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2023 Vegetable shares & Vegetable Sales
I have been doing things a bit differently the last few years of my CSA. I take on only a small number of full season clients, and when I feel assured that those people are getting more than their money's worth, I will do extra baskets. I have never been comfortable with taking people's money if I can't guarantee good value. And with the weather changing as it has, this is peace of mind for me and you.
As of January 9th, 2023, I have one spot left for regular seasonal baskets of food.
Please sign up now also to be on the list whe extra produce boxes become available. Contact me at treeandtwig@sympatico.ca
I love growing vegetables and I love growing different things every year. I am totally committed to the value of diversity in our food system. I save seed, share seed, educate others and support seed saving organizations world wide. When you support me, you support my work beyond the field, and for this, I thank-you.
CSA stands for Community Supported or Shared Agriculture. This system of marketing links local growers and consumers who want fresh, healthy and typically organic produce.
But please understand the concept of a CSA. You have to buy into the fact that you are not simply purchasing vegetables. When you become a member of a CSA you are committing to a season long agreement, which sees the farmer growing food for you. In a CSA, shareholders buy into the farm in such a way that the risks and rewards of farming are shared by the farmer and the community shareholders as well. In a good growing season, there is lots of food and in a poor one, not as much.
Having said that though, mitigating this risk has always been important to me and I strive to bring good value to your share. I try to minimize risk by growing a huge diversity of crops and also by making good use of three passive energy hoophouses.
In return for your payment, you share the harvest and become part of a farm community.
I save seed, purchase seed and supplies, and work very hard with simple tools to bring you the best organic produce I can grow.
All my produce is grown without the use of pesticides, herbicides or fungicides and in a sustainable manner. I have never used any form of chemical inputs on my crops since I began growing produce to sell in 1997, but was committed to this long before growing for others.
Am I organic? You bet. Am I certified organic? NO. Nor am I certified or verified to be anything else. If you buy from stores this may be important to you. I sell directly to you though and you are welcome to talk to me and come visit to learn about what I do. I believe in the words of farmer Joel Salatin that "you can't regulate integrity." Know your farmer!
My growing practices include the use of cover crops, natural amendments, crop rotations and other practices to improve soil and plant health. Growing organically is more labour intensive than conventional chemical farming. I use organic seed, untreated seed and also use much of my own seed that I have saved year after year.
Shares
Your share includes a weekly share which is the equivalent of a peck of heirloom organic vegetables . Typically there are between 8 and 15 different types of veg/herbs/fruit in your share. And some very interesting ones at that.
Payment
Please pay for the full season(s) in advance, or payments spaced out over the season. Cash, cheques or etransfer is preferred.
Produce is always available at the farm. Please call in advance, if possible, to place your order.
Click here to contact me about joining my CSA or buying vegetables. Please be sure to let me know your season choice and any vegetable likes and dislikes.
Thank you most sincerely for supporting a small farmer.