A Celebration of Growing
Steve and Jen Preli run West Green Farm, located at 119 West Town Street in Lebanon, Connecticut. They continue to offer a wide variety of fruits and vegetables grown at their farm. This year the Prelis have expanded their production to include winter squash, watermelon, and cantaloupe. All of the crops they grow are started in greenhouse and then set out into the field.
Steve and Jen, along with their three children, have been busy converting the old, overgrown, dairy farm they bought in 1998 to a busy, beautiful farm market. They feel very lucky to be able to raise their family on the farm. Steve was raised on and worked in the orchards of Glastonbury, and Jen has been familiar with gardening and working with dairy cows since she was a young girl growing up in Ledyard.
In addition to growing peas, beans, lettuce, tomatoes, broccoli, cabbage, summer squash, pumpkins, and gourds, the Prelis also grow strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, peaches, and plums. A highlight of the farm in the fall has been the delicious apples grown in their orchard. Also available at their farm market are herbs, flowers, honey, and native sweet corn. All of the produce is sold when it's in season so customers know it's freshly picked.
You can always expect the highest quality produce here; and, if the weather gets hot and dry, the Prelis' farm is fully irrigated using drip irrigation. They also use black plastic mulch and lightweight covers to get early an early jump on the growing season, and two UCONN crop specialists visit the farm weekly as part of their IPM program.
An unique aspect the farm's market is the wide selection of local fiber and offerings from local fiber artisans, and the market has a reputation for providing an outlet for fiber producers to be able to sell their yarns. Jen is an experienced knitter herself, and has on display and for sale many of the sweaters, shawls, and hats she has made. Jen offers beginner to advanced knitting classes on evenings and weekends. She can also help you with patterns and needles.
The Prelis hope that when you visit their farm market you will enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and pastoral views. Located on the Lebanon Green, they are open every day, 9 AM to 6 PM, June through October, and Thursday through Sunday, Noon to 4 PM, November and December.