CSA Details

I have been slow in getting out CSA details because every time I think about the details I get horribly overwhelmed with everything that needs to be done to launch a CSA. I think I’m going to use a CSA management tool, and will hopefully decide on that soon. In the meantime, this is what I know:

The CSA will run 21 weeks, from June 6th to October 24th. Deliveries will be on Wednesday. Participants will receive 20 boxes over those 21 weeks, with the option to skip a week for vacation or to recover from the overwhelming amounts of fresh produce.

A share will be $500. This works out to $25 per week of produce. Each box will contain between 7 and 9 different types of produce. See the previous post for the varieties of produce to be grown. Each box should contain enough produce for a family of 4, or 2 vegetable lovers.

Drop sites will be determined based on who signs up. I can deliver to the following neighborhoods: West Seattle, White Center, Rainier Beach, Skyway, South Park, Burien and anywhere in between. I won’t be going farther north, east or south of this area as it doesn’t make sense with rising gas prices.

If you are interested in joining this CSA, please send me an email at seattlefarmer@gmail.com

I require a deposit of $100 to guarantee your spot in the CSA. More information about payments, including payment plans, will be forthcoming. In the meantime, feel free to contact me for more information.

Crops for 2012

I am all set for the 2012 growing season. I’ve got the majority of my seeds already and I’m just waiting for good weather. Some extra land would be nice, but not necessary. Here’s what I hope to have in our CSA boxes and at our farmers market tables this year. No guarantees though!

Root Crops:
Chioggia Guardsmark Beets
Bulls Blood Beets
Brilliant Celeriac
Early White Vienna Kohlrabi
Early Purple Vienna Kohlrabi
Red Meat/Watermelon Radishes
Cherry Belle Radishes
Purple Top White Globe Turnips
Caracas Carrots
Danvers 126 Half Long Carrot

Allium Family:
Lancelot Leeks
Guardsman Scallions (Green Onions)
Deep Purple Scallions (Green Onions)

Squash:
Black Beauty Zucchini
Early Prolific Straightneck Squash
Red Kuri Winter Squash
Delicata Winter squash

Legumes:
Envy Edamame
Oregon Giant Sugar Peas
Windsor Fava Beans
Northeaster Green Beans
Dragon Tongue Green Beans

Solanaceae Family:
Early Jalepeños
Ping Tung Eggplant
Moskvich Tomatoes
Brandywine Tomatoes
Bellstar Tomatoes
Washington Cherry Tomatoes
Sun Gold Tomatoes
Toma Verde Tomatillos

Other:
De Cicco Broccoli

Greens:
Two Star Leaf Lettuce
Teide Summer Crisp Lettuce
Australe Butterhead Lettuce
Oscarde Red Oakleaf Lettuce
Dwarf Grey Sugar Pea Greens
Caraflex Cabbage
Red Express Cabbage
Champion Collards
Red Russian Kale
Bright Lights Rainbow Chard
Gigante d' Inverno Spinach
Red Giant Mustard Greens
Mizuna
Salad Arugula

Herbs:
Basil
Parsley
Mint
Oregano
Sage
Thyme
Rosemary
Cilantro
Chives
Dill
Salad Burnett
Sorrel

Perennials:
Artichokes
Strawberries
Rhubarb
Plums
Asian Pears
Grapes
Other Berries

Community Supported Agriculture

Community Supported Agriculture, or CSA, is an ideal system for both the farmer and the consumer. Consumers buy a share of produce, paying in advance. Farmers then deliver vegetables throughout the growing season. This system gives farmers money in advance of the growing season to allow for the purchase of seeds, equipment, and supplies without taking out loans. Consumers then share in the harvest with farmers, enjoying the bounty they helped to support.

Gray Sky Farm will be starting a CSA in 2012. For more information, or to sign up, please send us an email: seattlefarmer at gmail.com