Topmost Herb Farm :: Medicinal & Culinary Herbs

Topmost Herb Farm, a grower of medicinal and culinary herbs, located in Coventry, Connecticut, is owned and operated by Carole Miller. Herbs are grown according to organic standards, without pesticides or commercial fertilizers. The plants owe their robust health and vigor to organic potting mix, seaweed and kelp mixtures, herbal plant teas for insect and disease control, and additions of farm generated compost. They are available at the greenhouse in 3 inch or quart pots during the growing season from May through September.

The greenhouse will open for the 2008 season on Saturday, May 3. We will be open Thursday, Friday and Saturdays from 9 to 5 through September. On Sundays, find Topmost Herb Farm at the Coventry Farmers Market, which runs from June through October.

HERBS & MORE

We grow an extensive variety of annual and perennial herbs, and most can be seen in our display gardens. Please refer to our growing lists for this year’s plant offerings. The list is not necessarily all-inclusive, as items are often added as the season progresses and availability naturally depends on good seed germination and growing conditions. Our garlic is ready in early August and our Ailsa Craig sweet onions shortly thereafter.

HEIRLOOM TOMATOES

This year we are pleased to offer a selection of heirloom tomato plants. Heirlooms bear no resemblance to those perfectly round, magnificently red supermarket varieties bred for appearance and shelf life but completely lacking in true tomato flavor. Heirlooms are old-timers from many countries whose seeds have been preserved for generations and they are well-respected for their marvelous deep flavor. Colors range from pink to purple and yellow, sometimes with striping or mottling. Often the shoulders have brown markings, and the shapes run the gamut from oblong through flattened, pointy and downright lumpy. Started early from seed, they are transplanted twice and are large plants, ready to go in the ground in early June. Consult the tomato plant list and reserve your plants early. It is often rumored that true Heirloom lovers don’t leave town in August when the fruits are ripening.

LECTURES & SPECIAL EVENTS

Contact the farm if you would like a speaker for your organization. Subjects include herbal lore and history, organic growing techniques, planning your herb garden, herb gardens through the seasons, growing and using organic culinary herbs and growing herbs for tea. Demonstrations include preparing herbal vinegars, herbal appetizers, and growing basil and making pesto. During the warm months we can accommodate groups for garden tours and a lecture at the farm. In the late fall, workshops on baking apple pies in the fireplace bake oven will be offered.

Member of the Connecticut Herb Association, Inc., Northeast Organic Farming Association, Northeast Herbal Association, United Plant Savers, and New England Wildflower Society.

Topmost Herb Farm, 244 North School Road, Coventry, CT, 06238
phone: 860.742.8239 fax: 860.742.2226 email: carole@topmostherbfarm.com

HERBFEST

Always on the first Saturday in June, Topmost hosts the Connecticut Herb Association’s HerbFest, an educational journey celebrating the many gifts that herbs provide. A paid admission of $10 provides access to day-long hourly workshops, lectures, demonstrations, information tables, weed walks, over 30 craft and herbal vendors, food vendors, a bake sale and children’s activities. The 2008 event will take place Saturday, June 7th from 9am to 4pm. HerbFest 2008 Program

TASTE! ORGANIC

Topmost hosts this yearly celebration of local organic agriculture, which will be on Sunday, September 14, 2008 from 10 am to 4 pm. Sponsored by NOFA and the Willimantic Food Co-Op, this event offers the opportunity to purchase fresh vegetables and fruits, honey, maple syrup, organically grown plants and items from local crafters and herbalists. Hourly workshops, delicious grilled vegetables for lunch, information tables, music and children’s events all add to the charm of the day. Admission is $5, and we ask that you please leave your pets at home. For more information visit www.ctnofa.org or call 203.888.5146.