Local CSA Farm is Ready For This Year's Shareholders

I think an amazing thing about living in North America is that we have so many food choices.  With this comes great responsibility...at least I think so.  Along with shopping from local artisans and businesses I also try to buy local food whenever possible.  An easy way to do that is to join a CSA Farm Share from a local (and preferable organic/transitional) farmer.  It helps the farm to grow and the buyer gets awesome local goodies for months.  :)  Local organic farmers R.O.C. & the Fern Orchard and Gardens are accepting this years farm share holders.  If you are interested in getting a box of fresh fruit and vegetables each week delivered to your door all summer long then get on it quick before all the spots are filled.  Most farm shares are between $450-$600 a month but R.O.C & the Fern are still growing with this being their second farm share season so the cost is $350 for a summer and fall of delicious food picked right before you get it in your home.  Also, because they are limiting shares to 30 they are doing home delivery so you do not even have to go weekly to a depot.  You can't get it fresher or easier than this.  Have a peak below for their details or go check out their website where they have their dailies letting the world know what they are doing every day.  This week they are starting their artichokes and peppers.  :)  Life is good.....that is if this snow EVER leaves us.  ;)

http://www.rocf.ca

"What we are growing in 2011

We are planting 37 different vegetables and 6 different fruits:

VEGETABLES

• artichoke
• arugula
• beans (green and yellow)
• beets (red and golden)
• broccoli
• Brussels sprouts
• cabbage
• carrots
• cauliflower
• celeriac
• celery
• corn
• cucumber
• eggplant
• fennel
• kale
• kohlrabi
• leeks
• lettuce (Romaine and leaf)
• onions
• peas
• peppers (sweet and hot)
• potatoes
• radicchio
• radishes
• rutabaga
• spinach
• swiss chard
• tomatillo
• tomatoes (sandwich and roma)
• turnips
• zucchini

FRUIT

• cantaloupe
• ground cherries
• huckleberries
• raspberries
• strawberries
• watermelon

How we grow it

We do not use synthetic fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides. We do use organic seeds and, where possible, we plant Heritage varieties to provide a diverse selection of produce.

How our farm share works

Our 10 acre vegetable and berry farm is divided into a number of plots that are designated for various purposes. A portion of these plots are farm share gardens, while a few others are planted with fruit trees and seed stock for use next year. We also leave a couple of plots clear to facilitate rotating the garden; this helps with weed prevention — an important part of organic gardening — and rejuvenating soil nutrients.

Limited farm shares

We offer a limited number of shares (30) which allows us to focus on our farm.

Cost of a farm share

A share will cost $350.00 for the 2011 growing season and produce will be delivered for a 10 to 14 week period (as long as the plants are producing).

Payment and priority

A $50.00 deposit is required to secure a share. The remainder (payment in full) is due by May 15th, 2011.

Early receipt of payment is much appreciated; it helps us plan for the coming season. Your intention to purchase a farm share is secured by the $50.00 deposit. Your share is confirmed with your deposit. Should you change your mind, please let us know as soon as possible; others may be waiting to purchase a share.

Amount of produce

On average you will receive approximately 5-10 units per week. For example, a “unit” is: a quart of strawberries, a head of cabbage, one pound of tomatoes. This depends, of course, on the growing season and the yields of different plants.

All of the produce, from our farm share gardens, is distributed in weekly shares. Some weeks you may get more than other weeks and we cannot, due to the vagaries of Nature, guarantee you will receive any or all of the items listed above (as is the case with all CSAs).

Delivery and drop off locations

We currently deliver to Lowe Farm, Morris, Altona and to a few areas in Winnipeg (St. Vital, Wolseley and Whyte Ridge). We will consider making additional arrangements, however, there may be an additional charge for this. If you live outside of the areas mentioned, please contact us anyway; we’ll work together to accommodate you where possible. (Maybe you’re on the way.)

Become a member

If you would like to become a member of R.O.C. & the Fern Orchard and Gardens or to find out more information first, please call us at (204) 746-8830 or email us at info@rocf.ca.

Purchasing additional produce

Depending on the growing season there may be opportunities to purchase additional produce. This information will be posted here on our website. Be sure to check the site regularly."