This time of year is always tough when we are missing our fresh, delicious veggies from Stearns. Our plant hardiness zone makes it difficult (but not impossible!) to grow year round. The list of vegetables that can handle the colder temperatures is short, but that’s what makes them so special.
One long-term goal we have at Stearns is to install another high tunnel in the fields. We are waiting to hear back about funding, but if our application is approved, we will get to work on installing a 30’ x 96’ high tunnel this season. It will create additional covered space that will allow us to plant certain crops earlier in the season which will provide our community members with vegetables before our regular CSA begins. The covered space we have at the moment is being used for our seedling sale and planting early tomatoes so the additional greenhouse will help significantly.
In the meantime, if you’re in need of some local, delicious food, be sure to check out winter markets in our area and other kinds of CSA shares:
Natick Farmers Market
When: Every Saturday 9AM – 1PM
Where: Located at Common Street Spiritual Center
Check out their website to see what vendors attend each week
Wayland Winter Market
When: Every Saturday until March 15th from 10:30AM – 2PM
Where: Located at Russell’s Garden Center
Check out their website to see what vendors attend each week
Another option for folks who enjoy baking, making granola, or trying new kinds of hot sauce should consider the Pioneer Valley Heritage Grain, Pantry, or Rice Shares. These three shares are made up of a collaboration of many different growers in the northeast that specialize in organic, heirloom varieties. Their February share is closed for sign ups, but be sure to visit their website to see details about their Spring share.
Grain share: “More than 35 selections of local and regional, organic, Ancient and Heirloom Flours, Grains and Beans in a single annual winter distribution! Organic Oats, Cornmeal, Buckwheat, 5 Ancient and Heirloom Wheats, 7 Stone-Ground Flours, Popcorn, Rye, 7 varieties of Heirloom Beans and more.”
Pantry Share: “Over 50 selections of the finest farm products from local craft producers. Fruit and herb preserves, lacto-fermented veggies, hot sauces, dried chiles, terroir honeys, wild seaweeds, Full Moon Ghee, ginger syrup, herbal teas, culinary herbs and more.”
Rice Share: “Enjoy the first rice ever produced on a commercial scale in New England! White and brown rice grown with deep organic methods in Vergennes Vt. Plus, traditional Carolina Gold, aromatic and Arborio rice from Glen Roberts at Anson Mills.”
Until next time,
Ember
