Sunset Farm

Sunset Farm Seasonal Flowers, Vegetables, Chestnuts and more Seasonal Flowers, Vegetables, Chestnuts and more.

Today (While Raining):1. Move the benches away from the East wall of the greenhouse, remove the w**ds along the edge, a...
09/01/2026

Today (While Raining):

1. Move the benches away from the East wall of the greenhouse, remove the w**ds along the edge, and sweep the area clean to prepare for wreathmaking.
2. I ordered 100 red and 100 white 14" long net bags (heat-sealed at one end), which should arrive before Friday.
3. I also ordered 22" wide red net firewood bags with drawstrings. We can cut and split 20" logs, fill the bags, and stack them outside. We can also use the trailer to bring some to the market.

When the Rain Stops:
4. Roll up the w**d fabric at row 7 using the white plastic pipe from the walk-through shed. Once done, remove the pipe so it can be used to roll up row 24 (squashes).
5. Dig the potatoes when Jason is available to drive, and we will pick them up.
6. Move the three full boxes of plum tomatoes back to the stand. I moved them to the Phyllis shed due to the forecast.
7. Fertilize the okra as described yesterday.
8. Regarding the sprawling Brussels sprouts: next year, we should add tomato stakes and "weave the row" like Shuguang did with the tomato rows.

Notes:
- Farm Stand Display: Phyllis mentioned that the farm stand performs better when we use quart and pint boxes or bags for displays.
- AI & Data Question: Does anyone know if we can send photos of our crops, these reports, and Graham Cadwell's line drawing of our 9N tractor to various AI platforms to get comments, suggestions, and comparisons?
- I've ordered a new coverall from carhart..all but one of my 2026 outfits had plastic zippers that failed ( I lost weight .. so I don't blame my stomach..) and weirdly the summer weight coveralls had very light wt therefore ,soon holey pockets, my wallet, keys or phone fell right down and hit my foot. ... absolutly nono. I am trying out a Carhart and will let you know
IMG_6697.JPG modern deere set up to pull our 100 year old potato digger. Jason set it up and gave me a list of warnings..
IMG_6695.JPG Yesterday you saw our sugar pumpkins , these are 2' diameter "connecticut field " varietyin row 47 Too heavy to lift. This is the first time I have grown toys.

Amherst MA
Today

Today: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 4pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 4pm and 5pm, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 5pm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Patchy fog before 1pm. High near 72. Calm wind becoming east 5 to 7 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

High: 72 °F

Heavy Rain
and Patchy
Fog

Tonight

Tonight: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Patchy fog. Otherwise, cloudy, with a low around 59. Northeast wind 3 to 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Low: 59 °F

Chance
Showers and
Patchy Fog

Wednesday

Wednesday: A slight chance of showers before 9am, then a slight chance of showers after 5pm. Patchy fog before 10am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 73. East wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

High: 73 °F

Slight Chance
Showers and
Patchy Fog
then Mostly
Cloudy

Wednesday Night

Wednesday Night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Patchy fog after 1am. Low around 62. Southeast wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Low: 62 °F

Chance
Showers then
Showers and
Patchy Fog

Thursday

Thursday: Showers before 11am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 11am and 2pm, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 2pm. Patchy fog before 9am. High near 81. Southwest wind 5 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

High: 81 °F

Showers and
Patchy Fog

Thursday Night

Thursday Night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 7pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 7pm and 8pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 62. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Low: 62 °F

Showers
Likely then
Partly Cloudy

Friday

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 81. Light northwest wind increasing to 6 to 11 mph in the morning.

High: 81 °F

Sunny

Friday Night

Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 58. Northwest wind 3 to 5 mph.

Low: 58 °F

Mostly Clear

Saturday

Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 76. North wind 6 to 9 mph.

