I *heart* CSA farms.

[grntuscarora]

[IMG][/IMG]

This is my family's first summer as a member of a CSA farm. We weren't sure what to expect, if we'd be able to use all of our weekly supply, or even if we'd like all the different veggies and fruits supplied. But so far it's been great. We're using everything, experimenting with the stuff we're not familiar with, and the kids are eating (and for the most part, liking) a wider variety of veggies. Our farm is an organic one, although I'm not sure if all CSA's are organic, and in addition to the veggies, we have options to purchase eggs, cheese, chicken, and preserves. It's been pointed out to me that we could accomplish the "buy local" thing just through shopping at local farmer's markets and stands, and that is true, although I think it might be hard in my area to find many organic farm stands. But I hate to shop, and having it done for me is working out just fine. I had posted about joining a CSA a few months ago and had expressed some concerns about joining, so thought I'd give an update.
Our CSA: fresh, local, sustainable.
I'm a believer.

http://www.localharvest.org/csa/

[IDemo]

1. Good on ya'

Every year, I think about joining a CSA but haven't taken the step yet.

[Wounded Bear]

2. K & R for....

well, just for shits and giggles.

Supporting local agriculture is great way to live.

[madokie]

3. Good Idea

We grow most of our own veggies in little raised beds though out the yard. We've got a big yard so that makes it possible
Our two biggest raised beds I made the sides out of concrete. built a form and filled it with concrete then when they were cured put them in place. Layed rocks in the concrete while it was wet so it looks pretty. left the inside smooth bare concrete. The three smaller ones I used plastic lawn edging and made circles out of it then dug the dirt our about 6 inches then filled the whole thing up with mushroom farm compost. We have the sweetest tomatoes I've ever eaten and I think it is because there is no chemicals in any of it, the sides of the raised beds or the soil

[Bluenorthwest]

4. Good for us, good for the farmers...

Plus, face it, that box filled with food is great fun to get and go through, like a Foodie Christmas morning...

[Little Star]

5. Nothing better than local fresh food!

[mopinko]

6. it's great for the small farmers, too.

when my farm gets off the ground, we are really looking at this option. it is easy and gives great stability. really minimizes the hassle and the guesswork of farmers markets or farm stands.
recommend this option
and this thread.

[annabanana]

7. For us city kids: What does CSA stand for?. . . . . .n/t

[grntuscarora]

8. Community Supported Agriculture.

Some CSA farms deliver to selected drop-off points in nearby urban areas (ours does), so city-dwellers can join, too. We live close enough we can pick up at the farm.

[obamanut2012]

9. Me too!

I've been "CSAing" for ten years. It's wonderful. And has introduced me to vegetables I never would have thought to try.