April 2, 2024 CSA Approximately 95% Full! by Farmer Derek
Four week old snow peas were desperate to go outside this week.
Thank you for all of your support! We're on course to once again meet our share goal, approximately 300 full share equivalent members picking up each week (roughly the same as the past few seasons). Anchor Run CSA has sold all of its shares each season since the very first year, 2004. We're farmers because of our love for Community Supported Agriculture and couldn't do this without our great staff and members! Here's to another great season!
Farmers Connor and Gabby transplanting cabbage on a muddy morning (not pictured: Farmers Alex, Dana, Derek).
Four week old snow peas were desperate to go outside this week.
Thank you for all of your support! We're on course to once again meet our share goal, approximately 300 full share equivalent members picking up each week (roughly the same as the past few seasons). Anchor Run CSA has sold all of its shares each season since the very first year, 2004. We're farmers because of our love for Community Supported Agriculture and couldn't do this without our great staff and members! Here's to another great season!
Farmers Connor and Gabby transplanting cabbage on a muddy morning (not pictured: Farmers Alex, Dana, Derek).
Expected Harvest | April 2, 2024
Expected Harvest | April 2, 2024 Harvests To Begin Week of May 6th or 13th (weather depending) by Farmer Derek
The Hoop House, where plants harden off after the warm comfort of the Greenhouse and before they're exposed to the rigors of outside life.
The 2024 growing season is well underway. A lot of stop-and-go due to abundant rainfall (record breaking 8 inches in March in fact) but a just-long-enough dry period in the middle of the month to mostly stay on schedule with field preparations. One thing I've come to expect each season is something new weather related, and this year it happened to be our wettest March in 16 years (last year it was a very late hard frost in May). Even with extreme weather events scattered throughout the growing season, more appealing or tolerable weather always seems to arrive eventually, so now we just have to (try to) be patient.
Establishing evenly spaced rows and plants in the Hoop Tunnel using equipment from our transplanter machine.
We began seeding in the greenhouse the final week of February and will do so on a weekly basis into September. Early cool-weather loving crops like spinach, kale, radishes, turnips, arugula, bok choy, and lettuce mix were transplanted into four tunnels last week. Yesterday, amidst a light rain, the first batch of outdoor crops went in, including peas, chard, beets, cabbage, kohlrabi, cilantro, dill, as well as another round of choy, kale, arugula, and turnips. Next week we'll transplant head lettuce, romaine, escarole, radicchio, onions, scallions, fennel, as well as additional beets, kale, and other greens.
Farmers Gabby, Connor, and Alex (not pictured) transplant the first batch of crops under cover in the Hoop Tunnel.
The Hoop House, where plants harden off after the warm comfort of the Greenhouse and before they're exposed to the rigors of outside life.
The 2024 growing season is well underway. A lot of stop-and-go due to abundant rainfall (record breaking 8 inches in March in fact) but a just-long-enough dry period in the middle of the month to mostly stay on schedule with field preparations. One thing I've come to expect each season is something new weather related, and this year it happened to be our wettest March in 16 years (last year it was a very late hard frost in May). Even with extreme weather events scattered throughout the growing season, more appealing or tolerable weather always seems to arrive eventually, so now we just have to (try to) be patient.
Establishing evenly spaced rows and plants in the Hoop Tunnel using equipment from our transplanter machine.
We began seeding in the greenhouse the final week of February and will do so on a weekly basis into September. Early cool-weather loving crops like spinach, kale, radishes, turnips, arugula, bok choy, and lettuce mix were transplanted into four tunnels last week. Yesterday, amidst a light rain, the first batch of outdoor crops went in, including peas, chard, beets, cabbage, kohlrabi, cilantro, dill, as well as another round of choy, kale, arugula, and turnips. Next week we'll transplant head lettuce, romaine, escarole, radicchio, onions, scallions, fennel, as well as additional beets, kale, and other greens.
Farmers Gabby, Connor, and Alex (not pictured) transplant the first batch of crops under cover in the Hoop Tunnel.
