Richard Nassa, an experienced orchard man, recently pruned apple trees at Historic New England’s Casey Farm in Saunderstown, Rhode Island, to prepare for the upcoming season. He also shared the secrets to his organic methods to amend the soil around the trees, including the use of “seaweed tea” or fertilizer. Seaweed has been used as a garden fertilizer for centuries. It is perfect for our seaside farm and our organically grown produce.
Former farm managers Mike and Polly Hutchison planted most of the heirloom varieties in the 1990s and 2000s. Casey Farm Site Manager Jane Hennedy recently put together a site plan to identify the trees and researched the ripening times, attributes, history, and best uses for these heirloom varieties. The four Williams trees on the front lawn of the farm house were pruned by Richard Nassa. He is consulting on the ten other trees on the grounds including Pound Sweet, Black Oxford, Golden Russet, Roxbury Russet, Baldwin, and Liberty.
Casey Farm is a working organic farm with an active Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. CSA members receive fresh, certified organic vegetables, fruits, and herbs. Please contact the farm office for more information.
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