High: 76 °F

Mostly Sunny

Detailed Forecast
TodayShowers and possibly a thunderstorm before 4pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 4pm and 5pm, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 5pm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Patchy fog before 1pm. High near 72. Calm wind becoming east 5 to 7 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
TonightA chance of showers and thunderstorms. Patchy fog. Otherwise, cloudy, with a low around 59. Northeast wind 3 to 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
WednesdayA slight chance of showers before 9am, then a slight chance of showers after 5pm. Patchy fog before 10am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 73. East wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Wednesday NightShowers and possibly a thunderstorm. Patchy fog after 1am. Low around 62. Southeast wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
ThursdayShowers before 11am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 11am and 2pm, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 2pm. Patchy fog before 9am. High near 81. Southwest wind 5 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Thursday NightShowers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 7pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 7pm and 8pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 62. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
FridaySunny, with a high near 81. Light northwest wind increasing to 6 to 11 mph in the morning.
Friday NightMostly clear, with a low around 58. Northwest wind 3 to 5 mph.
SaturdayMostly sunny, with a high near 76. North wind 6 to 9 mph.

now 828 I didn't hurry
Bill Gillen

Sunset Farm : 20 Brigham Lane , Amherst , Ma 01002
413-374-5193 bill's cell

Great weather for Sunset Farm dry and cool today . Rain during the week. That's good since our fall crops need it. today...
08/30/2026

Great weather for Sunset Farm dry and cool today . Rain during the week. That's good since our fall crops need it.

today

1. Pick plum tomatoes in rows 53 and 54. Pick them into tomato boxes , all perfect. $40 / box if we pick $30 if you pick.
2. Bring 4 sugar pumpkins to the yellow stand from the south end of row 6.
3. Gather the sand bags of row 6 and make piles to be picked up with the front loader and dumped .
4. Dig up a couple of lugs of carrots , wash and power wash them and save them under a wet towel in the gray cooler.
5. I will install a new manifold at the swimming pool field.. I broke it.
6.. Pick okra: any bigger than your pinky
7. Set mouse traps in both coolers.. They are in a drawer called "mouse traps "in the shed. Can you buy bait in a tube .. like tooth paste? Peanut butter in a tube ?
8. Time to ready the greenhouse for wreathmaking. Start with moving the eastern bench away from the wall . In the past we have put the entire row on top of an interior row then we can remove the w**ds and sweep the floor clean. Then replace the bench and put an interior row on top of another and do the same.
9. The mower is on the Deere..mow the upper field above the peaches to start.
10. clip the bushes around the southside of the pond so it can be mowed . Cut the willow branches that are in the way too.
11. Connie reports that we need more brown paper bags with handles in the white van.
12. not urgent: dig all the potatoes with our tractor pulled single row digger.

Yesterday
a. after the market ,I filled the yellow diesel cans and the red gas cans . Ben helped me pour 5 gallons of diesel into the shoulder height fill hole on the Deere. Done.
b. sand bags were gathered from the 23 24 25 rows. As well as all the butternuts ... Still to be gathered: delicata , spaghetti and kabocha squash. I will see if our gray plastic lugs can be filled and stacled wth squash.
c. A reader advises what plan she thinks I should buy:
Anthropic Ai not open AI…. They use your data in Open AI .I do the $20/mth PRO plan . I will do that.
IMG_6683.JPG The blue trailer was moved and that is where we set up our farmers' market stand . No problem!
we listened to the fair ride " music" for hours ;I concluded it is an intentionally a different note scale that sounds the familiar flat and sharp notes ,we hear as " fair-ride " music.

Current conditions at
Chicopee Falls / Westover Air Force Base (KCEF)
Lat: 42.2°NLon: 72.53°WElev: 246ft.

Overcast

57°F

14°C

Humidity 92%
Wind Speed Calm
Barometer 30.14 in (1020.9 mb)
Dewpoint 55°F (13°C)
Visibility 10.00 mi
Last update 30 Aug 5:55 am EDT
More Information:

Local Forecast Office
More Local Wx
3 Day History
Hourly Weather Forecast

Extended Forecast for
Amherst MA
Today

Today: Increasing clouds, with a high near 83. Light and variable wind becoming southwest 5 to 10 mph in the morning.

High: 83 °F

Increasing
Clouds

Tonight

Tonight: A slight chance of showers before 10pm. Cloudy during the early evening, then gradual clearing, with a low around 59. Light and variable wind. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Low: 59 °F

Slight Chance
Showers then
Partly Cloudy

Monday

Monday: Sunny, with a high near 82. Light and variable wind.

