By Celeste
Chicks :
The Chicks Have Arrived!
The chicks are finally here, and they are absolutely adorable. Jesse has been preparing for their arrival for over a month now. He sealed the coop with plastic to block the wind, spread fresh wood chips for bedding, scrubbed everything down, and even gave the inside a fresh coat of paint. By the time the little ones arrived, their new home was ready and waiting.
Now that they’re here and settled, the daily routine has begun. If it’s not Sarah checking on them, Jesse takes over. Here’s what his mornings look like:
• As soon as the sun peeks up, he opens the coop doors so the chicks can enjoy fresh air and natural light.
• He switches off the heat lamp to keep them from overheating.
• He makes sure their food and water are topped up and clean.
• He does a quick head count and gently checks for any losses. Sadly, not every chick makes it through the night, but catching it early keeps the rest safe.
• Finally, he checks their little bottoms. Sometimes droppings can clog up, which is dangerous if left untreated. When that happens, Jesse carefully gives the chick a gentle bath to keep it clean and healthy.
It’s a simple routine, but one that makes all the difference in giving these tiny chicks the best chance to grow strong. Watching them scurry around the coop is a sweet reminder of how rewarding a little daily care can be.
Flowers:
The flowers are growing beautifully this season—but so are the weeds. Even with a “big crew” helping in the field, it feels like the weeds are thriving faster than we can pull them. Still, I haven’t given up. There’s a couple of good weeks left, and I know the garden will look gorgeous again until the next round of tending.
Right now we’re in the middle of harvesting flowers for drying. These blooms will be saved and set aside for the wreath workshop during the farm festival on November 1st (more details coming soon!). It’s always exciting to see how the colors and textures come together, holding a little bit of summer long into fall.
Upcoming Event: Potluck Friday September 19th at 6 pm
Open Field Farm 2025 | The "ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW" guide for members
CSA Barn Hours:
Summer hours: 2:30-6:30 pm!
Pick List:
Eggs
New potatoes
Merlin Beets
Yaya Carrots
Ailsa Craig and Red Long of Tropea Onions
Parade Scallions
Cocozelle, Goldini, and Dark Star Summer Squash
Cucumbers
Eggplant (Limited amounts)
Corn
Farao and Caraflex Cabbage
Lettuce
Rhubarb Chard
Champion Collards
Rainbow Lacinato and Dazzling Blue Kale
Regiment Spinach
Parsley, Cilantro, Basil, and Dill
Albion Strawberries
New Girl Tomatoes (They are not limited and you are welcome to take a bag! However, they are ripening slowly so no bulk totes yet)
Melons
Hot peppers (Limited Amounts)
Whole Dried Hot Peppers
Herbal Tea Blends
Pick your own flowers and herbs, cherry tomatoes, padron and shishito peppers, ground cherries, raspberries, and blackberries
Sonora Wheat Flour
Beef Bone Broth (Made by Olla Products)
Saltonstahl Olive Oil
Revolution Bread for sale on Tuesday and Friday
Open Field Farm Swag!
Corn and Cucumber Pico de Gallo (I made this for the last farm potluck.)
• 2 cups fresh corn kernels
• 2 cucumber, diced small
• 3 medium tomatoes, diced
• 1 onion finely chopped
• ( optional 2 jalapeño or serrano )
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• Juice of 1–2 limes
• Salt to taste
1. In a large bowl, combine corn, cucumber, tomatoes, onion, and pepper.
2. Add cilantro and squeeze in lime juice.
3. Sprinkle with salt and mix gently.
4. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes so flavors blend.
Serve with tortilla chips, tacos, grilled meats, or as a fresh salad side.