Page 16 - North Haven Magazine Issue 8 Spring 2019

A Day on the Farm

with Frank Muzio

by Sally Brockett
hen we go through the grocery store selecting our produce,
Whow often do you think about what was involved in produc-
ing that food? Even more importantly, when you purchase fresh
food at a local farm market, do you have a real understanding of
what it took to have those beautiful red tomatoes, shiny green pep-
pers, and sugary, sweet corn available to you?
A visit with North Haven’s own organic vegetable farmer provides
an eye-opening view into the life of a vegetable farmer. Let’s begin
a summer day with Frank Muzio as he rises, not with the sun, but
while the moon is still in the sky.
Farmland is scarce in North Haven, and land that can be used for
certified organic gardening is scarcer than hen’s teeth! Frank’s sweet
corn fields are in Cheshire, so that is his first task. After harvest-
ing several large bags of corn, he returns to his Hartford Turnpike
fields to pick vegetables so they will be ready for his farm market
customers. While harvesting these vegetables, Frank observes the
condition of his plants, looking for signs of disease or hungry pests.
Upon noticing some harmful insects feasting on his green beans,
he makes a mental note to return to those plants with his biologi-
cal weapons - praying mantis. Rather than using chemicals, Frank
chooses to use safe practices that will keep his produce free from
chemicals, and certifiable as organic. By 10:30 AM, Frank is ready
for customers at his farm market alongside Hartford Turnpike near
Upper State Street. After a long day at the market, selling produce
and sharing gardening information with customers, Frank closes
up, and grabs some dinner and a brief rest.

During early evening hours one may find Frank back in his fields,
weeding and tending to his plants. Or, he may spend a few evening
hours studying gardening issues and learning even more methods
to raise superior crops. A short conversation with Frank will quick-
ly illustrate the wealth of information he has acquired. And Frank
loves to share this with all who are interested in gardening. When
you purchase your vegetables and fruits at his market, you’ll not
only leave with delicious food, you will likely acquire some great
tips for your own gardens.

Frank comes from a family of gardeners. His grandfather, original-
ly from Sicily, bought 50 acres along Hartford Turnpike for $5.00 in
1901 and eventually started selling produce there. The photo shows
the market in 1932. Many families in North Haven may remember
the old Muzio’s Farm Market at the intersection of Hartford Turn-
pike and Upper State Street. That market is long gone, but Frankie’s

16 North Haven Magazine - Spring 2019