Spring 2009 CSA

Newsletter March 6, 2009

The farm is in “high mode” as we are all trying to stay in synch with the demanding planting schedule that a CSA program entails. As my son is watching an animated version of Star Wars, I find some candid correlation between my “to do” list and the like enemy droids that keep coming and coming; even if you destroy them, they just keep coming back which is similar to the tasks on my “to do” list. I am sure that many of you, business execs, and moms probably more so, can relate. I try to stay motivated by thinking about all the things that our farm team has accomplished, rather than the countless jobs that still lay ahead.

While we are persevering with our planting, the weather is not really being very cooperative as the steady wind is being counterproductive to our constant irrigation. In fact our irrigation needs are so demanding that we now have to pump our wells into the farm ponds at night and irrigate from the ponds during the day. In spite of the lack of rain and constant wind, I remain confident that we will have a good growing season this spring. While everything may not turn out “Martha Stuart” perfect, and we may need to adjust something here and there, we are committed to giving you 110%.

With respect to what is growing, now and future, the first beets are up and the carrots are slowly germinating. The first wave of broccoli, cauliflower and napa cabbage appear to be growing, despite the weather extremes, i.e. farm field temps were 26F last Sunday am and 83F today. The Russian banana potatoes were planted this past week and the red potatoes will probably go in later this weekend. In the hoop houses, we seeded our zucchini and yellow squash yesterday. The sweet corn is looking weak, as it needs rain badly. Cucumbers and cantaloupe are to be seeded in plug trays this weekend. The tomatoes are still going great, and some plants already have flowers, but we will probably not begin getting them into the field until next week. We are seeding additional peppers and tomatoes weekly. We anticipate seeding eggplant and basil in a few weeks. The first wave of CSA salad greens will probably be planted this weekend or early next week. Not sure if we will try spinach or not.

Website related and CSA Program notes ? . For those of you interested, we have created a newsletter archive page under the CSA tab on our website www.woodduckfarm.com . This way I can be held somewhat accountable (aah!) FYI the CSA is now full.

At the Bayou City Farmers Market this Saturday, March 7th, we will have the following:

• Baby Salad Mix
• Micro Arugula
• Micro Green Blend
• Micro Cilantro
• Pulled Pork
• Whole Smoked Chickens
• No Mayo Chicken Salad

Until next time,

Van
Cell 713 876 8645
csa@woodduckfarm.com