Community Supported Agriculture

Our beautiful new backyard gets some sunlight but it's mostly shaded making it difficult for Mike and I to decide where a garden would work best. So this year, we've decided to do a few potted tomatoes and herbs but leave the rest to the local farmers. After some research I found a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) and we went in on the cost with Mike's parents.

What's a CSA?
Each year, farmers have a designated number of "shares" (boxes/baskets of food) that they offer to the public in exchange for a membership fee. Those interested can purchase a share from the farmer and receive fresh produce weekly at the designated location throughout the growing season.

The farm we joined grows a wide variety of approximately 40 different fruits and vegetables, which are harvested from May through October. We'll receive a box weekly during this time and have been told this is what we can expect, which can vary depending on how well the crops do.

An example of a regular spring season share box is:
1 bag of spinach
1 bag of lettuce
2 quarts of strawberries
1 bunch of broccoli
1 bundle of asparagus (1 lb.)
1 bundle of spring onions (6)
1 bunch of radishes

An example of a regular summer season box is:
1 dozen ears of corn (13 ears)
6 tomatoes
3 green peppers,
1 quart of green beans
1 quart of squash and zucchini
6 peaches
1 large heirloom tomato
1 bunch of carrots

An example of a regular fall season box is:
½ dozen ears of corn (7 ears)
6 tomatoes,
1 heirloom tomato
1 bag spinach
2 bulbs of garlic
7 apples
1 acorn squash
1 head of cauliflower
2 pounds of potatoes

We are really looking forward to this experience and having fresh and locally grown fruits and vegetables. I've heard great things about CSA's and highly recommend looking into it. You can visit www.localharvest.org to find a farm near you.