Mulberry Creek Farm CSA

All Things Produce

Click the blue words to link to more information.

Garden Shares - a box of whatever we're harvesting every week or two, there are various options.

Crop List - what we grow and when you might expect it.

Victory Garden Plots - just for people who want their own garden but don't have the space for it.

Work Shares - you share some of your time and effort on the farm, we share some of our produce with you. All work-sharing must be pre-approved and arranged by the farm manager (Glenn). (NOTE: Please read the information below about work shares before contacting us about it!)

Order Form with full information: this document includes all the details of each type of share, pick-up/drop-off information, member agreement, etc.

Order Form only: if you are ready to order and only need the basic form

Garden Share

Become a Mulberry Creek Farm CSA member and receive a weekly share of naturally grown fresh vegetables and fruit (when available) from early June to October, and a monthly share of crisp, sweet storage vegetables from October through February. Details about our CSA program are here. Crop information and seasonal availability will be updated via our blog however, below is a list of fruits and vegetables that will be available in 2009. We have posted the planned crop schedule on our blog and will be updating regularly as the season progresses. Become a site member (no cost) and recieve update alerts.

How much is in a weekly box? We expect to provide 8-12 varieties of fresh vegetables and/or fruits each week enough to provide side dishes for a family of four for one week. Each week will be different and we will post a blog each week listing that week's box items.

What if I don't want something? Do I have to take it? No. We will have a "No Thank You Box" at each pick up location. If you receive something in your box that you know you won't use, please don't just throw it away. Place it in the "No Thank You Box". Other CSA shareholders/members may then take a limited number of items out of that box at no charge. We cannot offer refunds for items not taken, but anticipate that sooner or later most members will benefit from the "No Thank You Box".

I want to preserve some vegetables. Can I get extras? Sure! Whenever there is an abundance of anything, we will have that abundance for sale at our farmstand. We'll have to see about posting special notices in advance for those who would like to pre-order bulk items for preserving.

In addition to the naturally grown vegetables and fruits included within our CSA Share boxes, some will also be available at our farm stand and possibly at local farmer’s markets. We’ll let you know plans as they develop.

Crop Lists

Herbs and Cut Flowers

Crop Lists

Following is a complete list of crops we will have this year and the number of varieties. If you want more information about which varieties of any crop we will have, please contact us.

* A single asterisk indicates at least one heirloom variety. (An heirloom variety is one that has been around for at least 50 years. We select varieties that are proven and popular.)

** A double asterisk indicates multiple plantings. We will do this with several crops in order to either extend the season or have both early summer and fall seasons.

*** A triple asterisk indicates perennial crops that will not be in production for 2009.

Projected dates are as follows:

“Date In” is the month during which we anticipate being able to either directly sow seed in the ground or transplant seedlings. Much will depend on weather and climate and may be earlier or later in that particular month.

“Date Out” is the range during which we expect to be able to provide that item. A particular crop may turn out to come on earlier and/or be available longer. Or not.

Varieties Date In Date Out

Greens:

Broccoli 1 April** Jun-Jul, Sep-Oct

Brussels Sprouts 1 May Sep-Nov

Cabbage 3 April ** Jun-Jul, Sep-Oct

Cauliflower 2 April** Jun-Jul, Sep-Oct

Celery 1* April Sep-Nov

Kale 1* April Jun-Jul, Sep-Oct

Lettuce 2 April ** Jun-Jul, Sep-Oct

Mustard Greens 1 April ** Jun-Jul, Sep-Oct

Salad Greens 1 April ** Jun-Jul, Sep-Oct

Salad Mix 1 April ** Jun-Jul, Sep-Oct

Spinach 1 April ** Jun-Jul, Sep-Oct

Swiss Chard 1 April Jun-Jul, Sep-Oct

Root Crops:

Beets 2* April** Jun-Jul, Sep-Oct

Carrots 1* April** Jun-Jul, Sep-Oct

Green Onions 1 April June

Kohlrabi 1 April Jun-Jul

Leeks 1* May Aug-Sep

Onions 5* April Jul-Aug

Parsnips 1 April Aug-Sep

Potatoes 3 April Jul-Aug

Radishes 2 April** Jun-Jul, Sep-Oct

Rutabagas 1* May Jul-Aug

Shallots 1 April Jul-Aug

Turnips 1 April** Jun-Jul, Sep-Oct

Vining Crops:

