An Exciting 2009 Season is Planned

More about the upcoming Harvest Season:

• Welcome to our 14th year delivering farm-fresh produce to the member communities who support our small farm. From individuals to families, we encourage member participation in farm events which leads to a better understanding of where your food comes from. Participating in farm projects from helping to cover a greenhouse, harvesting fava beans or planting garlic all leads to a true appreciation of a farmer’s toil and enjoying the farm-fresh produce you receive each week. We enjoy hosting these trips where the beam of a small child’s smile who has just harvested a carrot or the sweat of a member’s brow weeding a vegetable patch contributes to the “community” in a community supported farm. Spend a day at the farm helping with projects from picking peas to mulching & weeding.
  

• Our large Ford Tractor (purchased in 2006) needed some major repairs at the end of 2007. This tractor enabled Farmer Rich to rework the fields and enlarge them for more "growing" room.  We have been fortunate this winter, that little snow has fallen and this has allowed Farmer Rich was able to accomplish a lot in the off-season.
  

• Seeds – our Hoboken Midtown CSF members contributed to a gift certificate to Fedco Seed at the end of the 2008 season and this was greatly appreciated.  Our 2009 seed order is complete and we look forward to many new varieties this year. We will again be growing the widely known Ramapo Tomato (heritage hybrid) which was re-introduced by Rutger's University. This variety was known as the “true Jersey tomato” 30 years ago. A lot has been mentioned about heirloom tomato varieties, but there are also some excellent hybrid varieties that have gone by the wayside. Another re-introduced variety will be Moreton tomato. This will be our third year growing the Ramapo Tomatoes and the first for Moreton and we look forward to your feedback. Delicious Heirloom Tomatoes are delivered throughout the summer. 2009 Events will include Annual Heirloom Tomato Tastings at the Hoboken Historical Museum in August and our Garlic Fests in October. We also like to include an “Herb-of-the-week” every week and many unusual vegetables such as ornamental edibles. You have to like to cook and enjoy being surprised!!!
  

• During the 2009 season we will continue to provide fruit deliveries which have been very popular with the members. The fruit deliveries usually start in mid-July with berries. We hope to have some great strawberries from two local farmers to our farm.
  

• 3-Seasons of Garlic! Spring time starts the garlic year with deliveries of green garlic. Early in the summer is time for garlic curls, just right for adding to your favorite dishes. Late summer and into the autumn is the time for the traditional garlic bulbs to be delivered. Over 30 different varieties of garlic were planted with member participation at the farm in November of 2009 and these varieties will be harvested in July for deliveries in 2009.
  

• Each week you’ll receive an e-mail with our weekly newsletter & recipes. They are also available on our weblog: www.catalparidge.blogspot.com