Monday evening’s storm was scary for some and inconvenient for others, but for area farmers, the gusting winds, pounding rains and punishing hail were yet another setback in a growing season that has been difficult from the onset.

Massaro Community Farm in Woodbridge was hit hard by the tempest that blew through the area.  Many crops were damaged, including leafy greens such as lettuce, turnip greens and Swiss chard. Broad-leafed plants like squash were also torn up by hailstones and hundreds of green tomatoes were knocked to the ground with no chance of ripening. Row covers that protect fall crops like broccoli and Brussels sprouts were flattened and torn, trellises snapped in half, and tomato vines ripped apart.

Farm Manager Steve Munno pointed out lettuce heads that had been perfect the day before but were now mangled from the golf-ball sized hail.

“Hopefully some of the crops will recover by the next harvest,” Munno said.

This storm, however, was just one more blow to area growers following a long cold winter, a cold wet May and a hot dry July.

“It’s been a challenging year,” said Munno. “I think people understand that every year is different. Most of our members have been very supportive. It’s a great learning experience.”

This week the farm is taking a break from the normal distribution of produce to members, and instead have invited them in to pick their own from a selection of crops.

“I am proud of what we’ve given out so far,” Munno said. “Hopefully by late summer we’ll have much more.”