Dear members,
We are excited to let you know that our bodacious new strawberry patch has just started producing in earnest and the berries are looking beautiful!
Starting today, strawberry u-pick is open to returning members. This is little perk we like to offer folks who want to check in the on the verdant unfurling of the farm, pick a few strawberries and enjoy the first garden flowers and herbs!
The new strawberry patch is located inside the deer fence on the west side of the garden, between the flower garden and Cooper rd. There are two entrances to the deer fence and both will be flagged. Please bring your own pint basket(s) if you have them and/or a container for your strawberries.
NOTES ON THE STRAWBERRIES:
How many can I pick? We will run the u-pick a little differently than we do during the regular season, since folks are not already coming out every week. Each share is able to pick 6 pints of strawberries total between now and the CSA opening on June 15th. You are welcome to pick them all at once, or a couple pints a week. If you are alternating weeks please coordinate with your share partner to make sure you all take only 6 pints total.
Can new members pick? Unfortunately, no, this is a perk we like to reserve to returning members who have already been oriented to the farm and know the ropes. Please note, that if you are alternating weeks with someone who is a member of the farm for the first time, they will have to wait to pick until June 15th (so you can pick 6 pints!)
Are there pint baskets available? Yes, we will have a few pint baskets set out in the front table of the pickup area. As always, we ask that you help us reduce the farm’s carbon footprint by taking just a basket or two to help you measure as you pick into a bag or tupperware and to reuse the basket throughout the season. Thank you!
FLOWERS & HERBS:
The garden is starting to wake up!
Herbs: The perennial herbs are particularly abundant right now, particularly Lemon Balm, Oregano, Marjoram, Tarragon and Sorrel. There are also various Mints, Chives, Sage and a gorgeous spring planting of Parsley. As always, we will put signs on the herbs ready to pick.
Flowers: While most of the blooms are in the perennial beds closest to the oak trees, a few of the annuals are starting to bloom as well, and you’re welcome to pick from them.
As usual with flowers and herbs, please pick with your fellow members in mind and according to the plants size and the abundance of foliage and blooms.
CAREFUL! This is also the time of year where there are tons of vulnerable young seedlings and transplants in the garden. Please watch your step and train your kiddos not to walk on beds!
Happy spring & see you in the fields!
David & Kayta
