TODAYS FARM SHARE # 9 - July 17, 2009 Delivery

FULL SHARE - July 17, 2009



MINI SHARE - July 17, 2009


Picking and delivery was smooth and quick today. For a change we had to factor in sun and heat and I started picking lettuce at 5:30 so it wouldn't wilt. We were excited to pick the first fava beans and enough raspberries for the full shares and 1 mini-share. Heather hopes to post a video of how to prep your fava beans. They need shelling and the beans themselves need peeling as well. Check the recipe blog later this weekend for a tutorial and some cooking hints. http:/lastingimpressionsrecipes.blogspot.com/

Instead of mesclun we picked a mix of zippy tasting leaves and edible flowers to top off your salads or omelets or whatever you like. There was enough for all the shares.


SHARE # 9 - July 17 Delivery

FULL AND HALF SHARES:
snap peas
snow peas
head lettuce
salad toppings
chard or chicory
kale
Upland cress
fava beans
raspberries
onion thinnings
bouquet

MINI-SHARES
head lettuce
chard or raspberries
bouquet

Have a good weekend,
Laura

For more farm photos, go to my facebook album.

FARM SHARE # 9 - July 17 - Delivery and July 20 - Pickup

Good morning, farm members,


FARM NEWS

Heather and I have been busy and happy farmers this week, weeding and planting and fertilizing. It is so good to see some order appearing in the garden. With all the rain, the weeds were trying hard to get the better of us but I *think* we are gaining control. The warm sun is making the plants grow, especially the tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, basil and squash. On Monday I had an odd experience while picking radishes; the sun was in my eyes! AND at last the flowers are reappearing. We've had some really pretty dahlias and the lilies are starting. AND (more good news!) my hip is feeling much better. I am not completely strong again but it is terrific to be able to pick, weed and plant. Phew.

This past week I have planted arugula, leaf lettuce, kale, collards, endive, radicchio, Chinese cabbage, pak choy, radishes, calendula, sunflowers, carrots, broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower! Today I'll be planting mesclun, broccoli raab, and zinnias. This is my idea of fun.

Another fun thing around here is hunting for babies. Right now there are 6 kinds of beans with teeny tiny beans (less than 1/2 inch), baby carrots about 1/3 inch in diameter, 1 little hot pepper, lots of 1 - 2 inch green tomatoes, several golf ball sized pumpkins, and a 3 inch summer squash! All are very, very cute.

THANKS to all you folks for returning your jars, plastic bags and containers. They are so useful when we pack the shares. Right now we are sort of neck and neck. We seem to have just enough bags and containers to pack up the shares each time. That means it is especially good that you have been helping us to reuse them.

I happen to love gardening, and the sun has been so welcome that it's a real treat to get out and weed, etc. If you folks ever feel the urge to play in the dirt, your help and company are always welcome. There is no requirement here, it's just an option for those who enjoy this sort of thing and want to get closer to their vegetables. Most (but not all) Saturdays I am here in the garden. Picking early Friday mornings is another option. Just give me a call.


SHARE # 9 - July 17 Delivery and July 20 Pickup

FULL AND HALF SHARES:
peas - we are still getting snaps, snow and shell peas
head lettuce - lots - this needs to be harvested before it bolts.
mesclun?
greens - chard, kale or collards
Upland cress
arugula
fava beans?? these are SO close! Check the recipe blog. http:/lastingimpressionsrecipes.blogspot.com/
raspberries! I am pretty certain there will be enough for the full shares. We'll just have to see if there are any for the minis...
bouquet

MINI-SHARES - 2 of these
head lettuce
snap or snow peas
greens
(raspberries if there are enough)
bouquet

Enjoy your week,
Laura

SHARE # 8 - July 10 Delivery and July 13 Pickup

Greetings folks,

Sorry to be a bit slow to write this week. Lots of party around here on Monday!

