In Season: Sweet Corn and Tomatoes Flip-Flop Harvest Timing

After a warm winter — some wondered if we even had a winter — local growers already have an abundance of sweet corn on the shelves of their farm stands, but tomatoes are coming in late this summer.

Despite the unusual flip-flop, Valerie Wowak of Wowak Farms in Laurel said she can’t complain about a season that has yet to see the extremes of flooding or draught.

“It’s hot, yes, but it’s summertime — we like it hot,” she said. “Lots of corn was ready by the Fourth of July with the nice early spring, and we always have it.”

Plump tomatoes have joined cucumbers, melons and broccoli, which is a hot seller at Wowak and at down the street in the Riverhead section of Laurel. Employee George Lessard said that sweet corn is also flying off the shelves at Schmitt’s and the farm stand now also has a nice selection of peaches and berries and several different types of lettuce to chose from.

Owner Albert Schmitt said that this ideal growing season has lead to a steady stream of patrons this summer.

“There are more people around with the weather,” he said. “We’re holding our own.”

What farm stand do you go to for your sweet corn and tomatoes? Tell us in the comment boxes below.