Marini Farm Embraces Local-Sourcing and the Farm-to Movement

Marini Farm has actively participated in the hot trend of produce sourcing since the farm's establishment three generations ago. In the early years the farm operated as a "truck farm" with no direct consumer selling operations. In addition, to the farm's Community-Supported Agriculture program (CSA), Marini now sells produce on the wholesale market to local restaurants, farm stands, and specialty and grocery stores. "Currently 50% of the farm's produce is sold in the wholesale market and the demand is on the rise with the orders farm exceeding the supply," reports owner Mike Marini.

When you browse the produce aisles at local grocery stores, you do not usually know where the produce comes from. However, more and more frequently you will see signs that say "locally grown," and on occasion you may see the produce source or farm's name. Shaw's and Stop & Shop are two of Marini's top wholesale customers, so on any given day you may be purchasing corn, zucchini, summer squash, cucumbers, and other local produce from Marini Farm without realizing it. Restaurants love sharing their produce sources with their customers, as they know organic and locally grown produce is in big demand and that their customers are focused on healthy living and tastier options. "We are changing the accessibility of farm fresh produce by expanding our distribution programs to provide the best quality produce to the local market," Marini explains. "Our family has benefited from this farm-to-table lifestyle, and we want everyone to experience the same local freshness."

Local restaurants Salt and Ithaki in Ipswich, MA are active wholesale customers of Marini Farm. Their relationships with Marini Farm allow the restaurants' customers to become new customers of Marini. Did you know that one of the North Shore's favorite ice cream stands, Benson's Ice Cream, uses Marini strawberries in their seasonal strawberry ice cream?

A recent National Restaurant Association (NRA) survey discovered that over 55% of adults say they're more likely to visit a restaurant that offers foods that are grown or raised in an environmentally friendly manner. According to the NRA, the current top two restaurant menu trends this season are to serve up locally sourced meat and seafood, and locally grown produce.

As more and more Americans become aware of the personal, local, and global consequences of their food consumption, the "farm-to" concept continually tops the consumer trends charts. This surge in demand reflects the public's overall uncertainty about food safety and the effectiveness of government regulations in quality standards and labeling. It is easier to trust produce that has traveled 30 miles or fewer.

Even the national restaurant chains are following the farm-to trend. A local favorite fast-food chain, Chipotle Mexican Grill, "plans to serve more than 15 million pounds of locally grown produce in its restaurants this year, up from its 2012 goal of 10 million pounds," as reported in QSR Magazine.

According to Marini, "We pick seven days a week and have to move the produce, so having tight local networks to source product to is important." In the busy months produce is picked at peak ripeness, and based on demand it moves from the fields directly to the trucks for distribution.

The eating-local trend has taken off throughout the state. At the opening of the summer farmers market season last year, 21 new markets were opened, including 10 in Middlesex and Worcester Counties. That brought the total number of farmers markets in the state to 254, an increase of more than 55% in five years, according to the state's Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. The North Shore hosts farmers markets all week long. To learn more about where and when they are open, read the recent article in The Salem News, "Farmers markets bloom on the North Shore".

Buying locally grown fruits and vegetables means both a fresher fridge and a reduced carbon footprint. Local produce travels fewer miles from field to table than imported grocery store produce does. In addition, local produce can be picked at its peak ripeness and delivered immediately instead of being picked green and required to ripen in transit or on shelves.

Marini prides its smaller operations on being able to closely monitor the cultural controls, biological controls, and uses of chemicals and pesticides that go into growing the produce that brightens your summer. Marini Farm has been working with the University of Massachusetts for years to follow a balanced IPM program in order to produce the safest fruits and vegetables for local families while promoting a healthy environment and restricting use of harmful chemicals. With all the love local restaurants like Ithaki put into creating their amazing dishes, Marini Farm is proud to have put that much and more into helping expand local produce availability and consumption.

Marini focuses on keeping local, fresh and healthy. Marini wishes more people would question where the produce they purchase comes from, because if they knew the facts, "they would all grab local produce first." Marini commented that his farmland of over 200 acres can only yield so much produce, but he would double that amount if it would help him reach more people with healthier produce options. Marini knows that "delivering the produce closer to the time it is harvested results in better tasting-food."