FARM NEWS

It is so nice to see the sunshine. I am really looking forward to weeding and planting. And to seeing some flowers bloom. Today when I toured the garden I saw several pole bean varieties in bloom, many dahlia buds showing color, and a pink raspberry! More good news: I seem to have at least discouraged the woodchucks through a combination of covering some crops (kale and chard), using hot pepper spray (dahlias) and setting out protective barriers of fox urine (tomatoes, peppers and eggplant). I really hope this keeps them at bay. The woodchucks did eat some of the kale so I need to let it recover a bit before harvesting a lot.

The peas continue to be productive and the lettuce hasn't bolted. Lots replanting happening this week - arugula, mesclun, kolrabi and more. My hip is steadily improving although I have to be very careful not to overdo. But it is delightful to be able to weed and pick. Heather has cheerfully taken on all the digging, rock hauling and straw bale lifting, etc. Thanks, Heather!

SHARE # 8 - July 10 Delivery and July 13 Pickup

FULL AND HALF SHARES:
peas
head lettuce
mesclun?
radishes
chard
kale?
dill
cilantro
wild flower bouquet?

MINI-SHARES - 2 of these
head lettuce
radishes
snap peas
greens?
wild flower bouquet?

Have a good rest of the week,
Laura

TODAYS FARM SHARE # 7 - July 3, 2009 Delivery

EDIBLE BOUQUET - Includes sage, Sweet cicely leaves (tastes like anise), Johnny Jump Ups, Red Gem marigolds, spearmint
We meant to pick some daylilies to add as well but forgot. Oops. Daylilies are edible, use the flowers in salad and the pods in stirfry.



FULL SHARE # 7
1 3/4 # peas
3 oz snow peas
3 head lettuces
8 oz radishes
1 3/4 # turnips and greens
2 # Swiss chard
2 oz wild peppermint
1 bunch scallions
edible bouquet
(all weights are approximate)




MINI-SHARE




MINI-SHARE





MINI-SHARE

SHARE # 7 - July 3 Delivery and July 6 Pickup

Good morning, farm members!

FARM NEWS

The growing season is rolling along in the garden. Last week Heather and I picked the first of the peas and we've started adding them to the shares. At the same time, we pulled the last of the spinach for now. There are lots of beautiful head lettuces getting bigger every day. It's a bit of a question for me. Which will happen first, the arrival of heat and potential bolting or the forming of full sized heads? Time will tell.

We currently have our eyes on:
many pea pods
small green raspberries
young squash plants
tomato flowers and tiny tomatoes
itty bitty carrots
dahlia buds
woodchucks! (I welcome your suggestions on these critters.)

So far the woodchuck damage has been small but they have a fondness for eating the flowers. The result is that many things that might be in bloom have been topped off and are now branching but not blooming. Bouquets are a bit questionable this week. On the other hand, the dahlias are just starting to bloom and once they get going we'll have lots of them. We just have to wait and see.

Each week I find that there are surprises in store in the garden. It's just impossible to tell what will be ready or not and what will be over, especially while looking ahead to the following Monday pick up day. I appreciate that you folks have been so flexible.

I am always interested in feedback about the shares. Farming is still so new to me. I know I will never stop learning things and there is so much I don't know. So let me know if there are ways the shares could improve and if there are things you especially appreciate.

Healthy eating,
Laura


SHARE # 7 - July 3 Delivery and July 6 Pickup

FULL AND HALF SHARES:
peas?
head lettuce
mesclun?
radishes
turnips?
chard or kale or collards, depending on what's ready that day
radish thinnings to add to your salads
wild peppermint - a very strong flavored mint, great for tea and chopped in tabouli
wild flower bouquet

MINI-SHARES - 2 of these
head lettuce
radishes?
peppermint (Let me know if this interests you or not.)
snap peas?
greens?

YESTERDAY'S DELIVERY - Friday, June 26, 2009

Good morning, farm folks,

It's bright and sunny for the moment. What a treat!

