Farm Fresh
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So if I’m being honest, life has been really busy and we still haven’t planted our garden. My husband has a big to do list in the backyard before he feels it’s ready and May is quickly coming to a close. So I started to wonder if it was going to happen this year. Insert Big Sigh!!! As a somewhat disappointing compromise, we planted some tomatoes and peppers in pots and we are patiently waiting for them to grow, but I wasn’t really satisfied with this solution. I was ready for some farm fresh veggies. So I asked around and found several great alternatives to a backyard garden.
Have you heard of Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)? It’s basically the principle of matching up local consumers who want fresh organic produce (me) with local growers who want a stable market for their produce. The local consumers support the local farm by purchasing, in advance, a portion of that farm’s seasonal harvest. I researched a few farms and talked with friends who participate and we decided to go with Delvin Farms in College Grove, TN. Since our family is small we purchased a half share, which means we pick up an overloaded 1/2 bushel every other weekend. We all piled into the car this past Saturday for our first pick-up at the Franklin Farmer’s Market. We wanted the kids to see the stand of fresh, organic fruits and veggies and we made a big deal about how our family is helping to support Delvin Farms and in return they are giving us some of their harvest. This week’s 1/2 share was loaded with strawberries, spring greens, lettuce, turnip greens, broccoli and onions. The kids were so excited. They couldn’t wait to get home and try the strawberries and they finshed them off in two days! I tried the turnip greens and learned that there is actually one vegetable that I don’t like. I gave the rest of the bunch to my babysitter for her mom. And I think you can guess what we did the rest of the veggies. They went into a giant salad that we shared with friends at our Memorial Day picnic. So far we are enjoying our decision to participate in the CSA. It gets the kids excited about fruits and veggies, they are more willing to try new things, and we are saving money and helping our community by eating locally grown organic foods. Win, win!
I’ve included a list of a few other local farms that participate in the CSA program. Also, if you aren’t ready for the CSA, consider the many local Farmer’s Markets as an alternative to the grocery store. You can pick out only the foods you like, spend whatever your budget allows for that week, but still have the opportunity to get out and have some fun with your family and teach your kids something new.
If you’re still dreaming of a beautiful backyard garden, check back later this week. I’ll have an interivew with Marcus Kerske, Co-Owner of Gardens of Babylon. They offer several services to help families who want the experience of growing their own food, but don’t have the time or the know-how.
CSA Programs:
Farmer’s Markets:
- Hardin Alley Farmer’s Market – Friday nights, June – August, Downtown Main Street in Spring Hill, TN
- Nashville Farmer’s Market - Everyday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m., 900 Rosa Parks Blvd. in Nashville, TN
- Franklin Farmer’s Market - Saturday’s, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., 230 Franklin Road, Behind The Factory in Franklin, TN
1/2 Bushel of Organic Farm Fresh Veggies
My office is near the Nashville Farmer’s Market so I can nip over at lunch and grab what we need – it’s awesome! The flowers there are always really good too.
I feel your pain. Our yard is missing it’s garden this season as well. I keep thinking it might happen. I can’t complain too much; our children have a nice wooden swing set built by the dad. May be the gardener turned carpenter will return to the gardener again.
I’m jealous! We’re planning a field trip to the Nashville Farmer’s Market next week. Let me know if you have any fav. booths to visit.