Notes From The Field | April 2, 2024
Notes From The Field | April 2, 2024 Moist Beginnings by Farmer Derek
Spreading compost during a window of dry weather in March.
During mid-March's most-pleasant, uber-necessary, where-would-we-be-without-you dry period, fields were prepared for crops that will need bed space in April, May, and even early June. I've learned over the years that it's better to have more planting space available than not enough. Perhaps because I've experienced cool, wet springs in heavy Bucks County clay-rich soil before. We craft a crop rotation over the winter months in order to ensure crops don't visit the same soil for a minimum of three years to thwart pest and disease pressures as well as manage nutrient uptake. Besides space, time is factored in, because certain fields are predictably more manageable in the spring (when it's normally cooler and moister and prep time is shorter). But then once we're out and about on the tractor we find that this field has a lot of overwintered cover crop oats that were supposed to die back in cold weather and that field has a lot of chickweed that's impossible to kill. So we have to make adjustments on the fly, especially when there's only one day to finalize more than 3000' of beds and the soil is just barely dry enough in the best of fields. It's advantageous to have as many options as possible, just in case, this time of year.
Opening fields with the chisel plow to help them warm up and dry out.
From my perspective as chief tractor operator and planting space specialist, April and May are the most challenging months of the growing season. It probably has to due with the aforementioned vagaries of winter/spring transition, being short on daylength, cooler, lower sun angle, etc, but also because SO MUCH gets planted by June 1st it's pretty astounding. If we grow crops on 15 acres in a season where we plant outside from April 1st through September 15th, I want to say that 10 acres are planted by June 1st, during the time of the most fickle weather. We have adapted and adjusted and modified our methods over the years to better deal with the crux of springtime planting.
Swollen waterways have been a common theme over the past month.
After a lot of research, observation, and experimentation a decade or so ago, we upgraded machinery to be able to open more ground more quickly, allowing it to warm up and dry out (bigger tractor, bigger chisel plow, disk bedder to make higher raised beds). These methods also tend to preserve soil structure and maintain organic matter content (a blessing and a curse). To make these passes with the tractor we need relatively dry ground because we don't want to compact the soil with the weight of the machinery (inhibits root growth). We have found that even in the worst of times, like this March, we've been able to get through these steps before wet soil returns. When beds are at least primary shaped with the disk bedder we can get out there and finalize them with our finishing shaper when needed, even in substandard conditions since moisture settles out of the raised beds in a more timely manner, and we're not driving on the soil there or putting weight on the ground where plants will call home.
Required acknowledgement of last year's garlic cloves springing to life as they transition to this year's bulbs.
Spreading compost during a window of dry weather in March.
During mid-March's most-pleasant, uber-necessary, where-would-we-be-without-you dry period, fields were prepared for crops that will need bed space in April, May, and even early June. I've learned over the years that it's better to have more planting space available than not enough. Perhaps because I've experienced cool, wet springs in heavy Bucks County clay-rich soil before. We craft a crop rotation over the winter months in order to ensure crops don't visit the same soil for a minimum of three years to thwart pest and disease pressures as well as manage nutrient uptake. Besides space, time is factored in, because certain fields are predictably more manageable in the spring (when it's normally cooler and moister and prep time is shorter). But then once we're out and about on the tractor we find that this field has a lot of overwintered cover crop oats that were supposed to die back in cold weather and that field has a lot of chickweed that's impossible to kill. So we have to make adjustments on the fly, especially when there's only one day to finalize more than 3000' of beds and the soil is just barely dry enough in the best of fields. It's advantageous to have as many options as possible, just in case, this time of year.
Opening fields with the chisel plow to help them warm up and dry out.
