RBR News | May 15, 2015

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Around the Ranch
With all the talk of fall vegetables among the agriculture team, you would think summer had already come and gone! We shared a laugh this week, when in the midst of all this spring weather we reminded ourselves it is time to sow seed for “fall” vegetables. Summer has not even arrived, but we are already planning its culmination!

Yesterday, Christian and I seeded all of the cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, leeks, and kalettes that we plan to harvest in September and October. 

With a such a short growing season in the Roaring Fork Valley, everything seems to hit all at once. Our window to confidently plant frost-sensitive crops is June 15 – September 15. We cram a lot into our 100 frost-free days! 

In order to have a bountiful fall harvest, we plan to have most of these plants in the ground by mid June. Slow-growing plants (especially Brussels sprouts and leeks) often take more than 100 days to reach maturity. 

Next time you see an array of produce, think of the tiny seed they sprung from, carefully planted months in advance!

We wouldn’t trade our Rocky Mountain winters for anything, but as farmers we sure wouldn’t mind a little more time to relish spring planting before jumping into fall!

Available products

During this time of year, we only have a limited supply of products available for purchase at the Ranch, so we suggest calling ahead to confirm availability – 970.927.6760.

We now have a steady supply of our locally famous, pasture-raised, non-GMO, Animal Welfare Approved, delicious chicken eggs. 

Salad and arugula are available at the Ranch and for sale at Meat & Cheese Restaurant and Farm Shop in Aspen.  Silo Restaurant and town. in Carbondale also feature salad mix and arugula on their current menus.  

A full pork inventory is available including chops, ribs, bacon, roasts, and several flavors of sausage.  

Products can be purchased at the Ranch during open hours, Monday – Friday 9AM – 5PM and Saturday 9AM – 5PM. Please call ahead to confirm availability or to place an order for pick-up.

~ Harper Kaufman, Agriculture Manager

Rock Bottom Ranch is open Monday – Friday 9AM – 5PM and Saturday from 9AM – 1PM with free Farm Tours each day at 11AM. For questions about Rock Bottom Ranch please email Jason at jsmith@aspennature.org.