Written by Lightning Consulting 

Sharing in the Win/Win Approach of Marini Farm's Bounty with a CSA

Marini Farm's Harvest of fresh fruits and vegetables will be boxed and ready for pick up each Wednesday by the more than 200 CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) participants.

CSAs have become a popular way for customers to pay for their shares of the harvest upfront, and then receive product "dividends" as produce becomes available. Or, to put it another way: A CSA is a win/win approach that gives Marini Farm upfront money at the start of the season when it is needed the most to buy its seeds and supplies to produce food. Customers, in turn, feel more connected to the farm by investing in crops ahead of time, then coming weekly to pick up their shares of fresh produce.

The CSA, which Marini Farm started in 2011, has become so popular that it is fully subscribed for the 2013 growing season, with a waiting list already begun for 2014.

Customers who have invested in Marini Farms' CSA help preserve what has been one of the largest growing vegetable farms on the North Shore for more than 80 years.

"Our CSA is a great way to receive locally grown delicious fruits and vegetables at up to 20 to 50 percent the cost if you purchased the same quality at a supermarket," noted owner Mike Marini. "Local produce travels far less than grocery produce by as much as 1,500 miles which ensures a higher level of freshness."

Other benefits of joining Marini's CSA

Being part of Marini Farm's CSA creates a sense of community as most customers will attest to it being fun to come each week to pick up their boxed items and mingle with others on the farm.

 Other benefits include:

• The ability to try a full variety of fruits and vegetables, and perhaps discover new and unusual produce you like that you may not have eaten before.
• A "swap system" whereby if customers find there is something they do not want in their share upon arrival, they can opt to place it in a swap bin, from which they may choose a replacement item. The swap bin is filled with excess produce from the field and the farm stand. Based on an honor system, the swap system expects a customer to put back into the bin approximately what he or she took out, allowing other CSA members to enjoy the swap throughout the day.
• Receiving fresh produce each week on schedule helps customers maintain a commitment to eating their vegetables.
• Higher quality: local vegetables and fruits in season are the freshest and most flavorful produce available.
• Eating produce based on IPM (Integrated Pest Management), which Marini Farm has used for more than three decades and considers to be the safest method of producing crops.
• Pick-up day can be a great social event to share recipes and stories.
• Fruit is added to shares at no additional cost (most other CSAs offer a separate fruit share). 

If you are away, you can pass your share to a friend and have them manage the pick-up. Many members bring their kids to help pick up the produce. Kids also have access to play structures on pick-up day, so it becomes a fun family errand to run.

How Marini Farm's CSA Works

To become a CSA member of Marini Farms, customers may download an application for next year from: Marini Farm CSA membership or pick up an application at the farm stand and mail it back to Marini Farm. Upon receiving applicants' information, Marini Farm will automatically place them on its mailing list so they can receive up-to-date information regarding their investment in the farm.

There are two share types in which to purchase:

1. Large:  Comfortably feeds four people and will have a weekly value of $30-plus on average. Its costs are $695, with a $50 deposit required to secure a spot in the CSA. A payment of $300 is due in March, with the remaining balance due in May, 2014.

2. Small: Feeds two people and will have a weekly value of $17-plus on average. Its cost is $395. A $50 deposit is required with payment due in March, 2014. Upon request, other payment options are always available.

The reason for the upfront money is that a CSA is designed to help absorb the yearly start-up costs that the beginning of a growing season entails. Early production starts in the greenhouses during February and planting in the fields in March.

"By receiving payment in March we hope to be able to pay for the cost of seeds and lessen the yearly start-up loans," Marini explained. "By May, we are now paying a full staff to plant and maintain the growing crops on more than 200 acres, which is how we grow the quality of produce that has built the excellent reputation of Marini Farm for eight decades."

Specific details of CSA hours, pick up, and special events, along with listings of available fresh produce, will be listed on the Marini Farm CSA site throughout the CSA season which runs from June 5th through October 2nd. 