From my perspective as chief tractor operator and planting space specialist, April and May are the most challenging months of the growing season. It probably has to due with the aforementioned vagaries of winter/spring transition, being short on daylength, cooler, lower sun angle, etc, but also because SO MUCH gets planted by June 1st it's pretty astounding. If we grow crops on 15 acres in a season where we plant outside from April 1st through September 15th, I want to say that 10 acres are planted by June 1st, during the time of the most fickle weather. We have adapted and adjusted and modified our methods over the years to better deal with the crux of springtime planting.
Swollen waterways have been a common theme over the past month.
After a lot of research, observation, and experimentation a decade or so ago, we upgraded machinery to be able to open more ground more quickly, allowing it to warm up and dry out (bigger tractor, bigger chisel plow, disk bedder to make higher raised beds). These methods also tend to preserve soil structure and maintain organic matter content (a blessing and a curse). To make these passes with the tractor we need relatively dry ground because we don't want to compact the soil with the weight of the machinery (inhibits root growth). We have found that even in the worst of times, like this March, we've been able to get through these steps before wet soil returns. When beds are at least primary shaped with the disk bedder we can get out there and finalize them with our finishing shaper when needed, even in substandard conditions since moisture settles out of the raised beds in a more timely manner, and we're not driving on the soil there or putting weight on the ground where plants will call home.
Required acknowledgement of last year's garlic cloves springing to life as they transition to this year's bulbs.
Expected Harvest | November 12, 2023
Expected Harvest | November 12, 2023 Last but Not Least by Farmer Derek
Fine fall feast mix.
Harvest #28 (Week B) should include sweet potatoes, potatoes, carrots, salad radishes, kohlrabi, hakurei turnips, beets, lettuce mix, bok choy, kale, arugula, fennel, spinach, and a small amount of onions and garlic. Some items may be a choice. U-pick is finished for the season following a few hard frosts + freezes.
A reminder that there are 28 harvest weeks this year and this is the final week of pick up for Week B Half, Medium, and Full Shares!
Harvest #28 (Week B) should include sweet potatoes, potatoes, carrots, salad radishes, kohlrabi, hakurei turnips, beets, lettuce mix, bok choy, kale, arugula, fennel, spinach, and a small amount of onions and garlic. Some items may be a choice. U-pick is finished for the season following a few hard frosts + freezes.
A reminder that there are 28 harvest weeks this year and this is the final week of pick up for Week B Half, Medium, and Full Shares!
Frosty mornings are becoming more regular now.
November 12, 2023
November 12, 2023 Maple Syrup and Honey - Preorder by 11/14/23 by Farmer Dana
Susan and Todd Klikus of Augusta Acres Farm will be at Anchor Run CSA on Thursday, November 16th, 1:00-6:00pm to distribute their maple syrup and honey. Preorders are encouraged again this time. There will be a small amount available to purchase the day of.
To order, follow this link. Products, payment options, and pricing are shown on the order form. Orders are due by 7pm Tuesday, November 14th.
Augusta Acres is located in Beach Lake, PA and is a family-run operation. They farm using only organic methods and are members of Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture and the Pennsylvania Maple Producers Association.
Sap from trees located strictly on the farm is boiled down in small batches on their wood fired arch to produce a maple syrup that is dark and robust. Their honey is extracted from on-farm apiaries and is an "all season", raw honey which is dark and very sweet.
Pints are $15 (honey, maple syrup); Quarts are $25 (maple syrup only). Bourbon Barrel Aged maple syrup is also available!
If you can't make it to the farm during those hours and you would still like to participate in this opportunity your order will be left here in a labeled box/bag which you can pick up during another pick up day. You must prepay for this option.
Susan and Todd Klikus of Augusta Acres Farm will be at Anchor Run CSA on Thursday, November 16th, 1:00-6:00pm to distribute their maple syrup and honey. Preorders are encouraged again this time. There will be a small amount available to purchase the day of.
To order, follow this link. Products, payment options, and pricing are shown on the order form. Orders are due by 7pm Tuesday, November 14th.
Augusta Acres is located in Beach Lake, PA and is a family-run operation. They farm using only organic methods and are members of Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture and the Pennsylvania Maple Producers Association.
