Field Report from Week 13
August 19, 2026
By Madison Aldrich
Septoria! That’s the answer to the question a lot of farm members have been asking: Why is the foliage on some of the tomatoe plants dying even though there’s a lot of good-looking fruit on the vine?
Septoria is a large group of fungus types that cause leaf spot diseases. It makes small spots on leaves; they often have dark edges and tiny black dots in the middle. Septoria is very common on the East End and primarily affects tomato plants.
Two weeks ago, Sandy Menasha from Cornell Cooperative Extension visited the farm and identified it, saying “there's really no way to prevent it, but you can delay its onset by using organic sprays and selecting tomato varieties that are more resistant to it.” Heirlooms – which include many member favorites – are more vulnerable than the newer hybrid types developed to resist disease. Thus, it’s important to plant a range of varieties with different resistances so the crop will last the entire season. Be assured we have done all we can so there will be plenty of tomatoes for as long as possible.
Right now, the tomatoes most affected are in the first succession (planting) in the rows now open for harvesting. It’s disappointing how early the Septoria appeared, but farm members are encouraged to take advantage of the “unlimited harvesting” signs. Think slow roasted Juliets packed in olive oil, Orange Banana sauce either processed in jars or frozen, tomato tarts, and lots of gazpacho.
So far, the plants in the second succession are healthy, and those rows open for harvesting next week – ensuring plenty of fruit for next weekend’s Great Tomato Taste Off (Saturday, August 29 from 9 AM to Noon).
The exciting news is that the melons have arrived. It's been a huge morale boost for the farm team to be able to eat the fruit in the field, cooling us down and supplying much needed electrolytes.
For years, members have asked for seedless watermelons and this season the farm has grown them for the first time. Seedless varieties make up half the crop – and the melons look great! In order to grow seedless melons, it’s necessary to grow seeded varieties so there's pollination going on.
Currently at the stand are the seeded varieties, and all have red flesh – Mini Love, Sugar Baby, Moon and Stars, La Bestia, and Crimson Sweet. The seedless varieties arrive next week! Look for the orange fleshed Tropical Sunshine and Orange Crisp as well as the red fleshed Century Star and Kalahari. We’re thrilled they produced so well and are excited to try them all. You'll want to, too!
Madison Aldrich
Senior Farm Manager, Quail Hill Farm
MAldrich@PeconicLandTrust.org