Pick-up of CSA Shares

CSA members' shares are picked up each Wednesday, starting on June 5th, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Members may designate someone else to make the pick-up. For those who run late, they may call the farm ahead, and their share will be left outside for pick up between 6:30 and 9 p.m., after which time it will be taken in. Any missed pick-ups will be donated to charity. Credits are not available, nor can missed pick-ups be carried over.

Written by Blogger Pros.

Marini Farm's Love For Tomatoes

The growing season for tomatoes is in full gear in the Marini Farm hot houses. Managing the scheduling process would overwhelm most farms, but Marini has historically built off of the prior year's production successes.

The farm is now planting 3,000 tomato plants in three separate hot houses for a June harvest of "Big Beef" tomatoes. In the fields, they follow a precise scheduling process of three consecutive plantings of 10,000 plants on 5/1, 5/30 and 6/30, with an overall production of more than 30,000 plants. All tomatoes are grown on raised plastic beds with drip irrigation, and row covers are used on the first planting for frost protection, as well as for the last planting during late season harvest. The tomatoes are picked vine ripe for exceptional flavor, and if all goes as planned, a Marini Farm grown tomato will be available from late June until Halloween.

In addition to the "Big Beef" tomatoes, the farm grows over 20 different heirloom and cherry tomato varieties which are all stacked and tied. Field tomato varieties include: Primo Red, Red Duce, Primetime, Florida 57, Sonoma, BHN, Mountain Fresh, Scarlet Red, Applause and Biltmore.

Marini's tomatoes are sold at their retail farm stand, as well as wholesaled to outside farm stands, supermarkets, restaurants, and to other local CSAs (Community Supported Agriculture) participants.

As Mike Marini points out, "Many factors go into growing great tomatoes, but our number one focus is to produce tomatoes with exceptional quality and taste." The farm is always testing out new varieties that meet their quality tasting standards.

Marini has increased the population of grafted tomatoes over the years. The grafting process ties disease-resistant and insect-resistant roots onto familiar heirloom and hybrid tomatoes. Grafted tomato plants are stronger and lead to increased yields.

Many seed catalogs are featuring a wider selection of grafted plants and this year was a "roll-out year" nationally in the home-garden market. Tests in the U.S. have shown that the grafting process makes it easy to become a super producer of good-tasting tomatoes. The grafting process is recognized to be the single biggest advance in tomatoes since they were first hybridized over a century ago. With grafting, growers get a higher yield with a more rigorous plant, better taste, and do not have to worry about the risk of disease from fungal, bacterial, viral, and nematode diseases.

Grafts are made by severing the rootstock and scion at a downward 70 degree angle and re-attaching the plant with the root stalk with a rubber or silicon clip. Very much like plant surgery, it begins with precise cutting and ends with a carefully supervised healing process. Grafting is a sustainable farming process, which eliminates the use of products such as the soil fumigant methyl bromide to keep the plants healthy.

Tomatoes and other vegetables are big business:

"The National Gardening Association's annual survey found that while overall gardening activity, which includes everything from landscaping to potted plants, fell from $36 billion in 2008 to $29 billion in each of the last three years, vegetable gardening sales were up by roughly 20%, to about $1.7 billion annually."

Did you know...

• Americans eat between 22-24 pounds of tomatoes per person, per year.--U.S. Department of Agriculture.
• The largest worldwide producer of tomatoes is China, followed by U.S., Turkey, India and Egypt.
• Tomatoes are originally from South America and can be traced back to being cultivated by the Aztecs and the Incas as early as 700 A.D.
• Tomatoes are high in vitamin A and a good source of vitamin C and potassium, and that their biggest claim to fame is their copious amounts of Lycopene, a proven cancer preventative.
• California produces 96 percent of the tomatoes processed in the U.S.
• The name comes from the Aztec "xitomotl," which means "plump thing with a navel."
• Tomatoes are America's fourth most popular fresh-market vegetable behind potatoes, lettuce, and onions.
• The largest tomato tree grows at Walt Disney World Resort's experimental greenhouse and yields a harvest of more than 32,000 tomatoes and weighs 1,151.84 pounds.--Guinness Book of World Records
• Americans have increased their tomato consumption 30 percent over the last 20 years (mostly in processed forms such as sauce, paste, and salsa).  