Sap from trees located strictly on the farm is boiled down in small batches on their wood fired arch to produce a maple syrup that is dark and robust. Their honey is extracted from on-farm apiaries and is an "all season", raw honey which is dark and very sweet.
Pints are $15 (honey, maple syrup); Quarts are $25 (maple syrup only). Bourbon Barrel Aged maple syrup is also available!
If you can't make it to the farm during those hours and you would still like to participate in this opportunity your order will be left here in a labeled box/bag which you can pick up during another pick up day. You must prepay for this option.
Notes From The Field | November 12, 2023
Notes From The Field | November 12, 2023 Sustaining and Sustainable by Farmer Derek
Farmers Adeline, Gabby, and Connor.
As we conclude our 15th farming season at the helm of Anchor Run CSA, it's worth recognizing the importance and value of the many great assets that have enabled Anchor Run CSA to survive and thrive and fly into and through its 20th overall season of production.
Our crew of farmer-friends truly help run this place. Quite simply, without their help this community supported farm wouldn't be operable. Their work ethic, positive attitude, diligence, camaraderie, interest in the farm, and willingness to learn new skills, greatly improved every aspect of farm life. From completing tasks quickly and efficiently to managing the pick up room and interacting with CSA members at workshifts, everything was just a little bit better this year. Work-life balance also improved under their tutelage with fewer hours worked overall for everyone, i.e. more work was accomplished in less time.
A big thank you to Farmers Adeline, Connor, Craig, and Gabby for making this such a wonderful season!
Having the record for the longest tenured Anchor Run crew member, Farmer Craig took on a part-time roll this season, joining the crew on harvest mornings and pick up room evenings.
Along with the wonderful farm crew, our community of members is a buttress, a backbone, a beam of love and light that guides and supports this community farm project. I mean that quite literally as 100% of farm revenue is from membership dues, thus the invisible real support, but most importantly the intangible benefit of a thriving community that provides a visceral feeling of purpose and orientation. As the years have gone by I'm not out in the pick up room as much as I used to be, nor am I consistently part of workshifts, but I do revel in the acknowledgements of thanks and appreciation from you that I receive when you see me, and within your e-mail communications. The gratitude is truly mutual.
Valued CSA members, we sincerely thank you for being part of our local food community!
One of the highlights of every July is the Great Garlic Harvest, successfully completed with the help of 60 or so CSA members.
As we conclude our 15th farming season at the helm of Anchor Run CSA, it's worth recognizing the importance and value of the many great assets that have enabled Anchor Run CSA to survive and thrive and fly into and through its 20th overall season of production.
Our crew of farmer-friends truly help run this place. Quite simply, without their help this community supported farm wouldn't be operable. Their work ethic, positive attitude, diligence, camaraderie, interest in the farm, and willingness to learn new skills, greatly improved every aspect of farm life. From completing tasks quickly and efficiently to managing the pick up room and interacting with CSA members at workshifts, everything was just a little bit better this year. Work-life balance also improved under their tutelage with fewer hours worked overall for everyone, i.e. more work was accomplished in less time.
A big thank you to Farmers Adeline, Connor, Craig, and Gabby for making this such a wonderful season!
Having the record for the longest tenured Anchor Run crew member, Farmer Craig took on a part-time roll this season, joining the crew on harvest mornings and pick up room evenings.
Along with the wonderful farm crew, our community of members is a buttress, a backbone, a beam of love and light that guides and supports this community farm project. I mean that quite literally as 100% of farm revenue is from membership dues, thus the invisible real support, but most importantly the intangible benefit of a thriving community that provides a visceral feeling of purpose and orientation. As the years have gone by I'm not out in the pick up room as much as I used to be, nor am I consistently part of workshifts, but I do revel in the acknowledgements of thanks and appreciation from you that I receive when you see me, and within your e-mail communications. The gratitude is truly mutual.
Valued CSA members, we sincerely thank you for being part of our local food community!