High: 82 °F

Sunny

Monday Night

Monday Night: Showers, mainly after 2am. Low around 62. Light south wind. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Low: 62 °F

Slight Chance
Showers then
Showers

Tuesday

Tuesday: Showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 2pm. High near 78. South wind 5 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

High: 78 °F

Showers

Tuesday Night

Tuesday Night: Showers and thunderstorms before 11pm, then a chance of showers between 11pm and 2am. Low around 60. Light east wind. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Low: 60 °F

Showers then
Chance
Showers

Wednesday

Wednesday: A chance of showers after 2pm. Cloudy, with a high near 76. Southeast wind 3 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

High: 76 °F

Mostly Cloudy
then Chance
Showers

Wednesday Night

Wednesday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8pm, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm between 8pm and 2am, then showers likely after 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 61. Light southeast wind. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Low: 61 °F

Showers
Likely

Thursday

Thursday: Showers likely, mainly before 9am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 77. Light and variable wind becoming south 5 to 8 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

High: 77 °F

Showers
Likely

Detailed Forecast
TodayIncreasing clouds, with a high near 83. Light and variable wind becoming southwest 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
TonightA slight chance of showers before 10pm. Cloudy during the early evening, then gradual clearing, with a low around 59. Light and variable wind. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
MondaySunny, with a high near 82. Light and variable wind.
Monday NightShowers, mainly after 2am. Low around 62. Light south wind. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
TuesdayShowers, with thunderstorms also possible after 2pm. High near 78. South wind 5 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Tuesday NightShowers and thunderstorms before 11pm, then a chance of showers between 11pm and 2am. Low around 60. Light east wind. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
WednesdayA chance of showers after 2pm. Cloudy, with a high near 76. Southeast wind 3 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Wednesday NightA chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8pm, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm between 8pm and 2am, then showers likely after 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 61. Light southeast wind. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
ThursdayShowers likely, mainly before 9am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 77. Light and variable wind becoming south 5 to 8 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Thursday NightA chance of showers before 3am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 61. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
FridayA chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 77. Northwest wind 3 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Friday NightPartly cloudy, with a low around 57. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
SaturdayMostly sunny, with a high near 76. North wind 3 to 8 mph.

Bill Gillen 724 am
Sunset Farm : 20 Brigham Lane , Amherst , Ma 01002
413-374-5193 bill's cell

08/29/2026

Today:
1. It is town fair day , all the vendors were moved north to accomodate the fair equipment. It is the first fair in my memory that is not in the rain. It also is the peak of our farm production: everything is ripe.
2. The tents, tables and two yellow van loads of produce were set up. Seeing without a flashlight meant it was 6am . It took us till 7 to finish setting up. We also brought the fully loaded 8' trailer up with the vt. farmall. No way we could bring the large watermelon and squash ,otherwise. The set up was by Sharon, Yoko, Peter and Bill. In the dimness I called our market manager Don . Dan commented that I've worked with him for many years....ironically. Next week ,I will be prepared.

3. today when I get back down there, I will pick plum tomatoes : this year $30/ box if you pick , $40 if we do. The venmo is working well 2x the cash box.

4. Openai wants me to sign up and log in. I would like to ask it what plan would be right for me... but I can't ask them a question now: no more free questions for me. If you have an open ai account and think it woulld be the one I should have... let me know . I need access to what others are thinking and answers I don't want to look up.

5. Now at 320 pm the market is over .our gross sales were $1494. The weather was sunny and cool.

6. Yvon was at the farm late this afternoon. His wife has been visiting family in China for the past 3 months and is returning in a week.

7. The yellow cooler was not cool this am.. during the night it turned off. I pulled the plug and put it back in and it has been good. What to do?

Tomorrow my report will include what needs to be done.
Bill

--
Bill Gillen
Sunset Farm : 20 Brigham Lane , Amherst , Ma 01002
413-374-5193 bill's cell

08/27/2026

This is town fair time. We will know by Friday afternoon where to set up our market stand. Since the Fair is there first we will live with whatever is left. We probably won't be able to set up Friday afternoon .We won't park our white van overnight at the market .

Yesterday:
a. the new rhubarb row is complete and the drip tape is flowing. Where to plant our extra plants ?: We will bring a lug to the Farmers' Market this Saturday... every garden should have a rhubarb ..... gift?

b. Tomatoes : all kinds were picked. They don't keep ; make us an offer .

c. The mower is on. We need to use it .. any interest in doing some mowing?

d. Lisianthuses were dead headed by Connie . Especially in the swimming pool field.

e. Sweet peppers were picked . Onions and carrots were trimmed and cleaned.

f. Phyllis updated the yellow cooler shelves.

g. 12 lugs of butternuts were stored in the red barn at 150 Fearing st. They are safe there till the temp goes below freezing.

