Asparagus now available in Hadley, and ‘it looks great’

MassLive, April 28, 2017, By Diane Lederman.

HADLEY — It’s here: Asparagus, or “Hadley grass” as it’s known in town, for 2017 looks amazing, Wally Czajkowski of Plainville Farm says.

He just started picking Thursday. “It looks great,” he said.

The rain and warm temperatures at night are making tasty asparagus and an abundant crop, he said.
Last year, the cold spring and lack of snow hurt the crop.

Czajkowski sells at his farm on Mount Warner Road and at farm stands throughout the area.

Tom Waskiewicz of Waskiewicz Farm said asparagus is about a week ahead of last year. “It’s shaping up to be a great year,” he said.

“Asparagus loves rain,” Waskiewicz said. Showers are expected the next couple of days, he said. “The crop is looking real nice, nice size spears. Of course I couldn’t wait to have it. The taste is perfection.”

Claire Morenon, communications manager form Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture, said the crop is just starting to be available at markets and farmers markets. She said it’s a bridge crop from maple syrup production into to the summer growing season.

And while Hadley is known for its asparagus, she said it’s sold all over the Pioneer Valley. “People get very excited about it,” she said.

Saturday farmers markets are open in Amherst and Northampton. Other markets will be opening next week.