Yesterday Heather and I did a fair amount of thinning/picking for the shares. We pulled most of the spinach and cut off the leaves for you to eat. Today we will be turning that bed and replanting with basil plants and broccoli seeds. The chard got one more thinning and most of the mini-shares got chard yesterday. The peas were just starting to be ready to pick so some shares got snap peas, some got snow peas and some also got shell peas. There are lots more on the way. We also did another thinning on collards and kale, leaving fewer plants to grow larger leaves. Happily, we found a few more garlic scapes and a new row of cilantro coming in. Plus we decided to pull some of the Upland Cress to add to the herbs. Cress is very peppery in flavor. You could add it to eggs or soup or whatever needs a little extra zip. Use it raw or cooked.

We seem to be in a bit of a mesclun lull. We plan on replanting and there is some, but not a ton at the moment. There are a bunch of head lettuces coming along so that may be the salad green for a bit. We'll see...

Thanks to all for the bags and jars and boxes. Keep it up! We used the very last produce bag yesterday so it's time to get creative.

SHARE # 6 - June 26 Delivery
(I seem to have forgotten to notate the quantities as we picked. oops.)

FULL SHARES

"baby" spinach - 1 lb
arugula - 1/2 lb?
2 -3 small head lettuces
turnips
kale or collards - Breedy's Camden kale, Champion collards, Red and White Russian kale, Red Chidori kale
Snap peas or snow peas
Shell peas (only some shares) Coral and Maestro
garlic scapes, cilantro, Upland cress

MINI-SHARES
Swiss chard - 1 lb.
Russian kale or lettuce

Enjoy!
Laura

FARM SHARE # 6 - June 26 - Delivery and June 29 - Pickup

RED CHIDORI KALE - growing bigger and more beautiful every day.


Hello farm members,

Heather and I seem to be in a good routine with picking the shares. It proceeds easily and the two of us are always thinking ahead to the next picking and what needs to happen for that and beyond. Right now we are organizing our replanting plans. We need to plant more mesclun, arugula, and lettuce and it's also time to start some of the fall crops such as beets, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower and Chinese cabbage. The planting just goes on and on. To tell the truth, I have not noticed any particular lull in the planting. We just keep planting and planting. Our next focus will be weeding, mulching and panting, errr, I mean planting!

The peas are getting fatter every day so one day soon there will be snap peas, shell peas and snow peas. (Which will be ready first, I wonder.) There are tiny tomatoes on the greenhouse tomatoes. The various kale plants are growing fast. The beans of all kinds, green, shell, soy, bush and pole are all looking green and vigorous. On the down side, the woodchucks ate some tomato leaves and 'pruned' the sweet pea plants. And something ate the tops off the first kolrabi planting and some of the annual flowers. Hopefully there will be enough for everyone.

On Monday we thinned the turnips and found some turnips that were filled out as well as plenty of turnip greens. So the Monday full shares got some turnips and the Monday mini-shares got some greens. Cook your turnip greens like any other green, either saute or steam them until tender but not mushy. Many people enjoy a bit of ham hock or bacon added to their turnip greens or you could mix in some of the turnips themselves or some chopped onion or whatever you like. Oh yes, if you get turnips, you can certainly eat the tops as well!



GOLD BALL TURNIP



BLANC DE CROSSY TURNIP




HAKUREI TURNIPS

SHARE # 6 - June 26 Delivery and June 29 Pickup

FULL AND HALF SHARES:
mesclun/baby spinach
arugula
lettuce? we are waiting for the next batch to get big...
turnip greens and/or turnips
kale or collards
peas?? these are starting to fill out.
Swiss chard
bouquet

MINI-SHARES
greens of some kind
lettuce? or mesclun

*We really need bags for greens. Please return your clean dry bags if possible or provide reusable containers if you can.*

See you soon.
Laura

YESTERDAY'S DELIVERY - Friday, June 19, 2009

Dear Farm Members,

Picking and delivery went smoothly once again. (This will never get boring. Everything being fine is ok by me.)
The escarole and head lettuce looked like it wanted to bolt soon so we picked all that looked ready. There will be another round of lettuce ready in a few weeks. Until then, we'll be eating mesclun for our salads.