Get to work -- I get an eyeshot this afternoon so I will be working this am.

8:07 AM (13 minutes ago)

1. Dig a lug of red and a lug of white potatoes. Grade out little ones and ugly ones, wash them , put them in the gray cooler. due to mice, put the lugs on a shelf , not on the floor.
2. Pick watermelons and make pick up piles for the front loader / Bring them back and put them on the trailer and on the ground in front next to the yellow stand.
3. Now that our coolers are in the 40's pick a plastic bag of lettuce leaves * about 4" above the ground. Leave the bottom leaves that are dirty. Large plastic bags are in the phyllis shed next to the flat stack of tomato boxes.
4. arrange the squash lugs on the trailer and stack them so we have more room for watermelon that are too big to stack.
5. Mow down the flower row in the willow field . We have already removed the netting, stakes and drip tape , time now to mow it down.
6. pull/dig red beets in the willow field at the south end. Remove the tops , power wash them and put them ready to go in the gray cooler.
7. Pick the shosh*to peppers and hot peppers : one lug. Box them in pints for the market .
8. Mow closer to the pond , move fallen branches first. The pond is bone dry. Pile fallen branches so we can put them in a new burn pile in the chestnut field again.
9. pick up acorn squash in the south half of row 6 (cuke row) Make piles . Pick up sand bags where you can in that row too. Put them in the sandbag pile on the edge of the field

Chicopee Falls / Westover Air Force Base (KCEF)
Lat: 42.2°NLon: 72.53°WElev: 246ft.

Overcast

66°F

19°C

Humidity 91%
Wind Speed Calm
Barometer 30.03 in (1017.2 mb)
Dewpoint 64°F (18°C)
Visibility 10.00 mi
Last update 27 Aug 7:55 am EDT
More Information:

Local Forecast Office
More Local Wx
3 Day History
Hourly Weather Forecast

Extended Forecast for
Amherst MA
Today

Today: A slight chance of showers between noon and 1pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 82. South wind 5 to 14 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

High: 82 °F

Partly Sunny
then Chance
T-storms

Tonight

Tonight: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2am, then a slight chance of showers between 2am and 4am. Patchy fog before 2am, then patchy fog after 3am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 66. South wind 5 to 9 mph becoming light after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Low: 66 °F

Chance
T-storms and
Patchy Fog

Friday

Friday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly between noon and 4pm. Patchy fog before 9am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 82. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

High: 82 °F

Chance
T-storms and
Patchy Fog

Friday Night

Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 59. Light north wind.

Low: 59 °F

Partly Cloudy

Saturday

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 81. Calm wind becoming northwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.

High: 81 °F

Sunny

Saturday Night

Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 58. Calm wind.

Low: 58 °F

Partly Cloudy

Sunday

Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 83. Calm wind becoming southwest 5 to 8 mph in the afternoon.

High: 83 °F

Mostly Sunny

Sunday Night

Sunday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 63. Calm wind.

Low: 63 °F

Mostly Cloudy

Monday

Monday: Partly sunny, with a high near 82. Calm wind becoming northwest around 6 mph in the afternoon.

High: 82 °F

Partly Sunny

Detailed Forecast
TodayA slight chance of showers between noon and 1pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 82. South wind 5 to 14 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
TonightA chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2am, then a slight chance of showers between 2am and 4am. Patchy fog before 2am, then patchy fog after 3am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 66. South wind 5 to 9 mph becoming light after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
FridayA chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly between noon and 4pm. Patchy fog before 9am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 82. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Friday NightPartly cloudy, with a low around 59. Light north wind.
SaturdaySunny, with a high near 81. Calm wind becoming northwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.

--
Bill Gillen
Sunset Farm : 20 Brigham Lane , Amherst , Ma 01002
413-374-5193 bill's cell

Weather first today: perfect. Chicopee Falls / Westover Air Force Base (KCEF)Lat: 42.2°NLon: 72.53°WElev: 246ft.Fair57°F...
08/26/2026

Weather first today: perfect.

Chicopee Falls / Westover Air Force Base (KCEF)
Lat: 42.2°NLon: 72.53°WElev: 246ft.