One of the highlights of every July is the Great Garlic Harvest, successfully completed with the help of 60 or so CSA members.
How I Enjoyed My Harvest | November 5, 2023
How I Enjoyed My Harvest | November 5, 2023 Fall Enjoyment! by Linda Dansbury
Jenny, one of Farmer Dana's pet sheep friends, smiles in appreciation of some nice cool fall weather.
I enjoy making large batches of things and having multiple meals out of 1 day of effort. Roasting, stewing, souping are all great ways to enjoy the fall harvests and have more than one meal to enjoy.
Sweet potato, potato, turnip - I enjoy making "mixed mash" - a blend of these 3 veggies makes for an enjoyable variation to the traditional mashed potatoes.
Turnips, beets, leek, garlic, sweet potato, potatoes, carrots, peppers - roast lots of different veggies for a delicious side dish - mix up the taste by adding different veggies, herbs and even seasoning salts. I have said this before, but the leftovers make an amazing frittata.
Fennel, celery, onion, carrot - used with lentils in making a delicious base for salmon. I turned the leftovers into a delicious salad.
Cabbage, leeks - made a delicious saute. I took several leaves off of the cabbage and cut them julienne - as you would do in making cole slaw. Used a combo of butter and olive oil to saute both veggies slowly. Added salt, pepper and thyme to the pan and cooked until the cabbage was tender and slightly browned around the edges. Served along with a pork roast - I thought later that this would have been delicious with sliced apples added.
Winter squash, kale, onion - made a dish in which I roasted the squash with some thyme. While squash was roasting, I sauteed onion and garlic and added chopped kale and sauteed until wilted and tender. Added the roasted squash pieces to the pan and mixed all together and squeezed a bit of lemon juice over all. Served over whole wheat pasta, with olive oil and grated parmesan cheese. Yummy.
Jenny, one of Farmer Dana's pet sheep friends, smiles in appreciation of some nice cool fall weather.
I enjoy making large batches of things and having multiple meals out of 1 day of effort. Roasting, stewing, souping are all great ways to enjoy the fall harvests and have more than one meal to enjoy.
Sweet potato, potato, turnip - I enjoy making "mixed mash" - a blend of these 3 veggies makes for an enjoyable variation to the traditional mashed potatoes.
Turnips, beets, leek, garlic, sweet potato, potatoes, carrots, peppers - roast lots of different veggies for a delicious side dish - mix up the taste by adding different veggies, herbs and even seasoning salts. I have said this before, but the leftovers make an amazing frittata.
Fennel, celery, onion, carrot - used with lentils in making a delicious base for salmon. I turned the leftovers into a delicious salad.
Cabbage, leeks - made a delicious saute. I took several leaves off of the cabbage and cut them julienne - as you would do in making cole slaw. Used a combo of butter and olive oil to saute both veggies slowly. Added salt, pepper and thyme to the pan and cooked until the cabbage was tender and slightly browned around the edges. Served along with a pork roast - I thought later that this would have been delicious with sliced apples added.
Winter squash, kale, onion - made a dish in which I roasted the squash with some thyme. While squash was roasting, I sauteed onion and garlic and added chopped kale and sauteed until wilted and tender. Added the roasted squash pieces to the pan and mixed all together and squeezed a bit of lemon juice over all. Served over whole wheat pasta, with olive oil and grated parmesan cheese. Yummy.
Expected Harvest | November 5, 2023
Expected Harvest | November 5, 2023 Bring Your Muscles! by Farmer Derek
A few nights of below freezing temperatures have concluded the u-pick season. Now we can look forward to fresh herbs, strawberries, and peas in the spring!
Harvest #27 (Week A) should include sweet potatoes, potatoes, carrots, salad radishes, hakurei turnips, beets, lettuce mix, bok choy, kale, arugula, red mustard greens, fennel, spinach, and a small amount of onions and garlic. Some items may be a choice. U-pick is finished for the season following a few hard frosts + freezes.
