This is the first year that Moraine Farm has been a CSA farm. There has been (and stiil is!) lots of work to do We (apprentices Amy Cook, Rebekah Zimmerer, Kim Waas and I) are making good progress finishing some of the big farm infrastructure projects we've been working on. Our new greenhouse is just about done - the heater should be running by end of the week and we hope to get it painted this week. Tables, tool racks and shelves will soon be in the barn and will serve as our equipment repair center. Next week we will begin to tackle creating a wash station and CSA distribution area.
 
We started planting in the fields the second week in April. Lettuce, beets, leeks, onions, scallions, arugula, cilantro and dill, carrots, bok choy, napa cabbage, peas, kale, kohlrabi and summer turnips went into the ground first. Our first planting of tomatoes is scheduled to be transplanted May 16, and will be followed by peppers, eggplants, cucumbers, summer squash, cantelope, watermelon and tender herbs like basil. The 60,000 pounds of compost we've applied to the fields is working it's magic already - most of our plants look great. The peas are struggling, we think they were planted to deeply and in soil that was too cold.  Right now we are predicting the CSA will start the first or second week in June. We’ll keep you posted.

On the critter-front, our electric fence has been 100% successful in excluding deer from "Iowa" (Iowa is what we've named the big field in which most of the veggies will be grown this year). Deer love the tender leafy greens we've planted, as do wood chucks. So far this season, we've not had to share our veggies with Moraine Farm wild life.

Looking for ways to get involved with the farm?
If you’ve a few hours during the week and would like to help us seed in the greenhouse, transplant seedlings or help us monitor the deer fence, please give us a shout. We’re also looking for a volunteer who can help with coordinating volunteers and events for shareholders this season. Contact me if you are interested.