Spring 2009 CSA
Newsletter April 17, 2009
This Past Week
Although the weather forecast is calling for a real soaker this coming weekend, the last few days has been kind to us as the beds have dried out a bit and the cool mornings and low humidity have made it a joy to work outside. With the prospect of freezes being behind us, we were able to get all of our grape/cherry tomatoes finally planted. We also started replanting some of the sweet pepper and tomato plants that we lost in last week’s freeze.
Field Update
All of the plants seem to be enjoying the spring weather, as growing conditions this past week have been ideal. Although the soil at the farm lease, down the road, is not as fertile as we would like, the cucumbers and zucchini are looking okay. Hopefully a little foliar feeding will help these plants get ahead. As mentioned last week, about half of our tomatoes got burned badly by frost and the other half are looking pretty good. Unfortunately, last week’s freeze did result in all of our tomatoes losing most of their blossoms. (Flowers are where the tomato develops from; so our first tomatoes may be set back a wee bit.) Although not as prolific as I would like, the strawberries are finally turning red. Still recovering from the hailstorm that hit us a few weeks ago, our broccoli and cauliflower started developing heads last weekend. The Napa cabbages are looking plump, but the bugs just love them so I am not sure how appealing they will be. The carrots are still growing real slow, but doing just fine as they their 7” tops seem to be staying ahead of the weeds. Our potatoes are still looking pretty good, but they could benefit from a little rain rather than a “soaking.”
When Do We Begin?
If everything works out weather wise this weekend, we are looking to begin delivering your farm shares this coming Wednesday, April 22nd. Should we get some real punishing rain, we may have to reconsider. Look for an update Monday via email.
What To Expect?
As I may have expressed to some of you previously, one of my concerns has been how do we start off with bountiful boxes of veggies when the weather fails to cooperate? This being my first year running a CSA, I elected to call a few out of state growers that have run successful CSA programs for several years. The consensus answer to my question is “…your harvest will start off small and should gradually get more plentiful as everything gets in sync!” So please don’t freak if your share does not resemble the cover of a Martha Stewart Magazine.
Open House at Wood Duck Farm?
Although not yet official, we are planning to host an open house to our CSA members on Saturday, May 16th. (FYI, it is my understanding that Mother’s Day is May 10th, the Sunday before.) I thought Saturday a.m. would be more convenient than Sunday. The time can be flexible, but I am thinking, 10:30- 3:00. Not sure what you should expect, as we are a “work in progress farm,” but visiting our farm will give you a chance to see where your greens, tomatoes etc are grown. It will probably be pretty hot by then, so think “light” for lunch. I will likely donate some cole slaw and/or salad greens; maybe some chicken salad and/or cold smoked turkey, assorted breads and iced tea. I’ll have some tables set up, but you need to bring your own lawn chairs. This will be a “pot luck” format, so a subsequent email seeking what items if any you may be willing to bring, may be forthcoming. Kids are welcome, (maybe if we have enough interest we’ll do a tractor pulled hay ride.) We have fish in our ponds if you’d like to bring a rod. Playing horseshoes is an option too. Lot’s of birds here if you are into “watching.” Sorry, No dogs. I love dogs, but I don’t need them being territorial around our plants if you get my drift.
Pick Up Mechanics?
I will send an email out this coming Monday afternoon, April 20th, confirming or not, next Wednesday’s 4/22 proposed delivery date. While some future adjustments may be required, when you arrive at your Pick UP location you will find boxes containing either Partial Shares or Full Shares. Depending on which share you purchased, open the appropriate box and transfer the items into your shopping bag or cooler. Check your name off of the adjacent spreadsheet. While we urge you to bring your own bag and/or cooler, some disposable paper bags will be available for your convenience. Down the road we may have an accompanying cooler for refrigerated items, but this first week or so I am going to enclose frozen water bottles to help keep your items cool.
Farm Photos on the Web?
Please visit this link if you are interested in seeing some recent photos of what’s currently growing http://woodduckfarm.com/growing/
A few of you are still holding out on letting me know your desired Pick Location. If you have not already responded to my earlier email, please take a moment to let me know what location you would like to pickup your shares.
I’ll be at the Bayou City Farmers Market tomorrow, Saturday April 18th but, due to the wet forecast, I’ll have low inventory.
Until next time,
VanCell 713 876 8645
csa@woodduckfarm.com