growingcommunity.net

It seems that the most common question we get is:

WHAT DO I GET?

Well, here's what our members got in 2008:

There are two images each of early, mid, and late season shares.

Our average full share in 2008 was about 9 pounds per week of local and organic produce.  Earlier in the season, there are more greens which are lighter, but there were also strawberries- Later in the season, there are more squash, which are heavier.  You get the idea---it varies, like life.

We use Ellwood Thompson's pricing as representative, and aim to provide at least a 10% more value than you would get there.

Past results are not a guarantee of future performance, blah blah blah.

We're about bringing USDA Organic and naturally grown produce to the Richmond area, and local and sustainable food production.

Most of our produce is USDA Certified Organic, and what isn't is grown from Organic seeds using only natural methods, so you are doing good for the planet while doing good for your household, your com­munity, and yourself.  We aim to gracefully blend the "art" and "science" aspects of farming, naturally.

Here's what we did in 2008 (and we expect 2009 to be more of the same): We used USDA Certified Organic heirloom seeds from High Mowing Seeds , Organic potting mixes and soils from McEnroe Organic Farm , Organic (presumably) peat based mixes, and chemical-free growing methods. Even our compost isn't the same old poop that others use, but is (recycled) composted yard waste approved by the State of Maryland for use on Organic farms because it runs so hot for so long-indeed, it arrives still steaming.

We set out to also be veganic , but we surveyed our members, and found out that was not a priority.  As of late May, we  were still nearly there, having used no bone meal, dried blood, etc., only a bit of OMRI certified composted manures from animal sources.  We did consider applying some locally caught shad extracts later in the season, but never got around to it.  This strikes us as a good balance...recycling local resources left over from someone's dinner.  Let us know what you think about this...

We are a CSA, which stands for Community Supported Agriculture. 

The basics of the program are very simple.  The consumer pre-pays a portion of his/her/their grocery budget to a farmer in exchange for a "share" of the output of the farm, and our partners'.  Typically, the a full share membership is around $27 a week, as is ours.  The challenge for us is to provide you with more than a $27 retail value in local, organic produce- we try for $30 for a full share, and $15 for a half share, using Ellwood Thompson's as a reference.

You never know exactly what you are going to get . Our Week 2 share included: Beets, Baby Beet Greens, Broccoli, Green Onions, Spinach, Kale, Strawberries, Radishes, and Mesclun Mix.  Our members said "It's like Christmas!  We couldn't be happier".  Some weeks will be leaner, some will be better.  Usually, the mix in your share will change often enough that you won't get bored.

We're busily preparing to serve you for the 2009 season and beyond. 

Check out What's Growing On

and our Frequently Asked Questions 

Contact Us if you still have questions and

Join us!