Each year on a farm is different. We take notes about the differences, and take care to note what we can most influence for future years. One difference in 2015 was that we felt like our tomatoes weren’t quite as tasty as in 2014. The reasons are numerous, but we’re set on having even better tomatoes in 2016. That process started in December, when we ordered our first tomato seeds and plants.
That process is continuing this week as we are grafting tomato plants, tending young tomato plants in our nursery greenhouse, building a new greenhouse that will house tomatoes (along with other vegetables), and preparing the soil in the beds that will receive tomato plants over the next two months. {Greenhouse construction is one of the projects alluded to in last week’s email!}
We are excited to show you over the next few weeks the varieties we have chosen for this year and allow you the chance to digitally watch their progress. We love great tomatoes and are honored to be trusted to grow these treasured orbs for our community.
This week also sees spring seedlings continuing to grow (kale shown above), thousands of more seeds started in the nursery, and even a little music being played for the winter greens (and the mama who was cutting those winter greens).
We also are grateful to announce that our CSA is almost completely full for the 2016 season! (Nice work taking advantage of our sign up bonus announced last week!) We limit our CSA shares to a percentage of the previous year’s harvest and we are delighted to know this far in advance where a lot of our vegetables for the year are bound. Thank you! Community support in this way makes our farm possible, and we are most appreciative. (And…if you are wanting to sign up but haven’t yet, please do so very soon. We will close sign up in the next few days.)
We will continue with announcements over the next few weeks! (pictured above and below: microgreens)
Reminder: Plant Sale | Farm Day | Open Barn! Saturday, April 30th from 10-4. Visit our Plant Sale for the full selection of our Certified Naturally Grown vegetable and herb plants for your garden, plus tour the farm with us at 3:00 to learn how and why we grow delicious and nutritious vegetables for you and your household using only biological, Certified Naturally Grown methods. Soak in our beautiful farm and meet our staff. See your 2016 vegetables growing. Mark your calendars for a fun day which will also include wood-fired oven treats! Driving directions found on our website.
Certified Naturally Grown farm in search of:
:: Twin bed frame and mattress :: Dresser, set of shelves, and/or nightstand :: Desk or equivalent table If you have something sitting around that you can donate, we thank you in advance!
This week’s harvest includes:
Kale, Microgreens, Spinach, and our Organic, Naturally Leavened, Hearth Baked Bread.
2016 Market Share CSA Members: Reserve your selection online to pick up Saturday, March 5th at our farm, at Good Health Herbs, or at the Farmers Market @ St. Stephens. Everything remaining after pre-orders will be available for purchase at the Farmers Market @ St. Stephens.
Reminder to our returning and new Farm Share CSA members: weekly shares begin the first week in May.
Enjoy ~
Janet, Dan, and the whole Broadfork crew
