I’ll send out emails to the HALF SHARE folks this evening letting each of you know when the first pick up is. Wednesday is the start of our CSA week – so Farm pick up on Wednesday 11 – 7, Northside on Friday 3 – 7, and Squirrel Hill on Sunday 9 – 1.
It’s important that you pay attention to that email if you are a Half Share – as you’ll be assigned to pick up the first (odd) or second (even) week. Please let me know if you don’t get it and we’ll get it all straightened out!
If you pick your share up a the Markets and haven’t been to our stand yet – Look for the Farmers Grill. We’ve set up a second booth as our seating area. Pick up your share (tell us your name and we’ll give you a tray of veggies to pack up and take home. Don’t forget to bring a bag!), grab a bite and hang out awhile!
If you pick up at the farm, enjoy some time under our awning on the new patio! Let the kids play on the playground, swing in the hammock, visit the pigs, and monkey around! Bring snacks and make a day of it! You’ll find us at the purple counter, ready to check off your name and let you know how to pick up your CSA!
We plan to have fresh bread, cookies and pastries from Mediterra Bakehouse for sale at our farm stand. Of course, we’ll have our frozen pork and canned goods too.
We’re reaching out to a couple neighboring farms to help us with the chicken (whole and pieces). Both farmers are neighbors – Jarosinski Farm and Halstead Farm raise their chickens on pasture, like we do. We’re just learning to pace our selves and set realistic goals – so partnering with other farmers will help to alleviate our ever-mounting work load!
News from the Fields – jen
This time of year is always tenuous for us. The spring season is difficult, as the weather is so variable, often times leaving the fields too wet to work. This spring has been unbelievably dry and hot. The onslaught of flea beetles attacking any plant in the brassica family (broccoli, kale, arugula, radishes, etc) leave us no choice but to cover with row cover. Then we worry about spring winds whipping in and blowing the row cover into the trees. The weeds grow as fast as the crops and the fluctuations in temperatures can stress the plants. It’s both stressful and relieving to grow for a CSA.
We have the commitment to supply to each and every one of you – but we also have the lovely cushion that you’re with us for the long haul. You’re here for the surpluses and the scarcity – creating the Community part of the Community Supported Agriculture. When we go to market, we’re at the mercy of the weather, sporting events and bridge closures. We never know if it’s going to be a ‘good’ market or not. But with CSA, we know you’ll be there – ready for the veggies from the fields – rain or shine. So – thanks for sticking it out with us – it’s going to be a fun ride and we plan to throw some tried and true veggies your way – but also surprise you with new favorites and unique varieties. Get your cutting board out, wash and chop your veggies right away to prep for the week, and get ready for some nomming!
