Stowe Watters and Marina Steller, of Old Wells Farm, (Limington) at East End Vend, Hosted by Maine Crafts Association Every Friday Through the End of September .  This Farm Stand is at the East End Vend only on Fridays through September. 2020.oldwellsfarm@gmail.com www.oldwellsfarm.com

Spilanthes, an Ornamental Flower used by Native Americans as a Natural Novacaine, Probably, is Grown by the Old Wells Farm and Sold at the East End Vend Mini-market.  “It Feels Like Watching Static on Television,” said Stowe.  This Farm Stand is at the East End Vend on Fridays Only.

Carrots Are Among the Produce for Sale at the Old Wells Farm Produce Stand at the East End Vend Mini-market.

A Bouquet of Zinnias for Sale for a paltry $10.00 at the East End Vend mini-market today.  The Mini-market runs on   Fridays and Sundays Through the End of September. Old Wells Farm Participates on Fridays only – from 3:00 – 7:00 pm.

The Old Wells Farm Produce Stand at the East End Vend Marketplace on Fridays Through the End of September 2020.  The Couple has a Three Year Old Daughter, Dottiejo.

The Old Wells Farm produce stand doesn’t take the place of the weekly Monument Square farmer’s market.  But it is an outstanding substitute for that institution that has been shutdown because of the COVID-19 pandemic.  Once again, today Stowe and Marina were  “exciting” participants in the new East End Vend mini-market that occurs every weekend in the parking lot at the corner of Washington Avenue and Congress Street.

The Old Wells Farm produce stand participants at the East End Vend only on Fridays through September.

Stowe said that the couple has stayed on top of the drought this summer because the Farm, built in 1792, has wells scattered about the 40 acres of land.  He has been able to develop strategies and use the wells sequently so they’ve always had enough water for their 2 -3 acres planted in vegetables and flowers.  Because of the recent rain, all of the wells are about half full said Stowe.

Farming is hard work, but it’s the lifestyle the couple wants.  They work 10 – 12 hours a day – six days a week.  In preparation for the East End Vend today, they arose  at 5:00 am this morning.  They harvested the produce, washed it and packed it into boxes before loading it into the truck that brought them to the East End Vend. That preparation ended about 1:00 pm.  It took another 1 1/2 hours to set up the stand shown in the photograph on the bottom right. Their produce includes assorted vegetables, such as heirloom tomatoes, year round salad greens, all vegetables and flowers. They do not raise corn because it’s difficult to raise organically and takes up lots of space.

Stowe is the manager and one of the founders of the Saturday Gorham Farmers’ Market. It runs from 8:30 am – 12:30 pm and is located behind the Baxter Memorial Library building.  The high school sweethearts , Stowe and Marina, have a 50 member summer CSA.  In the winter, the two have another CSA – Foothill Farm Alliance – composed of 100 families as well.

Marina and Stowe’s brother Dylan Watters and Alaena run the Farm.  “Marina and Dylan are the engines behind the Farm.  They are the grinders,” said Stowe grinning.  MHN.com assumes that Stowe has the “vision” thing well under control!  Currently, cash and credit cards are accepted only.

You have to keep showing up and you build a following,” said Stowe.  “We like to come to Portland on Fridays.  We get take out.  It’s such a nice drive home.  It’s a nice way to top off the week.”

“I’m super excited to have the farmers here to add to the marketplace,” said Lizz Berry, Programs Director for the host non-profit Maine Crafts Association.  “I love having the produce here.  It’s a wonderful addition. There may be more farmers coming as well.” The mini-market expects to expand holding up to 20 vendors in the coming weekends.   There are no more spaces available for rent and in fact according to Berry, she has a waiting list for each of the upcoming weekends.  The mini-market is open on Fridays from 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm and on Sunday from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm.

For more information on Old Wells Farm, please email:  oldwellsfarm@gmail.com. www.oldwellsfarm.com

The wearing of face masks and social distancing are strictly enforced by Maine Crafts Association at the mini-market.

Please see post dated August 17, 2020 for more information on the East End Vend mini-market.