At River Ridge
We adhere to no-till, organic practices on all the acres we manage. We grow over 200 varietals of fruits, vegetables, and flowers every year, and love trying new things! Our mission is to build the health of our soils, bolster the resiliency of our community, and share the joy of eating seasonally.
Organic Practices
Although we have always managed our farm in compliance with the USDA national organic standards, regulation requires three years of organic land care prior to certification. Because our farm was historically conventionally managed we had to wait to be certified. We are eligible for USDA Organic certification in 2025, and We are currently part of the TOP Program and aim to be certified as soon as possible!
The Middletown Market
Our Market in downtown Middletown, Connecticut is a year-round local food store. River Ridge fruits, veggies, and flowers are available alongside produce from our favorite other organic, New England farms. We also carry meats, tofu, breads, dairy, and pantry staples sourced from local Connecticut and New England producers.
No-Till Farming
At River Ridge Farm, our commitment to sustainable farming is rooted in our no-till practices, which allow us to work in harmony with the land. By combining no-till farming with compost and cover crops, we build resilient topsoil capable of sequestering carbon, resisting erosion, and withstanding extreme weather. Our soil is a living, breathing material—populated by mycorrhizal networks, roots, and diverse organisms that support the growth of nutrient-dense foods. These practices help us sustain our land’s health and productivity for generations to come.
Rose's Berry Farm
We have the honor of managing Rose's Berry Farm in Glastonbury, Connecticut. We will be managing the property according to the organic practices and regenerative principles which govern our own farm. Blueberries, Raspberries, Blackberries, Currents Peaches, and Plums will be available at our Middletown Market and our Farmers' Markets, and there will be ongoing pick-your-own events throughout the summer. Raspberry Harvests usually kick off the season around the middle of June.
The River Ridge CSA
The River Ridge CSA operates as a store credit system. Instead of picking up a produce box, you use your funds — plus an additional cash reward — to shop freely at our Middletown Market. Nothing is off limits! You can use your CSA funds to buy produce, dairy, meat, drinks, etc.
Spring Seedling Sale
Every Year we run a seedling presale program! Beginning in December, veggie and flower starters are available via online preorder for pick up in mid-May.
All of our seedlings are grown in living soil from Vermont Compost. Many potting soils commonly used in nursery production are sterilized to eliminate any potential plant pathogens. While well intentioned, the process of sterilizing potting soil eliminates both pathogens and beneficial living material. Mycorrhizae, for instance, are critical for enhancing the plant’s ability to tolerate environmental stress (like drought, heat, cold, etc.) and reducing transplant shock. Plants with mycorrhizae connections need less fertilizer and may have fewer soil-borne diseases. We choose to start everything in Vermont Compost Living Potting Soil to set you (and ourselves) up for success! All our transplants are also free and clear from any harmful chemicals or sprays! For greenhouse pest management we enlist beneficial and predatory insects to keep pest populations in check.
Check back in for information on next years’ presale!
Our weekly newsletter includes updates on events and progress at the farm, as well as a list of the produce which will be available at the Middletown Market each week.
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