Spring 2009 CSA

Newsletter March 20, 2009

This Past Week

When all the rain stopped this past Sunday, our trusty rain gauge registered total rainfall last week here at the farm at over 3.5. Given we needed rain badly, it would have been nice to spread it out a little. I think the mudbugs were happier with the rain than we were as the immediate post rain visual impact was all of the little mud chimneys popping up everywhere in our freshly planted potatoes field. (Makes me wonder if this shouldnt be a crawfish farm instead.) In spite of the soaked field conditions, we were able to get about half of our tomatoes in the ground on Wednesday & Thursday. Everything else has to be put on hold until we can get our tractors in the field without getting stuck. In the greenhouses this past week, we were able to take a break from more seeding and focused on bumping up some of the seedlings from plug trays to larger growing containers. Although still greenhouse seedlings, the squash, zucchini and cucumber plants etc are growing real well. Hopefully we can get some, if not all, of them in the field next week. The longer days and moist soil is really germinating a lot of weed seeds, which gives us something to look forward to. Cutting grass and weeding beds? NOT! Although still cool at night, the wild honeybees, which we rely on to pollinate our crops, are beginning to appear thankfully.

Field Update

The broccoli, napa cabbage and cauliflower seemed to really appreciate the rain, as did the carrots and beets. Strawberries, mentioned last week, continue to flower and appear to be doing fine. The minor flooding that our greenhouses experienced from last weeks consistent heavy rains has hurt some of the lettuces.

When Do We Begin Etc?

As mentioned last week, we are targeting the April 15th-22nd timeframe, as being our first CSA delivery. In case you missed last weeks update, I will soon be requesting, via email, your desired Pick-UP location. Stay tuned for an email regarding this desired PU location subject.

At the Bayou City Farmers Market this Saturday, March 21st, we will have the following:

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

Reserve with an email & ph #

Until next time,

Van
Cell 713 876 8645
csa@woodduckfarm.com