Mike Marini frequently addresses customers' questions on home growing techniques for a successful garden. Marini's advice to at-home farmers is to add cow manure or compost to their gardens. He also recommends home gardeners plant a cover crop in the fall, rotate their crops, and test the soil after  rototilling. Marini stresses that you "need to know where you are to get to where you want to be!" There are home soil tests available and companies on the internet that accept samples and conduct testing and analysis. Marini sends its samples to UMass/Griffin Greenhouse. For an abundant garden the pH level is very important for plant growth, according to Marini.

And, Marini, like his customers, knows "nothing beats the taste of a fresh vine ripe tomato!"

Written by Blogger Pros

Winter at Marini Farms - The Challenges and Joys of Managing the Greenhouses

February may seem like a perfect time to take a winter break but, at Marini Farms, it is a crucial month for the start of planting in the greenhouses.

"Greenhouse production is important to vegetable farms because it helps bring in early income, giving cash flow to help get the farm planted," explained Mike Marini, third-generation owner of Marini Farms. "Any way you can start earlier or extend a season helps."

The early greenhouse plantings contribute to Marini Farms' reputation for having some of the best and most flavorful fruits available on the North Shore.

"We seed all our own seedlings for our field crop," Marini said. "This insures we are starting with a healthy, disease-free transplant and the best possible varieties, which reduces risk. There is nothing worse than buying into your problems."

He cites an example of a box store selling tomato plants infected with late blight. "The poor home gardeners did not have a chance of producing a healthy crop on their own," Marini exclaimed.

Marini Farms grows tomatoes, rhubarb, cucumbers, swiss chard, zucchini, green beans, peppers, carrots, peas, annuals, perennials, herbs and an astounding array of hanging plants in its greenhouses. Currently, there are four greenhouses on the farm, which cover about one acre of Marini Farm's total 200 acres devoted to mixed fruits and vegetables (another 100 acres is leased for growing corn).

Another reason for staying close to the farm during February is that winter weather conditions must be carefully watched as heavy snowfalls can threaten greenhouse structures. Three years ago in February, Marini Farm lost three of its greenhouses due to snowstorms, as pictured below when the roofs were flattened.

"It was a challenge to lose them at this time because we had to rebuild our infrastructures while we were also trying to grow our crops," Marini noted. "Flowers can only be held together for so long, but eventually you have to give them the proper growing space otherwise quality will be compromised."

The financial costs were also challenging as all three greenhouses had to be rebuilt simultaneously. However, as Marini jokingly adds, "Some were outdated, old chicken coops converted to growing houses. They were long overdue for some modernization."

To ensure consistent quality and volume of products grown within the greenhouses, Marini Farms must carefully manage:

• effective pest and disease control
• efficient heating and energy costs (which means that instead of opening the greenhouses in January, due to high costs of heating, they now open in late February for production. The retail houses officially open around May 1st, but many customers come in before that to browse or shop as walking through a colorful greenhouse is uplifting and often helps put one in a good mood after a long winter).
• proper ventilation
• accurate fertilization amounts
• thorough maintenance of the plants and buildings

The right timing of planting is also essential. Marini Farms starts seeding its vegetables and planting its first greenhouse tomatoes in March - work that brings Mike Marini much joy, perhaps better than a winter getaway vacation.

"Working in the greenhouses is one of the most peaceful and self-gratifying jobs on the farm," he claimed. "At the end of the day, you can look back and physically see that you have accomplished something. Nursing and watching those plants grow only add to the experience."

Greenhouse Trends

The greenhouse industry is rapidly changing and becoming more competitive, according to Marini. Here are some of his observations:

• Consumers have moved away from planting large gardens to creating more container gardens, with more perennials, varieties and colors than ever before.
• Vegetable and herb gardens are becoming increasingly popular.
• Larger, individual plants are replacing "six-pack" purchases.

"Ten years ago I never would have thought we would be planting tomatoes in greenhouses over more flowers, but we are and can not have enough of them," Marini said, adding, "We continue to adapt and change as the industry changes."

Proud that 90 percent of what Marini Farms sells is grown on-site, Marini noted the greenhouses make farming a year-round event.

