Tuesday, May 26, 2009

News from Farmer Vicki, May 26, 2009

We are now totally dried out, even too dry in some spots. Go figure. The rains have mostly gone around us yesterday and today, so it is time to put in the irrigation. We got it installed at the carrot and parsnip field, but not the main field. I think irrigation is on the list for Wednesday and Thursday. Actually, it looks like it is pouring 3/4 a mile to our west and we are dry and humid listening to the thunder.

It is rather ironic to be dealing with ruined crops due to standing water and dusty dry a mere few days later. But, we have gotten everything fertilized and cultivated and planted out - even the peppers and tomatoes. We still have sweet potatoes to put out and another planting of celery, but we are up to snuff. Hot diggity! Good job, Genesis Growers staff!

The guys have been working hard to finish the onion hoeing. They have only 12 more sets to go. But, think about it . . . each set contains 3 rows. Each row is 500 feet long. That is 18,000 feet of row to hoe. Sound daunting? The guys just go tackle it. They don't even grimace. Also, they have already hoed 30 sets. I do so appreciate their positive attitude.

My critter tale of the week. First, I had the blessing of seeing a pair of vultures along the side of the road. Awesome sight. But, the fun tale is the bird and the toad. I walked into greenhouse one. There, standing on a flat of lettuce, was a very small bird - smaller than a wren, and quite lovely. Ten inches behind it was an attentive toad. The bird looked over his shoulder at the toad and hopped two or three steps. The toad followed suit. The bird chanced another glance back, and proceeded to hop another three or four steps. The toad again followed suit. This continued multiple times. As I silently held vigil, I wondered why the bird did not solve his dilemma by flying away. Perhaps it was too young? I also pondered the toad. What was he going to do if he caught up with the bird? The bird was too big to eat. Hmmm. The action continued. I am sure this little bird's heart was thumping and he hopped along. Finally, the bird made the decision. Off he flew away from Mr Toad. I opened the door and he headed toward the horizon. Now, is a toad territorial? The bird a trespasser? If any of you know toad habits, let me know. It could be it was just a show for my enjoyment alone.

This week our boxes are light. Too much of the salad mixes were ruined from the flood. The berries are not coming in very well yet, but we did pick a few. I placed boxes of strawberries in some boxes - totally at random. Your chance is 1 in 20 to get the first picking of berries - better than the lottery. Considering the crazy spring we have had, I guess it is what it is for crops this week, but I always feel bad when the boxes are not as full as I would like. My apologies.


Your box

Lettuce heads

Baby boc choi (got nibbled on a bit)

New potatoes

Purple Asparagus (from my friend's farm)

Rhubarb

Kohlrabi (some are smallish, but I have waited as long as I can for this crop) - use the leaves also like you would collards. My sister even finely chops them for her salad.

Pick-Up Tips and Planning for Your Volunteer Shift

TIPS FOR A SMOOTH PICK-UP
  • For Anshe Sholom: Melrose is a one-way street going West. There are metered spaces on Broadway and a few flashing light spots by the JCC. It gets busiest around 5 PM. The shul does have small parking lot and driveway, into which you are welcome to turn. Volunteers will do their best to help you load your boxes promptly. It’s always great to come on foot, too!
  • For Anshe Emet: There is a large parking lot. Access is off of Broadway between Waveland and Grace.

PLANNING FOR YOUR VOLUNTEER CONTRIBUTION
Being part of a CSA means we make this program happen by working together! There are no paid Tuv Ha’aretz members. Volunteering your time helps you get to know your vegetables and your community. As part of your membership, you will be signing up for volunteer shifts according to your share allocation. We have tried to make sure that this is as equitable as possible. You will have a chance to sign up at the first two pick-ups, so bring your calendars! If you do not sign up, we will assign you a shift that will become your responsibility to fill. Please read the following information carefully:

Early Shift is 3:45-5:30 PM and involves set-up and distribution.
Late Shift is 5:15-7:15 PM and involves distribution and clean-up.

  • Summer Shareholders: Each share (or share group) is needed for two shifts during the summer season, June 3-October 28. (If you are splitting a share with one other family, each of you needs to take one shift so that the total number of shifts for your share is two.)
  • Fall Shareholders: Each share (or share group) is needed for one shift during the fall season, November 4-December 16. (If you are splitting a share with one other family, you may share the shift as you wish.)
  • Summer and Fall Shareholders: You will need to sign up for a total of 3 shifts, two during the summer and one in the fall.

We will help to make your volunteer shift as pleasant as possible by providing instructions, a monthly reminder email, and a confirmation when you first sign up. We need your help to make sure our shifts are staffed and to make switches if the need arises. Directories will be available during the third week of summer pick-up and will be emailed as well.

We could not have a CSA without each other! Thank you for your help!

2009 Delivery Dates

Chicago Tuv Ha’aretz
2009 Delivery Dates


All dates are Wednesdays. Pick up is 4-7 P.M.

SUMMER

June 3 (one week only!)……......................Anshe Sholom, 540 W. Melrose

June 10-August 19…….........................…Anshe Emet, 3751 N. Broadway
June 10, 17, 24
July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
The Tisha B’Av fast begins at sundown on July 29.
August 5, 12, 19

August 26-October 28……………………………Anshe Sholom, 540 W. Melrose
August 26
September 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
October 7, 14, 21, 28

FALL

November 4-December 16…….........................Anshe Sholom, 540 W. Melrose
November 4, 11, 18
*No Delivery November 25 – Thanksgiving Week
December 2, 9, 16


If you are unable to collect your share by 7:00 P.M., it will be donated to a local emergency food provider. Questions? Contact our Volunteer Core Group at chicagotuv@gmail.com