I am still getting over a strained hip joint but it is getting better. My plan is to avoid all digging for a long time. So a special thank you to Robin Creamer, Nate and Marie Bartlett, Nick and Fritz Mesloh, Tim Richter and as always, Heather Loomis, for all your hard work getting the digging done. Soon we can plant the last of the peppers and the rest of the storage roots and flowers. Yay! Thank you.

Heather has been posting some yummy recipes, including some using turnips, at the recipe part of the blog.

Please remember to return your clean, dry bags and jars. We are already running low on bags.


SHARE # 5 - June 19 Delivery and June 22 Pickup
(Heather and I do weigh your items but these weights are approximate.)

FULL AND HALF SHARES:
mesclun - 8 oz
head lettuce 2 - 3
arugula - 8 oz
spinach - 1 lb
kale or rapa turnips - around 1 lb
escarole - 10 oz
leeks - 1 lb
white turnips 1 lb
cilantro and dill
garlic scapes 3.5 oz
bouquet - Peonies, Sweet William, Daisies, Yarrow, Lady's Mantle, Veronica, Snapdragons.

MINI-SHARES - 2 of these:
mesclun - 8 oz.
head lettuce - 1
arugula - 8 oz
spinach - 1 lb

and a mini-bouquet

Enjoy!
Laura

YESTERDAY'S Delivery - Friday, June 12, 2009

Hello folks,

Yesterday's picking was a bit of a hustle for the picking crew. Because of the recent rains, the plants were splashed with soil and everything needed washing. (LOVE THAT RAIN THOUGH) Plus we did a fair amount of thinning for this picking, good for the garden and tasty tender greens but it takes longer to pick that way. BUT we did finish in time for Heather to get to work and for the shares to be delivered the usual time and the kitchen is nearly cleaned up so things are good.

For those of you who got chard thinnings, I found them relatively easy to prepare. Just put them in a tub of water, cut off their roots, wash again in the salad spinner. Very tender. They cook down alot.

FULL AND HALF SHARES:
mesclun - 8 oz
head lettuce 1
arugula 7.5 oz
baby greens - 1 lb. chard thinnings plus 1 more of these: kale, mustard, spinach
leeks
spearmint
cilantro
endive - 2 heads - watch the recipe blog for cooking ideas. I like to saute it with olive oil and garlic.
bouquet - Iris, Peonies, Lady's Mantle, Salvia, Valerian, Kousa Dogwood, Doronicum

MINI-SHARES - 2 of these:
mesclun
head lettuce
arugula
chard
and a mini-bouquet

Enjoy your vegetables and flowers!
Laura

Farm Share # 4 - June 12 - Delivery and June 15 - Pickup

Dear Farm Members,

Sorry to be a bit late with this email this week. I was feeling under the weather on Monday and got behind schedule. (all better now)


FARM NEWS

The peas and fava beans are in bloom. The favas are very interesting. Their flowers look a bit like pea blossums and they are black and white. Odd but attractive. The squashes and bush beans (14 rows!) are up. The tomato plants are in and getting greener and bigger every day. The peppers and eggplant go in this week plus we are planting the fall storage roots: rutabagas, beets, carrots and parsnips. Soon our focus will turn towards weeding and fencing although we've been doing some of these as we go along so it's not TOO weedy out there.

The first Monday picking for pickup members was this week and it was very easy and smooth. The shares were in the stand by 10 and everyone had picked up by 5. I was home that afternoon resting so I actually slept through a bunch of pickups. Good work, folks. Soon I will post a bit about what was in those Monday shares here: http://lastingimpressionscsa.blogspot.com/ (I got behind on posting too!)

I have worked out a system of keeping track of people's preferences and what they get each week. Sometimes the harvest is tiny and needs to be spread over a few weeks. I will try to see that each share gets a share. Also, for the mini-shares, I will try to vary your items from week to week. For example, mesclun one week, head lettuce the next, etc. Of course if there is something you love and want every time it's available, just let me know.