"Marini Farm is part of every season," he said. "We produce our own product, giving our new and loyal customers the best quality possible at affordable prices. We are very lucky to have returning customers who have been buying their flowers from us for years."

Written by Blogger Pros.

A Behind-The-Scenes Look From Third-Generation Farmer Mike Marini

From digging in piles of dirt as a toddler to now managing over 200 acres of farmland, Mike Marini's passion for farming only gets stronger. Marini is proud to be a third-generation farmer, and feels lucky he has his father Mario by his side out in the fields providing him advice and direction in the day-to-day farm management. No two days are ever the same and the best thing about farming, according to Marini, is that it is always changing.

When asked what it was like growing up on the farm, Marini responded, "It was a rewarding life, and I learned about the value of hard work at a young age. It was also great being outside every day playing in piles of dirt, climbing on the equipment, seeing the world happening around me and being able to eat off the vine anytime I wanted to. I was lucky to be involved in a family farm growing up and I am fortunate that I had the opportunity to take over the farm after I graduated from college."

There is no doubt Marini feels he has the best job in the world. Learning from his dad's work philosophy to "take things as they come and roll with the punches," Marini says he is tested each day with new challenges and adjusts accordingly. Uncontrollable forces like weather and machinery failures make day-to-day planning interesting, and result in constant changes in the day's priorities.

"Nothing ever gets my day down," is the one motto his dad operated by. His dad took over the farm at eighteen and most days visitors continue to see Mario out in the fields or giving his two grandchildren (three- and five-years old) a ride on some equipment. Mike and his wife, Kim, his college sweetheart from The University of Delaware, are expecting their third child in July.

Winter Preparations

The farm gives us fresh produce in the spring, summer and fall, but one wonders, what happens in the winter? Running one of the largest farms in the region involves a lot of preparation, according to Marini. He starts planning for the next season the day the prior season ends and the farm is buttoned down for the winter months.

Marini focuses on crop planning, event planning, submits applications for energy grants, attends integrated pest management seminars and other industry programs and education agricultural events.

While this extensive preparation can seem overwhelming to most, Marini downplays the rigorous schedules and task-juggling, focusing instead on the personal fulfillment, joy and, most of all, community involvement he derives from running the farm

Working in community, everyone helps each other out, Marini reports. He wants his customers to be happy and enjoy the quality of fresh produce. Every season the farm tests out new varieties and recently added four new corn and twelve new tomato varieties. "Quality and freshness are at the forefront," states Marini, adding, "Farming is quite a process which goes beyond growing, harvesting and marketing."

There are many functions that contribute to running a successful farming operation. One of which, green energy, was covered in the November 19 blog on Marini processing its own fuel.  The farm is installing its fourth corn-burning heater this year.

Marini is a leader in the trend of farms turning to their land and operations to generate renewable energy. "I applied for three grants and got them all," Marini shares, once again making the work as owner of one of the largest farms in the region look easy.

He believes that local produce has many benefits including exceptional taste, freshness and nutritional value. In addition, he believes in supporting local interests and community groups, other local farmers, and contributing to the economic well-being of the area as a small-business. Marini stays connected to industry developments through his board positions with the Farm Bureau, the Farm Security Administration (FSA) and other off-season vegetable grower meetings.

Marini is always looking for ways to add value to the farming operation. "Diversity is necessary for survival," he notes. With the fall corn maze, Christmas on the Hill holiday festivities, the Strawberry Festival and other family events, the farm is better able to balance their seasons. Planning these types of events is often done in winter.

Additionally, the winter entails busy planning for the next crop season. Greenhouses open in January/February and seeds are planted in February. The challenge is to keep a consistent crop from the opening to the closing of the farm season.

Running a farm is "like a race horse at the gate getting ready to go. Once you go, there is no turning back," according to Marini.

Marini balances farming life with strength, perseverance, patience and joy. He hopes he can be as fortunate as his dad who has tilled the soil for nearly all of his 75 years.

In the meantime, Mike Marini, third-generation farmer, is ready to keep "racing," serving the community with fresh and superior quality produce.

