Summer is the perfect time to explore the great outdoors and immerse yourself in the charming world of family farms. Harrisonburg, Virginia and its surrounding areas boast a variety of delightful farm tours that promise fun, education, and unique experiences for all ages. Here are three must-visit farms that offer a perfect summer day out.

Back Home on the Farm

Back Home on the Farm, nestled in the picturesque Rockingham County, offers a delightful escape into rural life. Featuring 40 attractions, this family-friendly farm is brimming with activities that will entertain visitors of all ages.

Highlights:

• Cow Train Rides: Enjoy a whimsical ride through the farm on the cow train, a favorite among kids.
• Butterflies: Get up close with butterflies.
• Historic Carousel: Take a spin on the beautifully restored carousel for nostalgic fun.
• Country Store: Don’t miss the chance to pick up toys, jams, jarred goods, and more from the charming country store.
• Delicious Ice Cream: Treat yourself to a scoop (or two) of their creamy, farm-fresh ice cream.

Mt. Crawford Creamery

Located in the quaint town of Crawford, Virginia, Mt. Crawford Creamery is a small, family-owned dairy farm where you can experience the full journey of milk from cow to bottle. This farm prides itself on producing high-quality dairy products right on site.

Highlights:

• Farm Tour: Learn about the dairy farming process, from milking the cows to bottling the milk.
• On-Farm Store: Purchase fresh milk, butter, cream, ice cream mix, and more directly from the farm.
• Family Atmosphere: Enjoy the warmth and hospitality of a true family-operated farm.

White Oak Lavender Farm

Just a few miles from Harrisonburg, White Oak Lavender Farm offers a serene and aromatic experience. This small, family-owned farm is dedicated to growing lavender and providing visitors with a peaceful and relaxing environment.

Highlights:

• U-Pick Lavender: Experience the joy of picking your own lavender during the summer season.
• Lavender Products: Browse the wide array of lavender-based products, from soaps to essential oils.
• Lavender Lemonade: Refresh yourself with homemade lavender lemonade, a unique and delicious treat.
• Animal Encounters: Meet and interact with the friendly animals on the farm for a delightful experience.

Tips for a Great Farm Tour:

• Wear Comfortable Clothing: Farms can be muddy and dusty, so dress appropriately.
• Bring a Camera: Capture the beautiful landscapes and memorable moments.
• Stay Hydrated: Carry water, especially during the hot summer months.
• Check Event Schedules: Some farms host special events and activities, so be sure to check their websites.

Exploring these farms will provide you and your family with wonderful memories and a deeper appreciation for the hard work that goes into farming. Plan your farm tour this summer and discover the joys of agritourism in and around Harrisonburg, Virginia!

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Made with salty bacon, fresh tomatoes, and bright herbs, this easy succotash recipe creates a delicious summer side dish.

You’ll need:

• 6 slices bacon, sliced
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 4 corn cobs, husked and kernels cut from the cob
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¼ cup sliced chives
• ¼ cup sliced basil
• ½ cup crumbled feta
• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar or lemon juice
• Pinch of salt and pepper

To make:

Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set it on a paper towel-lined plate. Remove excess bacon grease, leaving about 2 tablespoons in the skillet.

Cook the Vegetables: Add the green onions and corn to the skillet and cook until soft, about 3-5 minutes.

Combine Ingredients: Remove the skillet from heat and add the tomatoes, chives, basil, feta, and white wine vinegar or lemon juice. Stir in the bacon just before serving so it remains crispy. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Serve: This dish can be served warm or at room temperature.

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Pickling cucumbers is a great way to preserve the freshness of summer and enjoy the tangy crunch of pickles year-round. Whether you prefer classic dill pickles, sweet bread-and-butter pickles, or spicy variations, pickling cucumbers at home is easier than you might think. Here’s a guide to help you get started on pickling.

Choosing the Right Cucumbers
For the best pickles, choose cucumbers that are:
Small to Medium-Sized: About 4-6 inches long, firm, and blemish-free.
Fresh: Pick freshly harvested cucumbers for the best texture and flavor.
Pickling Varieties: While you can pickle any cucumber, pickling varieties like Kirby or Persian cucumbers hold up better during the pickling process.