Fair

57°F

14°C

Humidity 96%
Wind Speed Calm
Barometer 30.03 in (1017.2 mb)
Dewpoint 56°F (13°C)
Visibility 10.00 mi
Last update 26 Aug 6:55 am EDT
More Information:

Local Forecast Office
More Local Wx
3 Day History
Hourly Weather Forecast

Extended Forecast for
Amherst MA
Today

Today: Mostly sunny, with a high near 81. Light and variable wind.

High: 81 °F

Mostly Sunny

Tonight

Tonight: Patchy fog after 5am. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with a low around 61. Calm wind.

Low: 61 °F

Partly Cloudy
then Patchy
Fog

Thursday

Thursday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms between 2pm and 5pm, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 5pm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Partly sunny, with a high near 82. Light south wind increasing to 9 to 14 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

High: 82 °F

Mostly Sunny
then Heavy
Rain

Thursday Night

Thursday Night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before midnight, then showers likely. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Low around 64. South wind 5 to 9 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Low: 64 °F

Heavy Rain

Friday

Friday: A chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 11am. Partly sunny, with a high near 82. Calm wind becoming west around 6 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

High: 82 °F

Chance
Showers

Friday Night

Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 56. Northwest wind 3 to 5 mph.

Low: 56 °F

Partly Cloudy

Saturday

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 79. Light north wind.

High: 79 °F

Sunny

Saturday Night

Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 55. Calm wind.

Low: 55 °F

Mostly Clear

Sunday

Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 82. Calm wind becoming southwest 5 to 8 mph in the afternoon.

High: 82 °F

Mostly Sunny

Detailed Forecast
TodayMostly sunny, with a high near 81. Light and variable wind.
TonightPatchy fog after 5am. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with a low around 61. Calm wind.
ThursdayA chance of showers and thunderstorms between 2pm and 5pm, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 5pm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Partly sunny, with a high near 82. Light south wind increasing to 9 to 14 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Thursday NightShowers and possibly a thunderstorm before midnight, then showers likely. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Low around 64. South wind 5 to 9 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
FridayA chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 11am. Partly sunny, with a high near 82. Calm wind becoming west around 6 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Friday NightPartly cloudy, with a low around 56. Northwest wind 3 to 5 mph.
SaturdaySunny, with a high near 79. Light north wind.

Yesterday

a.The new rhubarb row was rolled out , pinned down, a drip tape set beneath it, 6" diameter holes burned every 42" down the center. About half the row was planted
b. the fertilizer spreader was oiled , pulledto the red barn and stored for the winter.
c. Connie dead-headed and resupported lisianthus with success. We added more support stakes since the lizzi buds and blooms are heavy. (Remember that for next year. ) Easch stem had about 10 blossoms and buds.
d. The covers are off the arugula .. the plants are full size and look great... however a few flea beetles can still be found but the damage is not bad.. a period size hole , here and there.
e. we have a record (for us )of globular tomatoes. In rows 4 and 5. We toured the vegetable section of big Y yesterday: at $2/ lb we are half what they charge for large globular tomatoes . ours have never been sprayed either. When we were there ,there were more people tending the display than buyers... We,too ,usually outnumber buyers, but not polishing the display.
f. Onions are stacked untrimmed in the phyllis shed..waiting to be polished. Do it dry.
g. we have at least 50 sugar pumpkins at the south end of row 6. We will have to make a corral near Brigham Lane.They have to sit around for two- three months . Maybe we should price them like those bus tickets to NYC: if you buy your ticket 2 months ahead it is much cheaper. Maybe this week they are $1 and the price will go up every week till the Thanksgiving pies are baked. Like buying bitcoin or stock, you can gamble. Buy more , make more.