SHARE # 4 - June 12 Delivery and June 15 Pickup

FULL AND HALF SHARES:
mesclun - starting to include nasturium leaves and marigold flowers.
head lettuce 1-2
arugula
baby greens - kale, mustard, chard, spinach - 1-2 of these
leeks - these are small, carryovers from last summer that want to bolt instead of getting bigger.
turnips - some are ready. If you don't get any this time, you will get them in your next share.
spearmint
cilantro?
garlic scapes? these are just appearing but they grow very quickly. They are the stems and unopened buds of the garlic plants. A nice addition to stirfrys and soup.
endive? - We are still waiting for these to be 'just right'. I want to try blanching them for extra tenderness.
bouquet - Iris, Peonies, Lady's Mantle, Salvia, Valerian, Kousa Dogwood, Snapdragons, whatever is ready.

MINI-SHARES - 2 of these:
mesclun
head lettuce
arugula
garlic chives
spearmint

and a mini-bouquet

Mini-Share folks: If you let me know a preference by Thursday, I will factor that in to the picking, otherwise it's pot luck. One item will either be mesclun, lettuce or arugula.


Laura
http://lastingimpressionscsa.blogspot.com/
http://lasting-impressions-on-the-farm.blogspot.com/

SHARE # 3 - PICK UP

Everything went smoothly with our very first pick-up-at-the-farm shares. We were actually done picking and getting the shares out by 10 and everyone had picked up by 5 so that was great!

The shares were essentially the same as what was delivered on Friday except that the leeks have started coming in so I gave the one half share pickup some of those as well as the last of the rhubarb. The minis got a bit of cilantro as well.

TODAYS FARM SHARE # 3 - June 5, 2009 Delivery

Hello folks,

The picking and the delivery went smoothly today. Somehow Heather and I have been able to finish prepping by 11:30 each time. Those of you who get delivery West of town center should know that your share may come as early as 11:30. I hope all the new folks are enjoying their vegies and that everything is in good condition. Thanks for setting out your coolers in easy places. Please remember to leave clean jars and bags if you have them. That way I won't need to keep finding more and more of these.

More on the weeds in your mesclun: Bear in mind that although Heather and I very careful, it is certainly possible for us to make mistakes and include untasty weeds as well as yummy ones. If you are ever uncertain about a particular leaf's edibility, set it aside, call or write, I would be happy to help you identify the item. Most likely it will be something tasty and nutritious, just unfamiliar. Sometime soon I will post to the farm blog with photos of the various items in this year's mesclun mixture. The leaves are beautiful.

This week's mix includes thinnings from Swiss chard, Yukina Savoy (a dark green, thick leaf with a peppery taste), Red and White Russian Kale, kolrabi and spinach. Plus the usual lettuce leaves, mizuna, cress, 2 kinds of arugula and more.



THIS FULL SHARE # 3

mesclun 1 1/4 #
head lettuce - 1
radishes - 16 - 18
arugula 6 oz.
apple mint
dill
a sprig of Sweet Cicely
baby greens - 2 kinds, about 12 oz each - Winterbor Kale, Red Russian Kale, spinach, Rapa turnips, mustard mix
bouquet




MINI SHARES - 2 items plus a sprig of Sweet Cicely
head lettuce - 2 small
mesclun - 8 oz
arugula - 6 oz
radishes - 1 bunch
mini bouquet

Monday's pick up shares will be similar. I will post that to the blog only so you don't get overloaded with emails.
http://lastingimpressionscsa.blogspot.com/

I also post photos to facebook. If you happen to have an account there, look for me. I have my preferences set so that everyone can see the farm photos.

Enjoy the weekend.
Laura

TODAY'S FARM SHARE # 2 - May 29, 2009

The picking went fine; Heather and I were actually done by 11 so we were able to relax and plan and clean up the kitchen for awhile before delivery. I have to relish this when it happens as I suspect that once we add in the mini-shares it will take the whole morning to pick.

