Summer Is Full of Life at Honeydew Farm
- Honeydew Farm
- Jun 17
- 4 min read
Summer is beginning to settle in at Honeydew Farm.
This week has brought new chicks, new kittens, blooming flowers, and the first signs of upcoming harvests as the farm continues its transition from spring planting to summer abundance.
From greenhouse crops beginning to mature to family visits and new arrivals around the farm, there has been plenty happening this week. Every season tells a different story, and this week's story is all about growth, change, and new beginnings.
Life on the Farm This Week
One of the highlights of this week was spending time with family.
Alex's sisters and their families came to visit the farm, bringing plenty of extra energy and excitement along with them. Between exploring the property, helping with chores, and meeting some of the farm's newest arrivals, there was no shortage of activity.
One of our favorite parts of farming is sharing it with family and creating opportunities for the next generation to experience life on the farm.
New Arrivals at Honeydew Farm
This week we welcomed 50 new chicks to the farm.
These birds are being raised for our family's food supply and are part of our ongoing effort to grow more of what we eat right here at home.
The chicks have quickly become the center of attention, especially with family visiting. Watching them explore their new surroundings has been one of the highlights of the week.
There's something special about welcoming new life to the farm, and these little birds are a reminder that every season brings new beginnings.
Meet Rhubarb's New Kittens
Not all of this week's arrivals came with feathers.
Rhubarb, one of the cats we recently welcomed to the farm, surprised us with six healthy kittens.
We brought Rhubarb and another cat, Cosmo, to the farm just a few weeks ago to provide them with a safe place to settle in and raise their families. Now Rhubarb is caring for her new litter, and Cosmo is expected to have kittens of her own very soon.
The barn has been especially busy lately.
What's Growing
The farm continues to change with every passing week.
Inside the greenhouse, snap peas are beginning to flower and form their first pods—a sure sign that fresh harvests are getting closer.
Meanwhile, one crop has made way for another. After harvesting the final French Breakfast Radishes, we've cleared the bed and planted zinnias that will provide color, pollinator habitat, and bouquets later this summer.
It's one of our favorite parts of farming: watching one season fade into the next.
Flowers on the Horizon
While summer flowers are still just getting started, exciting things are beginning to happen across the farm.
Our ranunculus are beginning to bloom and should soon be making their way into bouquets. Known for their layers of delicate petals and vibrant colors, they're one of our favorite flowers to grow and one of the flowers we look forward to most each season.
We're excited to share them with you soon.
Recipe of the Week
Rhubarb Lemon Bread
Bright lemon and tart rhubarb are a perfect match in this simple quick bread. It's delicious for breakfast, afternoon coffee, or sharing with family and friends.
Ingredients
1½ cups chopped rhubarb
1½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
¾ cup sugar
1 egg
½ cup plain yogurt or sour cream
⅓ cup melted butter
Zest of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Grease a standard loaf pan.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
In a separate bowl, combine egg, yogurt, butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla.
Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
Fold in chopped rhubarb.
Pour batter into prepared loaf pan.
Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Allow to cool before slicing.
Optional Lemon Glaze
1 cup powdered sugar
1–2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Whisk together and drizzle over cooled bread before serving.
What's Available This Week
We'll have a variety of seasonal offerings available at market, including:
Fresh Rhubarb
French Breakfast Radishes
Lupine Boquets
Vegetable Starts
Herb Starts
Flower Starts
Honeydew Farm Merchandise
Several popular varieties have already sold out this season, including:
Diva Cucumbers
Alice's Dream Tomatoes
San Marzano Tomatoes
Supersweet 100 Tomatoes
Jedi Jalapeños
Peppermint
Yarrow
Thank you for the incredible support.
Looking Ahead
As summer continues to unfold, we're looking forward to:
Fresh snap pea harvests
Ranunculus bouquets
Zinnia blooms
Additional seasonal harvests
More summer flowers
Every week brings something new, and we're excited to continue sharing the season with you.
Visit Us This Week
Thursday | 9 AM–1 PM
Saturday | 9 AM–1 PM
Near the music tent, across from Thielen Motors
Thank you for supporting local farms, local food, and local flowers.
We hope to see you at market.
Alex & Amber
Honeydew Farm
Want to Know More About How We Grow?
Visit the Farm Journal for seasonal updates, harvest news, and life on the farm is beginning to settle in at Honeydew Farm.
Bring a Little Honeydew Home
The farm doesn't stop at the market table.
Our collection of Honeydew Farm merchandise includes sweatshirts, tote bags, mugs, and other farm-inspired goods designed to celebrate life on the farm. While we bring a small selection to market each week, our full collection is available online year-round.
Whether you're looking for a practical market tote, a cozy sweatshirt for cool Minnesota mornings, or a gift for a fellow farm enthusiast, every purchase helps support what we're building here at Honeydew Farm.