What we might do today

7:19 AM (53 minutes ago)

1. put sand bags along the edge of the new rhubarb row ( about row 45} That row will blow off if we get a storm. You cn take them from the adjoining pumpkin row if that is easier.
2. Plant rhubarb roots that are stored in lugs on the floor of the gray cooler. I left the water on all night so the transplants should be happy . Turn the water off asap.
3. We will plant (somewhere) our extra roots ....they will be replacements as well as for sale.
4. store butternut squash at my basement as well as in the red barn. The trailer needs room for more watermelon.
5. Boyden and Perron need a photo of our leaking gas tank on the red tiller so they can get a replacement. I will do that today
6. till the aisle to the west of the new rhubarb row we need to level it . Do this before putting on the mower.
7. pick okra, eggplant and peppers for our farmstand.
8. we have removed the stakes for a now dead flower row in the willow field . Can we pull off the 6x6 for the dumpster? Pull out the drip tape on that row. Then we can mow that row.
9. Mow the potato rows and aisles so we can harvest all the potatoes.
10 harvest acorn squash at the south half of the cuke row.
11. Jason: can you set the yellow cooler to 40 ?
12. Pick a box of plum tomatoes , leave it on the scale.
13. We will get our tomato sign up at Amity st ..unless Lenny has ,already. (flatbush accent too)
14. fix gaps in the cover in the broccoli row (blown over by winds)

IMG_6674.JPG the new rhubarb row
IMG_6677.JPG we will run out of lugs :for longer storage they can't touch each other (I think)

time now 820 am

--
Bill Gillen
Sunset Farm : 20 Brigham Lane , Amherst , Ma 01002
413-374-5193 bill's cell

08/25/2026

Now

1. roll out the full length of the row the new rhubarb w**d fabric. Yvon and I set out the drip tape last night and got the roll started. Staple it down. The drip tape is meant to be set 1' east of the center of the row.
2. Remove all onions from the greenhouse , put them in lugs under the shed roof. It is too hot in the greenhouse to leave them there any longer. Shuck them in your spare time.
3. till the aisles at the upperfield tomatoes and flowers.
4. till the west aisle of the swimming pool field.
5. cut down w**ds at the exterior south west corner of the greenhouse use elec clippers
6. I will store our stack of butternut lugs in my basement... I am driving Connie to an appt this am. I will be there by 11.
7. pick all normal size ripe tomatoes from the upperfield . We will sell our globular tomatoes@$1.
8. I will set a tomato sign on Amity st. I will use the large tomato sign that Beatrice did last year. Lenny kindly seached our sign files. Thank you.

yesterday

a. Barbara and Sharon harvested and trimmed two lugs of carrots.... they have to be cleaned.
b. Jason reset the temperatures of the cooler.. The gray cooler should be in the low 40's the yellow should be 50. Let me know what you see.
c. While tilling with the Deere , I caught two hoses and broke the water hose manifold next to the swimming pool field. Barbara V helped this old man clear the tines: I used my battery powered sawzall to tangled hose free. Once done the tiller was fine. I have a replacement for the hose manifold.
d. We harvested at least 12 lugs of butternuts; I put some in the red barn and some in our basement. Heavy. They keep till spring. Connie sliced the top part of one and made breaded fries last night. Tomato slices are cooked on top them and a slice of cheese added too. Almost a cheeseburger. I like the rest made into a pepper ( we have a lot of hot peppers in the deerfield) spiced soup..use a large spoon: to it goes down faster ...no slurping.
e. We have fantastic lettuce in a row next to the peonies, right in front of the yellow cooler .Also in that row is arugula... They are perfect . I worry they will bolt before the weekend. If the gray cooler were cooler we could harvest both on Wednesday. Here's to the gray cooler hitting the 40's.
f. I will price tomatoes today . Make it $1/ big tomato or $1.50 / lb. $30 for a box of any tomatoes. Keep one or two boxes of plum tomatoes ( from rows 53 and 54) picked and on display at the yellow stand.
g. I noticed a huge crop of sugar pumpkins that were seeded in the south end of the cucumber row ....by Ben Lynch. Good Job , Ben.
h. I noticed Halloween pumpkins growing in the willow field row 40ish. We grew them on a 6' wide black w**d fabric row . A single row down the center.. it wasn't until the vines had grown into the aisle w**ds ( now 4' tall ) before making pumpkins. Good news: it should be so much fun looking for them.
i. Connie worked on deadheading Lisianthus in the swimming pool field and lifting their netting.

Weather :

"something is broken we are fixing it" is what I have from the National Weather Bureau ..first time ever.

No photos I forgot to take any.

Now 804am

--
Bill Gillen
Sunset Farm : 20 Brigham Lane , Amherst , Ma 01002
413-374-5193 bill's cell

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20 Brigham Lane
Amherst, MA
01002

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+14133745193

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