What’s new this year?
The farmers! For the 2012 growing season, the farm will be managed by Sarah Steadman and Evan Thaler-Null. We are extremely excited to be a part of such a supportive and kind community and can’t wait to get seeds in the ground. We are scaling back production somewhat this year, and we will be relying on the strength of our single Belgian draft horse, Belle, to power almost all of our fieldwork, hauling, cultivating, and some tillage. This year, as we learn the nuances of a new farm, new horse, and new community we are opting to do a simple and affordable CSA. As such, we will not be growing sweet corn or potatoes, but we hope to next year!
How do we grow?
The health of our farm, ecosystem, and community is our primary goal. Therefore, our growing practices are as ecological and holistic as possible. We will be creating a soil-based system focused on diversity, cover cropping, natural fertility, careful crop rotation, and real horsepower.
What’s in a share?
A share provides 8-15 lbs of freshly harvested produce each week. Given an average harvest, a share provides enough vegetables to feed 2-4 adults eating a vegetable based diet (~400 lbs of produce every season). Please see the Crop Calendar below for our best guess at quantities and availability of crops.
How does it work?
When you arrive at the CSA pick-up site (TBD) you check off your name on the sign-in sheet and read the share list. You then collect each item from the share list and place it in your own bag. If you are going on vacation you can have a friend or neighbor pick up your share. The share list will also notify you of any Pick-Your-Own opportunities in the farm fields, as well as new items and things to expect for next week. In addition, we will have weekly newsletters sent by email, to keep you updated and in the loop on farm happenings.
How do I join?
We are asking members to contribute on a sliding scale between $450-$550 for share in the harvest for 22 weeks. First, email abodecsa@gmail.com to check for availability. Once you’ve made the list we will ask you to fill out the CSA Agreement form on the following page. Further payment and mailing information is available on the CSA Agreement form. We urge anyone interested to act quickly—shares are selling fast!
Crop Calendar for 2012
|
Crop |
Projected Quantity/Week |
Anticipated Duration |
Notes |
|
Arugula |
1/2 lb |
Full season |
|
|
Head Lettuce or Salad Mix |
2 heads |
June- October |
Romaine, Green and Red Oakleaf
|
|
Radish |
1/2 lb |
June - July and September- November |
|
|
Turnips |
1/2 lb |
June - July and September- November |
Spring/Summer salad turnips, Fall turnips will be storage variety, for cooking or cellaring |
|
Hearty Greens (Includes Kale, Swiss Chard, and Collards) |
1 bunch |
July- November |
Swiss Chard and Dinosaur Kale only in summer, more varieties in Fall |
|
Brassica Greens (Broccoli Raab, Bok Choy, Tat Soi) |
1 lb |
June - July and September- November |
|
|
Broccoli |
1 heads/bunch |
June - July and October-November |
Small side-shooting spring/summer, full heads in fall |
|
Carrots |
1 lb |
July-November |
Surplus for root cellar |
|
Beets |
1 lb |
July - November |
Red, Golden, and Striped beets each week |
|
Summer Squash |
1 - 2 lbs |
Mid June- Mid August |
Zucchini, Yellow Squash
|
|
Cucumber |
1 - 2 lbs |
Mid June- Mid August |
Some pickling varieties |
|
Onions |
1 lb |
September - November |
Fall storage onion, some fresh onion in July as thinning allows |
|
Tomato |
2 – 4 lbs |
Late July – Early October |
|
|
Sweet and Hot Pepper |
1 – 2 lbs |
Mid July - September |
|
|
Eggplant |
1 lb |
Mid July - September |
|
|
Winter Squash |
1 – 2 squash |
Mid September - November |
Butternut, Delicata
|
|
Leeks |
1 bunch
|
October - November |
|
|
Rutabaga |
1 lb |
October - November |
Surplus for root cellar |
|
Celeriac |
1 lb |
November |
Surplus for root cellar |
|
Parsnip |
1 lb |
November |
Surplus for root cellar |
|
Spinach |
3/4 lb |
September - November |
|
|
Cabbage |
1 head |
Mid October - November |
Surplus for root cellar |
|
Culinary Herbs (Parsley, Dill, Basil, Cilantro) |
1bunch each |
July - October |
|
(Pick your own Beans, Flowers, and Herbs will be available throughout the growing season)
Cost: Sliding scale between $450-$550 per share.
To apply, send an email to abodecsa@gmail.com.
Programs Office
518-794-8095
programsoffice@theabode.net
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The Abode of the Message: Community & Retreat Center. 5 Abode Road, New Lebanon, NY 12125.
Phone: (518) 794-8095 or (518) 794-8090. Email: programsoffice@theabode.net