There was plenty in the garden. Once again we stopped picking before picking absolutely everything. This gives me confidence. The Mini Shares will definitely start on Friday, June 5 with the first delivery and the following Monday, June 8 will be the first pick up day for Mini Shares. I'll be in touch with more details.

I've had 4 pleasant surprises this week. 1 - My friend Linda stopped by because she just "felt like doing a gardening, did I want any help?" I put her straight to work digging! 2 - Farm Member Ann McCarthy gave me some beautiful, sturdy echinacea plants. 3 - My friend Paul sent me some very intriguing heirloom beans, peas and squash seeds. 4 - I came home yesterday and Robin had worked on the chicken set up so that I can now run the hens in a fresh area and can use their old run for planting. Thank you, pals!



THIS WEEK'S FULL SHARE

mesclun 3/4 #
rhubarb 1 3/4 #
radishes 9 oz.
baby greens - spinach, White Russian kale or turnip greens
garlic chives
small head of lettuce - 2 each - Crystal, Yugoslavian Red Butterhead, Susan's Bibb, Buttercrunch
arugula 11 oz.
bouquet - Lady's Rocket, iris, centaurea, salvia 'May Night', tree peonies
Cilantro or dill - a small bunch

Unfortunately, we had to pick the flowers while they were wet so they may not last as well as usual. Nice to get some rain though.

I'll write again on Monday with more information about pickup and next week's share.
Enjoy the fresh food. Be sure to check the recipe blog for cooking ideas.
Laura

Farm Share # 2 - May 29, 2009

Greetings farm members,

FARM NEWS
The season is progressing nicely. Through hard work and the luck of the weather, Heather and I are pretty much on track with the planting. The summer and winter squash is planted, the pickling cukes and Asian cukes are in, the early tomatoes are set out, we made three new beds for midseason greens, and the baby corn is planted. The pole beans are coming up already and the bush beans - green, shell and soybean - are soaking overnight to be planted tomorrow. Yesterday I set out about 90 Sweet William plants and some Batchelor's Buttons and Cosmos. Sunflowers, zinnias and marigolds are waiting for their turn.

This week we will be picking both Full and Half Shares. If all goes as hoped, the Mini Shares will start in another week. I'm excited!

THIS WEEK'S SHARE

mesclun
rhubarb
radishes
baby greens - spinach, kale or turnip greens
garlic chives
small head of lettuce?
arugula?
bouquet - Lady's Rocket, iris, centaurea, salvia, whatever is ready


Have a great week,
Laura

We did it! Today's Delivery - May 22, 2009

We did it! Heather and I picked and prepped the first shares today. Everything went smoothly and it was nice to get started with a smaller picking, just to get warmed up. From the amount we picked and the amount that was left in the garden for another day, I feel confident that we can start the Half Shares next Friday. I'll be in touch with the Half Share folks to clarify your schedules.

Today's delivery includes:
1 bunch of garlic chives
some apple mint and some cilantro
1 bunch of radishes
1 1/2 # Jerusalem Artichokes
a small bunch of young greens, either kale or turnip
9 oz. spinach
13 oz mesclun
1 1/2 # rhubarb
Bouquet: Solomon's Seal-Primrose Lilac-Tree Peony-Centaurea-Lady's Rocket-(Parrot tulips)




Enjoy your fresh food and flowers!
Check the recipe blog for cooking ideas.
See you soon,
Laura

Delivery #1 - Friday, May 22, 2009

*Note: This week's delivery is for Full Shares only. Half Shares and Mini Shares will start later.

Hello folks,

That time has arrived. There is so much food ready in the garden that it's time to start sharing it with you.
So that means that this Friday, May 22, Heather and I will be picking and prepping vegetables and flowers to bring to your home. All you need to do is either be there to receive your share or set out a cooler at a spot for us to deliver easily.

