season. Many thanks to the lovely people who donated and purchased and we shall see what 2023 brings! I'm thankful for "winter break" 😁 because this summer was a hot one! I do, however, do crafting and I will be selling my winter hats this coming Saturday at Easthampton High School from 9 - 2, I believe. You can follow me on Facebook.com/wrapitupjewelry.

10/02/2022

More FREE basil today, Sunday October 2nd.

09/30/2022

LAST CALL FOR FREE ORGNICALLY GROWN BASIL! Yes, this is it ... the final crop of the season and it's yours for the taking here at 40 Cook Road, Southampton, MA. Dry it ... make pesto .... it's fresh and so fragrant!

09/21/2022

So the farm stand is down for the season. Thank you lovely people for supporting our little farm and for all the donations ... even when we were giving stuff away for free! It all helps to keep things moving forward from season to season. My other interest, https://www.facebook.com/WrapItUpJewelry however is still going and will until the Xmas shopping season is over. I will be at the 1st annual Makers Market right here in Easthampton at 50 Payson Avenue ... right across the street from the pond from 10 - 4pm this coming Saturday, September 24th. Look for my hats and totes. I will post my events on the Wrap It Up page. Make sure to Like and Share that page as well!

Wrap It Up Handmade is now offering the cutest, most unique denim tote bags of all kinds, makeup bag

09/14/2022

We have the last of this years free Spider Plants now available at the farm stand at 40 Cook Road, Southampton, MA. Grab 'em while they last! We also have for sale the last of the hanging spider plants ... including my handmade hanger at the clearance price of $10.

09/12/2022

FREE! Small spider plants. Take 'em home and love 'em!!! We just did our last Farmers Market for this season and have a bunch of plants that need their "forever homes"! The small spider plants are totally free and the hanging spider plants are $10 ... including my handmade hangers with a hand crafted dangle at the bottom made of genuine healing copper. 40 Cook Road, Southampton, MA.

09/08/2022

Free metal shelving unit ..... and the silver bowl too! 40 Cook Road Southampton MA

09/07/2022

We have Spider Plants again! Now that the sun is not shining down at 100 degrees, the spider plants are again available. The suggested donation is: $10 (sale) for the hanging spider plants with babies and hangers included ... these were formerly at $15 each. The small spider plants are a mere $6 each. These are awesome gifts and we are clearing out and will not be growing any more this year so supplies are very limited.

Just Grow Up Farm - 40 Cook Road - Southampton, MA😁😎😆

08/30/2022

FREE today are: eggplant (2 kinds), beans, tomatoes. Follow us on Facebook.com/justgrowupfarmwesternmass

The white eggplant are amazing if you slice them the long way, dribble some olive oil, salt and garlic powder on them and roast on the grill 5-10 minutes ... taste just like eggplant french fries!

08/11/2022

So sad ... I had to put one of my favorite chickens down. My baby girl, India, was my very first chick to fly! She was definitely the smartest in the flock and she and I had the strongest bond, but this past brutal winter almost killed her ... and she never quite recovered from that. Then, this extended heat wave made her so weak that she couldn't even stand up ... and then the other chickens started pecking at her (chickens can be so mean). I hand fed her her favorite snack of grubblies, took her for a long walk in my arms all around the property, talking and cooing to her. She was so sick and weak that I think she was glad to go. It was one of the absolute heart wrenching things I had to do. Sometimes I just hate this so much ... it's not for the faint of heart. Kisses to my girl in heaven.

08/11/2022

08/09/2022

Jackpot today. We have leeks (great for leek and potato soup), carrots, tomatoes, eggplants, gorgeous red onions and scallions and sweet green peppers. Get it while it's available and don't forget to "like" and "follow" us on Facebook.com/justgrowupfarmwesternmass.

I will be at Conant Park here in Southampton this coming Saturday for "Celebrate Southampton" from noon - 5pm and will have my fabulous REVERSIBLE Bucket Hats and Upcycled Denim Totes for sale. Come out for a great time, shopping and music ... it's all FREE, sponsored by our awesome town.

08/07/2022

Farm humor!

08/06/2022

We stir fried the Asian Greens last night and they were awesome! Our neighbors said they used them in a soup that came out great. These are packed with nutrition to help your body stay strong and healthy. We also have some baby white eggplant and white radishes and fresh garden tomatoes. I guess word is getting out so come early while it's here!

Just Grow Up Farm - 40 Cook Road - Southampton, MA

Follow us on Facebook.com/justgrowupfarmwesternmass

08/05/2022

FREE food for our community today ... garden tomatoes, white radishes, green beans, carrots, white eggplant, a couple of cucumbers and in the container with the water we have leeks! For those of you who have never had delicate white eggplant, slice 'em the long way, sprinkle some salt garlic powder and a drizzle of oil. Grill for 5 minutes ... 6 minutes and you have "eggplant french fries"! Amazing. Enjoy today's goodies, neighbors!

40 Cook Road
Southampton, MA

08/04/2022

Today's free organic bounty to share with our friends and neighbors is: carrots, tomatoes, eggplant, onions, sweet green peppers and shallots. Something new to try are Asian Greens! You can use these as a salad or sandwich substitute. PACKED with nutrition and delicious. Be brave and try something new!

08/03/2022

I thought this was pretty funny! Farm humor.

08/02/2022

Get your free veggies at the farm stand today.

07/31/2022

Just picked this morning ... fresh cukes, sweet peppers and a variety of beans. The white eggplant is amazing if you slice it the long way, dribble some olive oil, garlic powder and salt and grill for about 5 minutes! Bring your own bag if you can and follow, like and share us!

07/28/2022

The cooler is out. Come and get a small selection of freshly picked (this morning) organic veggies. Remember to follow us!

07/26/2022

I will be here with my fabulous reversible bucket hats and denim totes. Support local!

07/24/2022

We will be at the Easthampton Farmers Market today at 50 Payson Avenue from 10 - 2pm. Look for my awesome reversible Bucket Hat display and my denim totes! We will have for sale fresh fragrant basil and Blue Oyster Mushrooms just picked today. Support local!

07/21/2022

Today's free organic goodies. 40 Cook Road at the farm stand.

07/14/2022

More free bounty for our neighbors from the garden! If you see the big cooler out on the farm stand, do help yourself to our surplus of fabulous organic goodies. The houseplants are for sale. If you're feeling "guilty" for taking free food ... DON'T. We don't want to waste food. If you're feeling REALLY guilty, donations are always welcome!

07/11/2022

We have lovely house plants for sale (my handmade hangers come with) and the FOOD IS FREE. We have beets, red malbar spinach, radishes, baby bak choi and arugula today. 40 Cook Road, Southampton, MA. The hanging plants are $15 and the small spider plants are $6. We love our community and are happy to share in this years bounty!