A reminder that there are 28 harvest weeks this year. The final week of pick up for Week A Half Shares is this week (Nov 6th). For Week B Half, Medium, and Full Shares, the final week of pick up is next week (Nov 13th).
A few nights of below freezing temperatures have concluded the u-pick season. Now we can look forward to fresh herbs, strawberries, and peas in the spring!
Harvest #27 (Week A) should include sweet potatoes, potatoes, carrots, salad radishes, hakurei turnips, beets, lettuce mix, bok choy, kale, arugula, red mustard greens, fennel, spinach, and a small amount of onions and garlic. Some items may be a choice. U-pick is finished for the season following a few hard frosts + freezes.
A reminder that there are 28 harvest weeks this year. The final week of pick up for Week A Half Shares is this week (Nov 6th). For Week B Half, Medium, and Full Shares, the final week of pick up is next week (Nov 13th).
Lettuces ready for the mix!
November 5, 2023
November 5, 2023 Maple Syrup and Honey - Preorder by 11/14/23 by Farmer Dana
Susan and Todd Klikus of Augusta Acres Farm will be at Anchor Run CSA on Thursday, November 16th, 1:00-6:00pm to distribute their maple syrup and honey. Preorders are encouraged again this time. There will be a small amount available to purchase the day of.
To order, follow this link. Products, payment options, and pricing are shown on the order form. Orders are due by 7pm Tuesday, November 14th.
Augusta Acres is located in Beach Lake, PA and is a family-run operation. They farm using only organic methods and are members of Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture and the Pennsylvania Maple Producers Association.
Sap from trees located strictly on the farm is boiled down in small batches on their wood fired arch to produce a maple syrup that is dark and robust. Their honey is extracted from on-farm apiaries and is an "all season", raw honey which is dark and very sweet.
Pints are $15 (honey, maple syrup); Quarts are $25 (maple syrup only). Bourbon Barrel Aged maple syrup is also available!
If you can't make it to the farm during those hours and you would still like to participate in this opportunity your order will be left here in a labeled box/bag which you can pick up during another pick up day. You must prepay for this option.
Susan and Todd Klikus of Augusta Acres Farm will be at Anchor Run CSA on Thursday, November 16th, 1:00-6:00pm to distribute their maple syrup and honey. Preorders are encouraged again this time. There will be a small amount available to purchase the day of.
To order, follow this link. Products, payment options, and pricing are shown on the order form. Orders are due by 7pm Tuesday, November 14th.
Augusta Acres is located in Beach Lake, PA and is a family-run operation. They farm using only organic methods and are members of Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture and the Pennsylvania Maple Producers Association.
Sap from trees located strictly on the farm is boiled down in small batches on their wood fired arch to produce a maple syrup that is dark and robust. Their honey is extracted from on-farm apiaries and is an "all season", raw honey which is dark and very sweet.
Pints are $15 (honey, maple syrup); Quarts are $25 (maple syrup only). Bourbon Barrel Aged maple syrup is also available!
If you can't make it to the farm during those hours and you would still like to participate in this opportunity your order will be left here in a labeled box/bag which you can pick up during another pick up day. You must prepay for this option.
Notes From The Field | November 5, 2023
Notes From The Field | November 5, 2023 Penultimate Harvest by Farmer Derek
Spinach returns to shares starting this week.
Now that we're into the final two weeks of share pick up, it's time to wish thee well and reflect on what's been. We're fortunate to have some wonderful fall weather as we close out the 2023 harvest season. Be sure to bring enough bags - and plenty of strength - to carry home your farm share! We're planning to unload as much produce as possible over these next two weeks, from the fields and from storage (maybe 15lbs per member, so 9,000lbs total). But don't worry, a lot of the produce has a long shelf life and will hold up just fine in your refrigerator (greens and most roots), on your counter (sweet potatoes, onions, garlic), or in a cool dark spot (potatoes).