For those of you who are new to this, a quick reminder. I will send out an email each week (on Monday or Tuesday) with my best guess as to what will be in your share that Friday. Then after we pick, I will email again to let you know what is actually in the share. It isn't possible to be 100% sure of the share as weather affects how quickly everything matures and holds in the field. Almost everything is picked Friday morning so it is really fresh. Using a cooler with a cold pak works very well but of course, the sooner you get your food into the refrigerator, the better. Our plan is to pick Friday morning and deliver early Friday afternoon. It's helpful if you can leave cleaned containers, such as jars for flowers, at your delivery spot so we can use them another day.

Be sure to check the blog for delicious recipe ideas. And if you have recipes you want to share, send them along.
http://lasting-impressions-on-the-farm.blogspot.com/

THIS WEEK'S DELIVERY

garlic chives
mixed salad greens/mesclun
baby greens - some mix of kale, spinach, or turnip greens
radishes
sorrel
Jerusalem artichokes
rhubarb?
nettles?

bouquet

That's all for now. Oh, except please write back so I know you got this message. Otherwise I will call you.
Your farmer,
Laura

Full Shares about to start

GREENS IN THE GREENHOUSE



Full Shares are starting!

Hello farming friends,

It has long time since I have been in touch with you all. The reason is I have been busy digging, planting, weeding, planning and generally having a blast in the garden growing things for all of us.

Farm intern, Heather Loomis, and I have been working hard to get everything planted in a timely fashion. So far we have been able to keep up with our planting schedule and the garden is looking good. I am looking forward to some more warm weather to help the plants grow. In recent weeks we have created a 400 sq. ft. new space for tomatoes, set up and planted 27 teepees of pole beans, done a third planting of mesclun and leaf lettuce, reclaimed the raspberry patch, and more! We are having fun. And getting strong.

Things are pretty lush in the greenhouse and we have started eating some early greens and radishes. In fact, we are ready for the first delivery of full sized shares this Friday, May 22! I expect the half shares to start a week later and the minis are planned to start the first week of June. It seems amazing and exciting.

So a heads up to you all. The shares are about to begin. I will send a separate message to the full share folks.
Yours in good health,
Laura

Selling like hot cakes

Just a brief update. As of today people have spoken for 3 full shares, 3 half shares and 6 mini shares. That leaves just 2 half shares or 1 full share still available.

I am very excited about all the 2009 members, new folks and returning customers.
Thanks so much for your support!

Shares 2009

This past week I sent out an email to previous farm members, farm stand regulars and some people who have expressed an interest being members of the farm. I have been delighted with the response. Out of 5 1/2 shares and 4 mini shares, I have already sold 3 1/2 or 4 shares and 3 minis. That only leaves 1 1/2 - 2 shares and 1 mini left!

I decided, as usual, to keep the farm small and to increase only a small amount over last year. In 2008 I did manage to increase the amount of area I have available for farming but not as much as I had hoped. I'm getting out the rototiller this year to help me expand a bit more. The other thing is that I am not satisfied with the shares as they are so far. (My members think the shares are terrific but I want the shares to be even better.) Because of the space limitations, in 2007 and 2008 I never got around to planting some crops that I consider basic, such as potatoes and lots of tomatoes and broccoli. Some things I started in pots but never had a spot to put them. The result was that the shares are not up to my standards yet, even though they are large and tasty and fair value. So this year I am determined to plant everything! I would be pleased if this year became known as the year of the tomato.

The other little blip related to learning to be a farmer is that there were some things that I usually have in storage for myself in the winter that just never got planted. The items mentioned above plus storage carrots, tomato sauce, hot peppers, etc. It really bugs me to have to buy these things at the store. So that is the other things that needs correction this year and the other reason I am not expanding further in terms of selling more shares. Instead I will be growing more for me!

The fun news around the farm these days is that the chickens are laying eggs. Yesterday they laid 7 eggs! A new record. Speaking of which, it's time to bring them some water...

2008 in Pictures

Here are pictures from most of the shares in 2008, with the later shares at the top of the 'list'. Check earlier posts for specific descriptions. Each week throughout the growing season I try to post both an estimate of what the share will include that week and a picture and list of what it actually included. I will be using the same system in 2009.