You’ll need:

• Cucumbers: Fresh, firm cucumbers.
• Vinegar: White vinegar or apple cider vinegar for a tangy flavor.
• Water: To dilute the vinegar.
• Salt: Pickling salt or kosher salt (avoid iodized salt).
• Sugar: Optional for sweet pickles.
• Spices: Dill seeds, mustard seeds, peppercorns, and garlic are expected. For a spicy kick, you can also add red pepper flakes.
• Fresh Dill: For dill pickles.
• Jars: Clean, sterilized jars with lids.

To make:

• Prepare the cucumbers by washing them thoroughly and trimming off the ends. Cut the cucumbers into desired shapes, such as spears or slices, or leave them whole for baby pickles.
• To make the brine, combine vinegar and water in a saucepan. Add salt (about 2 tablespoons per quart of liquid) and sugar if making sweet pickles. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring to dissolve the salt (and sugar).
• Place spices, garlic, and fresh dill at the bottom of each sterilized jar.
• Pack the cucumbers tightly into the jars.
• Pour the hot brine over the cucumbers, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace.

Seal and process the jars:

• Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean cloth to ensure a good seal.
• Place the lids on the jars and screw on the bands until fingertip tight.
• Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10-15 minutes for shelf-stable pickles.
• If you prefer refrigerator pickles, skip the water bath and store the jars in the fridge.

Allow the pickles to sit for at least 24 hours to develop flavor, but they taste best after a week. For fermented pickles, leave the jars at room temperature for 1-2 weeks, then refrigerate.

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Window box gardening is a fun way to add charm and color to your home, regardless of your gardening space limitations. These compact, versatile containers can be filled with various plants, from vibrant flowers to aromatic herbs, making them a perfect choice for city dwellers and suburban homeowners. Here’s a quick guide to help you create and maintain a beautiful window box garden.

Getting Started: Choosing Your Window Box

• Material: Window boxes are made of various materials, including wood, metal, plastic, and terracotta. Choose one that complements your home’s exterior and suits your style.
• Size: Ensure your window box is at least 8 inches deep and wide enough for healthy root growth. The length should match or slightly exceed the width of your window.
• Drainage: Proper drainage is crucial. Look for boxes with drainage holes, or add a layer of gravel at the bottom to prevent waterlogging.

Selecting Plants for Your Window Box

• Flowers: For a lush, layered look, choose a mix of trailing, upright, and filler plants. Popular choices include petunias, geraniums, marigolds, and lobelia.
• Herbs: If you prefer a functional garden, herbs like basil, thyme, parsley, and mint are excellent choices for window boxes.
• Vegetables: Some vegetables, like lettuce, radishes, and cherry tomatoes, can thrive in window boxes.
• Seasonal Rotation: Consider rotating plants seasonally to keep your window box looking fresh year-round. Pansies and violas are great for spring, while mums and ornamental kale add autumnal beauty.

Planting Your Window Box

• Soil: Use a high-quality potting mix that provides good drainage and nutrients. Avoid using garden soil, which can be too heavy and compacted for container gardening.
• Plant Arrangement: Place the tallest plants in the center or back of the box. Fill in with medium-height plants and finish with trailing plants along the edges.
• Spacing: To avoid overcrowding, follow the spacing recommendations on plant tags to ensure each plant has enough room to grow.
• Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as in their original containers. Firm the soil gently around the roots, and water thoroughly after planting.

Caring for Your Window Box Garden

• Watering: Window boxes dry out quickly, especially in sunny locations. Water regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not soggy. During hot weather, you might need to water daily.
• Feeding: Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 2-4 weeks to keep your plants healthy and vibrant. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
• Pruning: Regularly deadhead spent blooms and trim back any leggy growth to encourage more blooms and maintain a tidy appearance.
• Pest Control: Look for common pests like aphids and spider mites. To protect your plants, use organic pest control methods, such as neem oil or insecticidal soap.

Creative Ideas for Window Box Gardens

• Theme Gardens: Create themed window boxes, such as a butterfly garden with nectar-rich flowers or a culinary herb garden for your kitchen window.
• Color Schemes: Choose a color scheme that complements your home’s exterior. Monochromatic schemes can be elegant while contrasting colors add a vibrant pop.
• Seasonal Decorations: Add seasonal decorations, such as mini pumpkins in the fall or ornaments during the holiday season, to enhance the visual appeal.

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