Written by Blogger Pros

The Spirit of Giving: Marini Farm Hosts Tree Jubilee for The Ipswich Humane Group

Most Creative/Unique Tree - Gold Award: Ipswich Clambake

In a room filled with community spirit and joy, more than 50 local businesses, organizations and families gathered at Marini Farm’s large greenhouse December 4 to donate and decorate trees and wreaths on behalf the Ipswich Humane Group, Inc.’s annual Tree Jubilee Fundraiser.

From gorgeous glittery trees, elegant bonsais, crafty wreaths, and classic designs of simple beauty, the room oozed with creativity.  Local interior designers, greenhouses and landscapers displayed their own unique professional touches.

The panel of judges who viewed the donors’ entries and selected the winners included Ipswich Police Chief Paul Nikas, local artist Susan Burton, and Ipswich Selectman Patrick McNally.  The winners were: 

Best of Show Tree: The Parks Family
Best of Show Wreath: The Clambox

Best Professional Tree: Corliss Brothers
Best Professional Wreath:  Gordon’s Florist

Most Creative/Unique Tree
Gold: Ipswich Clambake
Silver: Ipswich Ale Brewery/Mercury Brewing
Bronze: Best Scentsy Wickless Candles

Most Creative/Unique Wreath
Gold: The Thompson Family
Silver: The Best Family
Bronze: Ipswich Shellfish 

Honorable Mention:
Time & Tide Fine Art
The Halliday Family

Then on December 7, 8, 9, 14, and 15, the public was invited to tour the gallery of beautifully decorated trees and wreaths, and purchase raffle tickets for a chance of winning their favorite tree.  For $5, participants were given 10 chances to win a tree or wreath, and for $10, they had 20 chances to take home a uniquely decorated item.

“Seeing the Marini Farm greenhouse alive with so much creativity, along with so many people coming forth to support the good cause of the Ipswich Humane Group, truly makes this season so special for us,” said Mike Marini.  “Contributing to community has always been part of our mission as third-generation farmers.”

On December 16, the raffles were drawn, and the 50-plus winners were called to pick up their trees and wreaths, with all the accompaniments.

As a result, $4,391 was raised, with more than double the number of donated trees and wreaths over last year. Additionally, viewings for the decorated items took place over two weekends this year, versus only a Friday night and all day Saturday last year. One hundred percent of all proceeds of the event will go directly to helping take care of the animals - including all veterinary bills and food - until they find “a forever home.”

Last year, the Tree Jubilee, also hosted by Marini Farm, raised $2,747 and had 23 donators. 

“The Ipswich Humane Group can't thank the Marinis enough for all they do to help our group and the stray and homeless animals that come through the Ipswich Animal Shelter,” said Heidi Best, president of Ipswich Humane Group. “In the last few years, the Marinis have been instrumental in our fundraising efforts through their Doggy Maze Day and the Tree Jubilee which have now become annual events. The donation of their greenhouse PLUS electricity, heat and so much more makes this all possible so 100 percent of all the donations go to the animals.”

Next year, the Ipswich Humane Group would like to increase the competition for the Tree Jubilee by inviting all veterinary hospitals and animal-related businesses to compete against each other for the most "creative" tree, Best noted.  Additionally, the organization would like to invite competitions between liquor companies and professional florists/garden centers to add to the great viewing of trees and wreaths.

“Thank you to all who attended plus congratulations to all the winners!  We hope to see you all next year,” Best remarked.  “Thank you again Mike and Kim Marini for all you and your family do to help the shelter pets."

With the Tree Jubilee expecting to return next year bigger than ever, start percolating your decorating ideas now. 

To joyfully giving back on behalf of the The Ipswich Humane Group,

Mike Marini and the Marini Farm Family 

Written by BloggerPros.

Selecting the Oh-So-Perfect Christmas Tree at Marini Farm is a Family Affair

Gather the family, pack a tape measure and heavy-weight gloves, choose a holiday CD to play en route and come on over to Marini Farm for one of the best selections of more than 2,000 pre-cut fresh Christmas trees.

A full selection of wreaths, decorated and plain kissing balls, swags, greens, roping, hand-made bows and gift items are also available. The Stand Strait Christmas Tree Stand--also known as The Marriage Saver--is available for sale with free tree drilling for owners of the stand. Considered the best Christmas tree stand available, it enables your tree to stand tall, straight and stable to prevent it from toppling over, and requires only one drill hole in the base of your tree.

