CSA: Sycamore Spring Farm

The Sycamore Spring Farm CSA is a project of passion and love for our "Farm Family" members, our Animal Friends and our Planet. We purpose to become a model for Sustainable Living and Educational Outreach to the LOCAL Community.
Sycamore Spring is a small working "homestead" type farm where we raise over 60 different varieties of fruit, vegetables, and herbs alongside free range beef, goats and poultry. Our ?Better than Organic? naturally grown products are grown without chemical fertilizers or pesticides, with emphasis on soil health, conservation and permaculture practices.

Membership in the SSF/CSA is available to like-minded folks who pledge in advance to cover the farms expenses to produce their "share" of the farm's produce. These CSA supporters/members understand that farming can be risky and that there is no guarantee of bumper crops. They know the benefits and risks and believe in the importance of preserving the small, artisan farmer who genuinely cares about achieving superior nutritional quality of heirloom and heritage foods while restoring the health and welfare of our planet. Members also experience common bonds of connecting with the land, the farm and farmers of integrity that produce their food.

CSA Members contribute their financial and/or physical support to the farm, understand the inherent risks of crop failures and in return receive the following privileges:

* Weekly produce pickup: a choice assortment of seasonal, natural farm grown produce from Sycamore Spring Farm and "Hand-Picked" (by Farmer Carol) Farm Partners in MD, PA & VA to grow some of our diverse and specialty produce for greater variety and insurance against crop failure.
* Access to wholesome farm produced eggs, honey, maple syrup, nuts, poultry, meats, goats milk soaps, jam, preserves and canned goods, occasional baked items, etc.
* Pick-your-own (as nature provides): berries, cherries, tomatoes, figs, grapes, flowers and herbs.
* Farm tours and access/use of cook-out & picnic areas for family & friends.
* Annual farm festival-usually 3rd weekend in October.
* Educational food nutrition highlights and preservation information literature.
* Seasonal newsletters on our website; March, June & September Issues.
* Monthly harvest recipe sheets and Weekly Farm Social Media Posts.
* FREE educational videos pop up around the farm during the season.
* Discounts on Farm Workshops.
Is it a good deal?
Yes! On average-over the course of the growing/harvest season we beat retail ?organic? or ?health food store? prices by 30-40%. Plus, ALL our produce and products are grown or produced locally at the farm or by Farmer Carol's "Hand Picked" farming partners. Most years we estimate members have received over 300 lbs of product...that averages out to about $1.98 lb. Now that is a GREAT DEAL!!!

Do you sell elsewhere? No, as a "Members ONLY" Farm we exclusively offer produce/products through our Little Red Hen's Farm Market, Cream of the Crop Food Buying Club or CSA Member programs, ALL based at the farm.

What sort of produce will I get?
We like to focus on heirloom varieties of well-liked vegetables and fruits, and occasionally introduce members to unique culinary delights. Volume and variety will vary with season, but you can expect;
Spring: Low volume; cool season greens and lettuce varieties, radish, spinach, spring onions, asparagus, rhubarb, chard, parsley, scallions
Late spring: mixed greens, carrots, peas, berries, broccoli, cauliflower, beets, sour cherries, basil, or strawberries!
Summer: High volume; tomatoes, green-beans, melons, cucumbers, potatoes, squash, peppers, okra, eggplant, onions, garlic, peaches, corn, apples, Grapes, figs & PawPaws.
Fall: Winter squash, potatoes, sweet potatoes, figs, onions, cabbage, winter radishes, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, collards, turnips, apples, pears, persimmons. PLUS we grow the spring items like radishes, lettuce, onions and salad items all over again! Produce is always freshly picked!
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What about vacations, do I lose my Share that week?
You'll like these options:
1. Share your share ~ Think about giving your share to a friend, co-worker or neighbor that you really like. You will be greatly appreciated when you share your share-and your farm for a day.
2. Donate that week ~ We'll deliver it to our local soup kitchen. Just let us know when you won't be around and if Donating is your choice..
3. Keep it a little at a time~ Receive extra produce over the next three pick-up weeks. Receive a third extra produce, over the next three pick-ups and get caught up from your "missed" pick-up while you were away.
?4. Double up on your missed share. At your next pickup take 2 shares and get caught up immediately.

How does it work?
Use our online shops to become a member of our delivery program to Gaithersburg, Rockville, or New Market. OR sign-up using the old fashioned, mail-in membership form under "Information About Our CSA."
Choose your share option(s) and pick-up day/time and mail us your form and payment. You will then be entered into the Members D-Base and contacted to confirm your delivery or pickup schedule!

The 2023--30 week full season CSA offering runs April thru October. There are also a variety of share selections including the mid season "Bountiful Harvest" Program, the Fall "Autumn Harvest" Program and our Ever Popular Monthly Shares. By request we now offer an extended season Holiday Harvest Share of our products and produce through NOVEMBER & DECEMBER.

And of course the Healthy Holiday Harvest Boxes allows you to "PICK-YOUR-OWN" 9 item Half Bushel or 18 item Full Bushel Boxes to provide a surplus during the busy Holiday cooking season or to give as a gift. Consider introducing YOUR farm through a DELIGHTFUL and DELICIOUS gift for friends, relatives, coworkers, teacher or neighbors..

Think about adding Egg and Beef shares to your plan and save a lot of $$$$$ over the season. Details on the Sign-up page.

Scottish Highland Beef-Now available year round from our Grass/Pasture based Farmers!! Remember highland beef is a leaner, healthier, finer grained beef that you will rave about. Available by the half and quarter., Custom butchered just for YOU.

If you are interested in becoming a Sycamore Spring Farm CSA Farm Family Member for 2024 Please proceed to the CSA sign up information page on this site for further details, OR sign-up online for our three delivery sites (Gaithersburg, Rockville, and New Market) using our website www.sycamorespringfarm.org
You can Sign up online OR Print out the membership application(s) and send it in with your payment. Any Questions-just call 301-788-6980.
THANK YOU for Supporting LOCAL, Sustainable,
NO-HARM farming!!