It’s so nice to meet you!

Welcome to Crooked Tail Family Farm, where passion meets flavor in the heart of St. Augustine, Florida. We’re a dynamic husband-and-wife team dedicated to bringing the freshest, most deliciously crafted baked goods, teas, and homegrown goodies from our farm and bake shop to your kitchen table.

We’re Erik, Kendra, and Boone, the crazy crew of Crooked Tail Family Farm

Where to Find Us

When: First and Third Sunday of every month
Market Hours: 10am-3pm ET
Where: 2042 Park Ave, Orange Park, FL 32073
Note: Market closes for summer mid-June through August, resumes in September

Orange Park Farmers’ Market

Nocatee Farmers’ Market

When: Third Saturday of every month
Market Hours: 10am-1pm ET
Where: 400 Nocatee Center Way, Ponte Vedra, FL. 32081

Not local to St. Augustine? Fret not!
We can ship across the country

It all started in a NJ trailer park…

Like many other families we tried to find a silver living during the 2020 Covid Pandemic lockdowns and made a decision: we were getting a dog. Both being supporters of animal rescues, we knew adoption was the only option for us. So one weekend we woke up early and drove to our nearby Humane Society with the hopes of finding our fur kid.

It was a chilly day for Florida and most of the puppies at the shelter were huddled away inside, curled up next to a nearby heater. Then suddenly out swaggers this hand-sized black and white pup with a wiggly butt just be-boppin’ his happy, crooked-tailed self to the fence to say hello. It was love at first wonky tailed wag.

We had learned that our boy was from a litter of puppies found at a New Jersey trailer park (and that his first given name was ‘Trailer Park #8’). Due to the Covid shelter closures in the northern states, rescues were driving homeless animals to the more open states down south for adoption. From the New Jersey trailer park to the sunshine state of Florida, we were so excited to finally complete our little family and welcome our little sun spot, Boone, to his forever home.

Now that you know where it began, go Meet Boone and see more cute pics of our boy!

But how did the plant stuff start?

10-foot tomato vines

and not a single damn tomato

Our interest in homegrown vegetables and herbs sparked just before the pandemic. During Covid lockdowns, this healthy hobby kicked into high gear. If we were going to be stuck at home, well then gosh dangit, we were going to enjoy some good food while doing it.

We envisioned homegrown salads and sauces crafted with backyard herbs. Armed with 20 new pots, soil, fertilizer, and vegetable starts from a local nursery, including 10 tomato starts, we set out on our gardening adventure.

All summer, we marveled at the vigor of our plants: vines creeping up our suspended trellis, sturdy dark green leaves, and the delightful smell of tomatoes whenever the vine swayed in the wind. We eagerly awaited those lovely yellow flowers to give way to plump, rosy fruits. But, to our dismay, not a single tomato appeared. At least we could grow vines that smelled like tomatoes, right?

That’s when Erik stepped in, determined to help his obviously-not-a-gardener wife grow a tomato. He did what curious men do: he researched, collecting data and stories from experienced gardeners. And a funny thing happened – it piqued his own interest. The challenge of germinating a seed, establishing a seedling, transplanting, fertilizing, pruning, and maintaining plants became an endless avenue of learning.

After hours of research, reading, and self-education, guess what happened? We (okay, really Erik) successfully grew our first heirloom tomato: a beautiful, heart-shaped Black Krim tomato. From that moment, a new passion was born…

Evolution of a tomato obsession

  • Our first successful homegrown heirloom tomato, a beautiful Black Krim

  • The heirloom craze continues: Black Krim, Cherokee Purple, and Yellow Pear morning tomato harvest

  • Starting the new year out right with a bountiful vine filled with heirloom grape tomatoes

  • A lovely yellow pear tomato in all her glory

  • Continued exploration of new and unique heirloom varieties. A beautiful multicolored one called Fred’s Tie Dye

OUR PHILOSOPHY IS SIMPLE

At Crooked Tail Family Farm, our philosophy is simple: to offer top-shelf ingredients that will leave you floored, both in flavor and in the story behind each bite. We invite you to join us in celebrating the beauty of homegrown food, the satisfaction of sustainable practices, and the shared joy of a meal well-earned and well-loved.

The Joy of Growing

We believe that food is more than just sustenance or a short-lived pleasure – it’s a connection to our roots, a labor of love, and a source of joy. Our philosophy is rooted in the belief that the finest ingredients come from dedication, passion, and respect for nature. There’s an unparalleled sense of accomplishment in growing your own food. From the moment we push seeds into soil to the day we harvest, we are reminded of the intricate dance between human care and nature’s bounty. Each tree, fruit, herb, vegetable, and edible flower is nurtured with meticulous attention, resulting in produce that is not only fresh and flavorful but a testament to the wonders of intentional and thoughtful farming.

The Art of Sharing

We take immense pride in transforming our harvest into delectable baked goods and herbal teas for others to enjoy. Each product is handcrafted with care, reflecting our commitment to quality and our love for the craft. When you enjoy our products, you’re not just tasting food – you’re experiencing the culmination of our hard work, time, and profound dedication.

There is a sincere joy in feeding others with ingredients plucked from branches of trees grown by our own hands. It’s a joy that comes from knowing exactly where your food comes from and the effort that went into producing it. This connection to the earth and the food we grow is at the heart of everything we do. It’s a joy we want to share with our community, both locally and online, fostering a deeper appreciation for the natural world and the bounty it provides.