Like many CSA farms, we start most of our produce from seed, inside a greenhouse. We do this for two reasons. First, we order seed from carefully selected growers in order to obtain high quality seeds in favorites and heirloom varieties.
Second, planting from seed in the protection of the greenhouse gives our veggies a head start. Seeds that are planted directly into cold, wet soil will sometimes rot before they are able to sprout. Similarly, if young plants are set out too early, they may freeze, may rot in the ground, or may simply sit in the ground without growing.
This year’s seedlings have been growing for many weeks, nestled in their flats atop heated propagation mats. The greenhouse has, for some time, been brimming with healthy young plants, waiting for outside soil temperatures to warm up enough for planting. Gradually, we have been able to set them out, making sure that they are first hardened off before planting.
Normally, we begin harvesting our early greens the first week of June. This year, the unusually protracted cold and wet transition to spring has caused planting (and subsequent harvest) to be pushed back a couple of weeks.
Not to worry. Members will still receive 20 weeks of veggies. The season will simply extend further into October. We will send out an email prior to the first picking date. Until then, we will continue to hope and pray for warm sunshine!