Spring 2010 CSA

Newsletter March 5, 2010

In light of continued frost over the past few mornings here at the farm, it seems as though "Mother Nature" is trying to hint that "ol' man winter" may finally be starting to grow tired. While I don't see many buds blooming, my sinuses seem to be suggesting that pollen is in the air. If that is not enough, the bullfrogs around the farm ponds are beginning to be more vocal at night, which can be interpreted (optimistically) that they're as ready as I am for this winter to end. Incidentally the official first day of spring is only two weeks away. This having been said, the continued wet grounds are playing havoc with our planting schedule. The good news is that some our greenhouses are "baby sitting" thousands of different vegetable plants just prime to be transplanted. While more rain is in the forecast for early next week, the longer days are apt to help better dry the grounds over time. (Right?) We remain very positive that this is going to be a great growing season.

The event will begin at 3pm and include a tour of the farm and then be followed by a five course family style meal featuring locally grown produce and meats. The culinary team is Drew Wilson and Brandon Shillings, both formally at Benjy's in the Rice Village. Hopefully after dinner, we'll have a big fire and who knows, perhaps some live music for those of you wishing to relieve some of that city tension via a dance or two. The Farm Dinner event will be $75 per person, BYOB and limited seating. CSA members will be provided a 20% discount. Incidentally, the Farm Dinner is not a replacement of the CSA open house, likely to be more "kid friendly" and held later in May. Visit our website for more "Farm Dinner" info and payment arrangements at Farm Dinner Info

Regarding the winter plantings, I regret to say that we are really far behind with some of our transplanting of crops from greenhouse plugs to the field. The rainy winter has really been a hindrance for us, and other growers alike. The good news is that spring is due to be here soon. My lettuce-farming friends in Arizona are already telling me that they're now approaching highs in the 80's, so warmer temps here are probably not to far away.

A few weeks ago a good friend introduced me to the social networking forum Facebook, so if you're into FB please consider visiting the WDF page, via going to our website and following the link just above the PayPal button. For updated pics of what is going on here at the farm visit Van's Journal, located on the same WDF website page at Wood Duck Farm.

While the thought of homegrown tomatoes and sweet corn are beginning to stir more interest with prospective farm share members, openings are still available for the spring season. A link to our CSA application is provided below. Hopefully our website will provide answers to many of your questions, but feel free to call me should you have any questions. We accept checks, cash and PayPal and have a credit card link on our website home page.

All the best,