Cantaloupes 2* May Aug-Sep

Cucumbers May Jul-Aug

Slicing 1

Pickling 1*

Gourds multiple May Sep-Oct

Pumpkins May Sep-Oct

Jack-O-Lantern 1*

Pie 1*

Mini 1

Summer Squash 3 May** Jun-Aug

Watermelons 2* May Jul-Aug

Winter Squash 5* May Sep-Oct

Zucchini 2 May** Jun-Aug

General Crops:

Eggplant 1 May Jul-Aug

Green Beans 2* April** Jun-Sep

Yellow/Wax Beans 1 April** Jun-Sep

Hot Peppers 1 May Jul-Sep

Peas April** Jun-Jul, Sep-Oct

Garden 1

Snow 1

Popcorn 1 May Sep-Oct

Sweet Corn 3 April** Jul-Sep

Sweet Peppers 7* May Jul-Sep

Tomatoes May Jul-Sep

Cherry 2*

Slicing 14*

Paste 2*

Perennial Crops (some crops may require a year or more before we get generous yields):

Asparagus 1* ***

Garlic 2* Jul-Aug

Apples multiple Aug-Oct

Blackberries 3* Jul-Aug

Elderberries 1* Jul

Grapes 1 Sep

Mulberries 2* Jun

Peaches 2 Sep

Pears 1 Sep

Raspberries 1 Jun

Rhubarb 1 May

Strawberries ***

Herbs and Flowers

We are beginning our herb gardens and hope to have fresh herbs available later this year. Once we make final selection of herbs we intend to plant, we will post that information.

We are not currently offering cut flowers, however may be able to add them next year. If flowers are of interest to you, please let us know.

We have, however, started flower sets and may have some available for sale for bedding.

Victory Garden Plots

Maybe you'd like to have your own garden but cannot where you live.

Maybe you'd like to do more than just participate in a work share.

Maybe you want the benefit of locally and naturally grown vegetables but don't want to or cannot purchase a share this year.

2009 is the year that Victory Gardens are making a comeback, thanks in part to the Eat the View movement prior to President Obama's election as well as a variety of other factors (uncertain economy, desire to decrease carbon footprint, interest in locally grown and/or sustainable foods, etc.)

Mulberry Creek Farm is offering you the opportunity to have your own garden plot here on the farm! In addition, you'll have access to Glenn's lifetime knowledge of gardening and crops.

There are three different options:

Standard garden plot: 25x25 feet

Option 1: $30

We plow and till the plot so it is ready to plant.

You do the planting.

You cultivate the plot.

You harvest and enjoy your produce.

Option 2: $50

We plow and till the plot so it is ready to plant.

We provide you with a few plants to get you started.

You do the planting.

You cultivate the plot.

You harvest and enjoy your produce.

Option 3: $75

We plow and till the plot so it is ready to plant.

We provide you with a variety of plants and seeds to fill your plot.

We do the planting.

You cultivate the plot.

You harvest and enjoy your produce.

Conditions:

You must maintain your plot to keep it free of weeds and from encroaching on neighboring plots.
We do prefer that you grow heirloom varieties when practical, although hybrids are welcome.
You may not grow perennials on your plot nor illegal plants.
You may not use any chemicals, pesticides, or growth enhancers without prior approval. Sustainable methods only.
You may give or sell your excess produce at the farm stand during normal operating hours.

For more information or to sign-up, please contact us.

Work Share

Volunteer some time working and benefit!

You'll have the satisfaction of helping grow your own food
You'll get to meet other CSA Members
You'll get to know the Mulberry Creek Farm family and animals
You'll have the opportunity to gain a bit of gardening knowledge or assistance
You'll get some fresh air and sunshine (not to mention the possibility of a great workout!)
You may qualify for extra goodies in your box or a discount on next year's membership

We are hoping to find workshare members who have had some experience in growing vegetables sustainably, but will also consider enthusiastic applicants who have no prior experience.

Work Shares will be offered once we reach a minimum number of regular CSA memberships.

Conditions:

Work Shares are available to CSA members only.
All work sharers must attend a training to familiarize you with the farm, tools locations, crops, and techniques used.
Everyone who works at the farm must work when someone else is working. No one works alone. We'll try to partner more experienced gardeners with novices.
Typically, compensation comes in the form of additoinal produce or other farm products. We are not in a position to hire workers for cash.
Please remember that we work rain or shine, in cold or hot weather, and that Farming is physical labor (you will get dirty). As a workshare member, we depend on you, and your contribution is very important to the smooth operation of the farm.

Worksharers will be trained, and supervised by Glenn Stevens Shourds, our CSA Manager.

If you're interested, please e-mail.