I had never done a CSA before, but I read feedback on many sites before I made my choice. Grassfield Farms, and its owner/operator, Howard, was not very close to my home in Virginia Beach, but from prior customers' feedback, it was the clear choice.
Howard is a knowledgeable farmer who takes pride in his harvest and the service he provides to his CSA customers. He is happily tied to his farm and I have never arrived there, even on an off day, when Howard wasn't outside in the field or outside of his home, taking care for his land. His friend, Billy, a faithful neighbor and helper, Howard's grandchildren and Marley, the dog, always lend the visit a personal touch.
The vegetables and fruit you receive are all grown on Howard's farm. You can walk in the fields to see the food growing and, many times, Billy or Howard will pick things while you wait, to ensure the freshness of your share. There is no third party vendor to subsidize your CSA. I have learned to ask at farm stands now if the vegetables were grown on their farm or brought in. I have been surprised at the responses. At Grassfield Farms, you are getting local grown, fresh food.
I tried to make a list of the things I received, but failed because there is so much! I've received, herbs (spearmint, peppermint, lemon balm, oregano, sage, chives, sweet basil), rainbow chard, spinach, mixed salad greens, broccoli (the most delicious I've ever eaten!), kale, green tomatoes, red tomatoes, tomatillos, cherry tomatoes, onions, round zucchini, regular zucchini, acorn squash, regular squash, watermelon, butternut squash, cucumber, jalapeños, green/yellow/red peppers, pattypan, hot peppers of all sorts, cantaloupe, and more that I've certainly forgotten...and we are still moving into the fall harvest!
If you get a CSA share, expect to spend a bit of time washing, chopping, preparing and freezing your harvest, because there will certainly be more than you can eat. I thought I ate a lot of vegetables until I bought this CSA. Now I eat A LOT of vegetables. I bought a two-person share, but it is just for myself and my teen who doesn't care for vegetables (but will gladly try them if she knows they came from Howard). I've found myself freezing many things for winter and am dedicated to learning to jar some things too.
As a result of this experience, I am far more knowledgeable about where my food comes from. Before this, I had no idea there were three times for growing in the year and that the harvest would change depending on the month. I've started a home garden and will attempt growing my own vegetables next year. It's a learning process and Howard has freely shared knowledge and tips to make it successful.
To Howard, Billy, the grandkids and Marley: thank you for your hard work and service. You are all core members of your community and I appreciate your skill and dedication to your customers!
-Michele and Lennox