Mike Verdi knew that in the summer, customers craved basil. They also loved carrots, parsley, beets and, of course, corn — that was a big one. “But we always have bad luck with corn,” Mike said with a chuckle. “That’s a tough one.” Maybe another vegetable would offer up a little magic.
Mike, 62, ambled toward the seed shed. The structure provided shade from the blast of summer sun, which helped the crops but, by August 20, had baked the earth. The region had entered ...