We hope you've enjoyed the harvest this year. For new members, hopefully the quantity and variety wasn't too overwhelming and you were able to find some new favorite seasonal vegetable(s). For returning members and those that have been here as long or longer than us, hopefully overall this season feels like it's up there with some of the best. If you've been with us for a while, you know (and maybe appreciate) that every growing season is different, with certain crops that perform incredibly well one year and not the next. Sometimes beloved crops disappear altogether, like husk cherries (we were unable to identify why they've been on a slow decline for a few years so decided to nix them until we figure out why).
In my mind, at this moment, I feel overall most crops performed well and met (my) expectations this season. Some yielded more than ever, like carrots. Some were a bust, like broccoli and cauliflower and standard fall cabbage. We tend to remember the extremes most easily. Pest and disease pressure was average overall, but was specifically better or worse for certain crops. Pressure on zucchini, cucumbers, beans, and tomatoes was less than normal but greater for chard, beets, and spinach. The weather this season, overall again, had fewer extremes than some years but still can claim a few anomalies. We endured our latest frost in May and many local growers lost their cold-sensitive tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant (we got lucky). May and June were very dry and we ran irrigation constantly. July turned very wet and we didn't have to irrigate outdoor crops after that. August was cool and then we sustained our hottest spell of the season in September. October and November have provided some quintessentially-perfect fall weather.
We're only now beginning to plan for next season, and of course our goal is to make the farm experience even better, or at least as good as it can be. If you have any suggestions we'd love to hear them. If you have any questions please reach out. Have a great winter. We'll be in touch periodically with updates and announcements and perhaps a flash veggie sale or two. A big, heartfelt thanks, feeling of love and appreciation for you, our farm members!
The first hard frost was right on time this fall, typically arriving in late October or early November.
Now that we're into the final two weeks of share pick up, it's time to wish thee well and reflect on what's been. We're fortunate to have some wonderful fall weather as we close out the 2023 harvest season. Be sure to bring enough bags - and plenty of strength - to carry home your farm share! We're planning to unload as much produce as possible over these next two weeks, from the fields and from storage (maybe 15lbs per member, so 9,000lbs total). But don't worry, a lot of the produce has a long shelf life and will hold up just fine in your refrigerator (greens and most roots), on your counter (sweet potatoes, onions, garlic), or in a cool dark spot (potatoes).
We hope you've enjoyed the harvest this year. For new members, hopefully the quantity and variety wasn't too overwhelming and you were able to find some new favorite seasonal vegetable(s). For returning members and those that have been here as long or longer than us, hopefully overall this season feels like it's up there with some of the best. If you've been with us for a while, you know (and maybe appreciate) that every growing season is different, with certain crops that perform incredibly well one year and not the next. Sometimes beloved crops disappear altogether, like husk cherries (we were unable to identify why they've been on a slow decline for a few years so decided to nix them until we figure out why).
In my mind, at this moment, I feel overall most crops performed well and met (my) expectations this season. Some yielded more than ever, like carrots. Some were a bust, like broccoli and cauliflower and standard fall cabbage. We tend to remember the extremes most easily. Pest and disease pressure was average overall, but was specifically better or worse for certain crops. Pressure on zucchini, cucumbers, beans, and tomatoes was less than normal but greater for chard, beets, and spinach. The weather this season, overall again, had fewer extremes than some years but still can claim a few anomalies. We endured our latest frost in May and many local growers lost their cold-sensitive tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant (we got lucky). May and June were very dry and we ran irrigation constantly. July turned very wet and we didn't have to irrigate outdoor crops after that. August was cool and then we sustained our hottest spell of the season in September. October and November have provided some quintessentially-perfect fall weather.
We're only now beginning to plan for next season, and of course our goal is to make the farm experience even better, or at least as good as it can be. If you have any suggestions we'd love to hear them. If you have any questions please reach out. Have a great winter. We'll be in touch periodically with updates and announcements and perhaps a flash veggie sale or two. A big, heartfelt thanks, feeling of love and appreciation for you, our farm members!
The first hard frost was right on time this fall, typically arriving in late October or early November.
