Produce to Purchase: Sherborn's Sunshine Farm Gives Advice on When its Fruits and Veggies are Ripe

The season for fresh produce is in full swing at Sunshine Farm in Sherborn. Lawrence Geoghegan, the recently retired owner of Sunshine Farm and who’s father purchased Sunshine Farm in 1937, said 14 inches of rain have fallen in 12 days, so the groundwater at the farm has been replenished.

“Everything is growing like gangbusters,” he said with a laugh. Geoghegan said people who come in are sometimes oblivious to when certain vegetables are ripe, though.

"People grow up now with no agricultural background, “ he explained. “This used to be a farm town, but not anymore!”

For people with no agricultural background, Melanie McCarthy, a worker at Sunshine Farm, said she is happy to point people in the right direction. McCarthy said customers can still pick their own strawberries for about another two weeks.

“It was touch and go the few weeks after Father’s Day because of the rain, but we should be good for two more weeks,” she said.

In addition, customers also have the option to pick their own peas. The peas were ripe slightly before the strawberries and those will be good for another two weeks as well.

“Peas have a longer life than strawberries,” McCarthy said.

The next in line to ripen at Sunshine Farm are the blueberries and the raspberries. Those should be due the first or second week in July.

“We need sun next week for both of those,” McCarthy said.

While the potatoes and onions aren’t quite ready, the summer squash, broccoli and zucchini will be ready for purchase next week, according to McCarthy.

After that, the peppers, tomatoes and corn will also be available. “August is probably when everything really comes in at once,” she said. In addition, Sunshine Farms provides fresh herbs in their greenhouse along with perennial flowers.

“Sometimes the customers need help with certain things, picking flowers or knowing what’s ripe, but they’re very appreciative,” she said.

“We’ve started with a bang here,” Geoghegan said, “but’s it’s slowed down lately.” Geoghegan also said the people who visit Sunshine Farm are delighted by the food and by how fresh it is.

“Me, personally, I’d rather have a peach than a candy bar any day,” he said. “I love the taste and the juice running down your arm.”