Marini Farm starts shopping for Christmas trees right after July 4^th, and they make it a family excursion. The Marini family takes a summer vacation in the Quebec area, and sets aside some time to meet with the tree growers and select the trees for the coming Christmas season. Balsam and Fraser trees are the most popular based on overall quality and shape, with Balsam known for their fragrance and Fraser knows for their strong branches and minimal needle drop. As Marini states, “Our hands-on selection process is the reason the quality of our trees is second to none,  and we want our customers to get the best tree possible for their families to enjoy.” 

According to the National Christmas Tree Association (NCTA), 56 million trees are planted each year for future Christmases and 30 to 35 million families will shop and buy a "real" Christmas tree this year. Finding your perfect Christmas tree can be a challenge.

To make your selection process a little easier, Marini Farm has compiled these tips for picking and maintaining the perfect tree for you. 

GETTING THE “RIGHT” TREE: 

1.  Get clear before you leave home where you will be positioning the tree and how much room you need. Take measurements of the height and width you need, and be careful not to overbuy. A tree can be the right height and still be too wide.

2.  Bring old gloves that you don't mind getting full of sap and take along a small hand saw if you want to do some trimming before bringing the tree home.

3.  Leave plenty of time to shop and enjoy the experience rather than rushing an hour before the farm closes. Marini Farm holiday hours are Monday through Thursday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. 

4.  Know where you tree comes from, as sometimes locally grown trees are fresher than those that come from far away.

5.  Find out when the trees were cut. If they are cut too early and left out in the sun in the fields, they will dry out faster.

6.  Check freshness by taking a branch and running your hand across it to make sure a lot of needles don’t fall off. Other tests: If the tree feels light for its size, it could be dried out. If a bent branch doesn’t snap right back, that’s a sign it’s getting stale.  Inspect them out in the light and look for any outward signs of dryness like a musty smell, brown needles or excessive needle loss. Fresh pine tree needles will be green and pliable when you bend them. The needles on a fir tree should be green and snap crisply when bent. Give the tree a good shake. If more than a few needles fall off, select another tree.

The shelf life of a fresh tree in a home, if properly cared for, is about four to six weeks.

7.  Make sure the tree only has one trunk and that it is not crooked or bent. Trees with two trunks cannot be placed in a holder, and they tip over easier as well, often breaking ornaments.

8.  The base of the tree should be cut right before you take it home, and then plunged into water when you get there. Some recommend soaking the trunk in hot water with a few tablespoons of sugar for three days, then keeping it in lukewarm water. Some stores sell life-lengthening powders you can mix in the water. If you do purchase a freshly cut Christmas tree, you should water it frequently, never let the water run out and avoid keeping the tree near a heat source.

9.  Take the tree into the doorway BASE-FIRST versus top-first to avoid losing branches, which are sloped upward.

TYPES OF TREES TO CONSIDER: 

According to National Christmas Tree Association polls, here are the favorite top 10 Christmas tree species sold in North America. 

#1. Fraser Fir
#2. Douglass Fir
#3. Balsam Fir
#4. Colorado Blue Spruce
#5. Scotch Pine
#6. Eastern Red Cedar
#7. White Spruce
#8. Eastern White Pine
#9. White (Concolor) Fir
#10. Virginia Pine

They each have unique qualities:

• Noble fir, Fraser fir, Balsam fir, Douglass fir and Scotch pines typically retain their needles the longest.
• The light scent and feathery dark green foliage of the Leyland Cypress is excellent for people with allergies, while the Balsam fir is highly aromatic.

Only some of these are available in this area. Do some research before you leave home so you know what type of tree best suits your needs.

Most importantly, enjoy making your tree shopping experience a happy family memory. To add to your enjoyment, Christmas on the Hill at Marini Farm features hay rides, a visit from Santa (December 8th, noon to 4 pm), giant snowmen and free hot chocolate.

From all of us at Marini Farm, we wish you and yours a very happy holiday season. 

The Marini Family

Written by Blogger Pros.