Wow, what a winter it has been. Not too bad weather wise, though. We were actually pretty glad for that last snow fall, and not just because we wanted to get a chance to make at least one snow fort with Harvey before the season ended. Snow is a great insulator, both for the fields and for the walls of the greenhouse! Plus we were able to wait to re-cover the low tunnels. The soil inside greenhouses can get salt build up and a part of the reason we uncover our tunnels in the winter (besides not needing to clear snow away) is to allow precipitation to wash the salts away. 15″ of snow will definitely do the trick!
The real reason for this blog is tell everyone who has already signed up for the CSA how grateful we are for their early support. This is the first year we have not had to worry about cash flow in spring (one of the ways a CSA really helps a small farm succeed). It also just feels good to already know so many families are committed to us. We think of you when we plant seeds, order supplies and water the greenhouse every day . . . if you haven’t yet joined don’t miss the opportunity, we are very close to sold out of all summer shares! Click here to sign Up.
As many of you saw on social media, I was able to participate in the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) ‘Growing Your Farm Business’ Course this winter. It was a last minute sign up because the class was modified to meet the business planning requirements of all state and many federal grant and loan programs. It was also good to have deadlines to get me to finally finish our business plan. As always (for me anyway) the best part of the class was meeting and getting to know other farmers from across the state. A part of the reason why I wanted to become a farmer is because I think farmers are the coolest ever. I still get star-struck when meeting and talking to other farmers.
I also got a chance to present a gardening class for the Holliston Garden Club at the senior center on March 5th. It was a great crowd (I think more than 50 people) and the response was very enthusiastic (unless everyone was just being polite . . .). Sharing my love and passion for growing food is incredibly satisfying and a great way to meet and engage with my community. It’s was filmed and will be on HCAT TV soon. If I can get a copy/link I will share online.
The Hopkinton Winter Market has been a huge success. New this year, we were invited in October, when much of our produce had already been pre-sold to our Winter CSA. But we did have some excess and it was great to get out and see our loyal customers once a month. We also attended the Ashland February market and will be at their next market in April.
Upcoming Markets:
March 23rd, 9am-1pm @Weston Nurseries
April 6th, 9am-1pm @Ashland Middle School
April 23rd, 9am-1pm @Weston Nurseries
At the market this weekend we will have: carrots, sweet potatoes, onions, potatoes, kohlrabi, rutabaga, popcorn, spinach, pea tendrils and micro-greens. YUMMY!
A few recipe ideas:
Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos (topped with micro-greens!)
Carrot and Kohlrabi Slaw
A healthy tray of roasted roots with a side salad of chopped spinach, pea tendrils and micro-greens would also be a stellar way to welcome spring. Yum. That’s definitely what I’m making Saturday after market, as long as there are any veggies left to take home!
