Anchor Run CSA: Newsletters

The icing on the cake, a February day at Anchor Run Farm

News Items

2-26-10
Notes From The Field
Icing on the Cake
Posted by: Dana Hunting

I’ve always thought that if it’s going to be winter, then it might as well snow. Though, in all honesty, I was good after the third blizzard this year. Perhaps this storm is just what it looks like, though, icing on the cake… or some very rudimentary form of the cake. After all, come the August heat, we might long for the dull crunching underfoot as we trudge to the greenhouse, or for the searingly bright landscape from which we need to adjust our eyes upon entering the barn. In any event, snow or no snow, spring will be here soon enough, sneaking in shades of green where there were blankets of white just yesterday. In preparation for that day, and only after Derek painstakingly developed a detailed seeding, transplanting, and field prep schedule, we have started seeding in the greenhouse this past week. Yes, your future onions, scallions, and leeks are already beginning their seasonal journey in the warmth and protection of our sturdy greenhouse. And it won’t be long until we’re all munching happily on sugar snap peas, fresh salads and savoring juicy strawberries. Despite the snow, all the signs of a parting winter are evident: Orion sinking lower in the night sky, the quickly approaching date of March 21^st, and the scattered but more frequent bird songs in our daily soundtrack. So, it is in solidarity with everyone braving the waning winter conditions that I bid you adieu for now! Hopefully things will be greener by the next time you hear from us.

Spring is still about 3 weeks away, but it's time to say "Welcome!" to returning and new farm members and to give you an update on what's happening at Anchor Run. Even though there is still plenty of snow on the ground (and always the chance that we'll get more), the farm's Core Group has been meeting, making plans for the 2010 season, and getting updates from Dana and Derek, our farmers. The most exciting news is that not only are the seeds here, but seeding has already begun in the greenhouse. Also, 3 experienced, full-time farm interns have been hired (the earliest we've ever achieved this!), and our membership is almost full. So, if you have friends who were planning to join, please tell them to "Do it now!" It's much too early to say when the first harvest might be. It all depends on spring temperatures and precipitation, but if last year can be a guide, we'll probably be looking at late May. We look forward to seeing you and a great upcoming season.

Not only is Anchor Run Farm community supported, we also look for ways to support our community. During the last Core Group meeting, we learned of a unique opportunity that we'd like to present for your consideration. The Bucks County Housing Group (BCHG), a private nonprofit group that serves homeless and at-risk families in our area is proposing a powerful new initiative to enable their 3 food pantries to offer fresh produce during our local growing season. BCHG operates pantries in Penndel, Doylestown, and Quakertown and fed 39,000 individuals in 2009.

What can Anchor Run do to help? Our Core Group has developed 2 ideas, but we need your input and your help. We are thinking that farm members could chip in and cooperatively buy a share or even a half share and donate the produce to the BCHG food banks. Or, as individuals, we could solicit sponsorship from local churches, corporations, or clubs to purchase a share (or multiple shares) and donate the food.

What do you think? There are logistics to work out, of course, because it's more than just buying a share (like how to handle the u-pick portion of the share and how the food would be delivered), but we think that a group like ours could handle the details with some volunteers and a little organization. Are you interested in making Anchor Run Farm an even more integral part of our community? Think about how we can make this work and what YOU can do to help.

Get a couple of big tote bags for bringing your harvest home. Some people use baskets, others with a longer drive use a cooler, but make sure you are ready with something sturdy for taking your vegetables home. In early spring, you might only need a small bag. But as the season progresses, you'll want bags or boxes to carry everything from heavy watermelons to delicate tomatoes.
Start saving plastic bags from the grocery store--especially the clear plastic ones that you put your vegetables in. You can re-use them on farm pick-up day when you select your greens, etc. from the pick-up tables.
Would you like to start composting? If you don't already compost your vegetable scraps at home, this year the farm invites you to bring your compost HERE! Think about getting yourself a 5-gallon bucket and saving your table scraps each week. On pick-up day, bring the bucket with you and dump it here. You'll be making our soil even better and reducing your home garbage load considerably.
Read up on greens! Every spring starts with a bounty of fresh greens, including ones you may not be familiar with. Take a little time early to find some recipes for mizzuna, dandelion, mustard, and collard greens (and more).
Prepare for mud. Spring weather is unpredictable. If there are mud puddles from a previous rain, you know that kids are drawn to them like magnets. When it's wet, think about wearing boots. Or, at least make sure that you and your kids are not wearing your best work or school shoes. Toss a pair of boots or old sneakers in the car so that you are ready to take advantage of the u-pick fields no matter how soggy the fields might be.
Prepare for sun. Let's plan for the best that weather can bring too! Don't forget the importance of hats, sunscreen, and a great big smile on your face. Think spring, everyone!

Thank you previous members and welcome new members! Anchor Run Farm CSA shares have been selling quickly over the winter and only a few more shares are available. Please urge any of your friends or family who wanted to do so to sign up soon. Thank you to all of you who have paid in full. Any who have not paid yet, please send your membership fee to Derek and Dana as soon as possible.