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Orientation and Open House May 6th!
News
Notes From The Field
Early Spring Planting
By Derek McGeehan

Kale transplants ready for life outside the greenhouse.
Since our last newsletter went out we've truly hit the ground running! Plowing, bed shaping, planting, direct seeding, cover cropping, and row covering have been in full swing and we're right on the crop schedule, thankfully. It wasn't long ago that we all thought we would be delayed by the cold wet weather but the first half of April was fortunately dry and allowed us to work accordingly. Today's rain event was perfect for giving the transplants a much needed drink and for germinating the seeds in the two miles of rows that were direct seeded with carrots and spring greens (as long as nothing washed away...). Around 75% of our crops are currently covered by fabric to deter pests but to also protect the seeds and plants during extreme weather such as this. As long as we use enough sand bags to anchor the 30-foot-wide sheets to prevent them from kiting we'll be okay. I think we've learned that lesson.

After this deluge awakens weed seeds the cultivating season will begin and will last into September. Timing is everything when combating weed pressure and we do all of it manually for the most part. The tops of the beds where the crops reside will dry out much quicker than the driving/walking aisles which will allow us to get to the germinated weeds on time.

For now through September our weekly routine will include field prep, transplanting, seeding, and cultivating (and more). Soon harvesting will be added to that list. Historically our harvests begin in mid-May and we will be in touch via e-mail letting you know precise harvest start dates early in May. April showers bring May lettuces.


Transplanting snow peas on a windy cold but dry spring day.
New Member Orientation and Open House May 6th
by Dana Hunting

Beds prepared for onions, covered in white plastic mulch to deter pests.
When -- Sunday May 6th, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM (not April 29th)
Where -- Anchor Run Farm, 2578 2nd Street Pike, Wrightstown, PA 18940. Parking is available on site in a large stone lot at the end of the driveway. Importantly, please drive slowly in and out of the farm, there will be plenty of kids, adults, cats, and maybe a dog or two (on a leash) wandering around.
Who Should Attend -- New members who would like to check out the farm and learn more about how our CSA works before the harvest season starts. Returning members who want to spend time with their food community.
Why -- We'll be hosting field tours and pick-up room tours complete with ample time for Q&A sessions with the farmers and seasoned farm members. See what your food looks like before it reaches your kitchen, where your 'u-pick' crops will be this year, as well as how the pick-up room and workshifts function. There will be some snacks and light refreshments under the pavilion. So come on out and meet your farmers, mingle with the farm community, and enjoy some long awaited spring excitement!
Schedule of Events -- Field tours on the hour at 10:00am, 11:00am, 12:00pm, and 1:00pm (departing from pavilion). Pick-up room tours on the half hour at 10:30am, 11:30am, 12:30pm, and 1:30pm (in the barn). The Q&A and light refreshments are all on-going.
Can't Make It? -- Farm staff will be present in the pick-up room on distribution days to help guide new members.

Directions and Bridge Closure -- The bridge immediately north of the farm on 2nd Street Pike (route 232) is temporarily closed for repairs. Alternate routes abound if you're approaching from that direction. If heading south on 413 from Buckingham take a right on Township Line Road, a left on Cherry Lane, then a left on 2nd Street Pike. If heading north on 413 from Newtown take a left on Penns Park Road then a right on 2nd Street Pike. If heading south on route 232 from New Hope it looks like taking a right on Pine Lane to Township Line Road is best. Consult Google Maps for more help. The bridge is scheduled to reopen in June.
A Few Dates for You
by Dana Hunting

Direct seeding in the hoop tunnel.
May 6: New Member Orientation and Farm Open House 10am-2pm.
May 1: CSA share balance due (log in to view your balance). Members who sign up after this date should remit full payment when joining.
May 7-14: Establishment of Week A or Week B for Half Shares (log in to view). We'll announce when ready.
May 14: Probably the first week of pick up for Full, Medium, and Week A Half Shares. It could be the following week. We'll know for sure in early May.
May 19: First potluck of the year; under the pavilion.
May 21: Probably the first week of pick up for Week B Half Shares. It could be the following week. We'll know for sure in early May.
June 2: 'Now What?!' class full of pointers on how to use your CSA share.
Late April/Early May: Workshift opportunities should begin. We'll announce via e-mail/newsletter and you can sign up on the website calendar. Instructions are here.
Sign Up Soon & Refer A Friend!
By Derek McGeehan

Transplanting beets in the farm's rockiest soil.
Secure your 26-week-long share of fresh local certified organic produce from farmers you know and can trust. Celebrating Anchor Run CSA's 15th year - and our 10th here - 2018 is sure to be a great season! Log in here to join. Contact us if you have any questions, concerns, ideas, or trouble logging in.
Interested in helping your CSA meet its membership goal? Participate in our Refer a Friend Program. If your efforts result in a new CSA member we'll credit your account as follows: $10 for a new Full Share member; $7 for a new Medium Share member; and $5 for a new Half Share member! Simply let us know who the new members are via e-mail. (New members are ones that join after March 21st when we began is program.)
Our total number of members will be the same this year as it has been for the past 5 seasons (250 weekly). As of now we're about 85% full.