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It is WINTER now . CSA seasons are over for most farms . People think farmers have nothing to do in the winter , which makes farmers sigh and roll their eyes . Winter is the time farmers fix everything . Fix the fences , clean up the fields , clear out the corner weeds , fix the tractor , fix the shed . A household upkeep to-do list has been growing all year long , and wintertime finally provides a moment to pay some attention to the house . It is a good time to make soup and tea and dream about next year ’ s farm plans . Winter is time to order seeds and supplies and plan next year ’ s garden beds . Which crops did well and which ones need a replacement or a new technique ? We are always thinking ahead , preparing for the next season . Winter on the farm is the time to secure CSA renewals and memberships , the time to gather a community of supportive CSA customers who will help fund the project and share in the bounty all season long .
It is time to sign up for a CSA program and connect to the land , the farm , the seasons . Keep in mind , all CSAs are different , so you can find one that fits your needs . Twenty years ago , House in the Woods Farm was one of a dozen CSA farms in the whole DC area . Now there are that many in the Ag Reserve alone . Some CSAs have on-farm pickup , others deliver to a central location or your home . Some have narrow pickup windows , others a wider pickup range . Some pack a box for you , others give you choices . Some grow all their own , others supplement from other sources . Some use organic growing methods . Some invite you to volunteer or attend events . Do your research , ask questions and find the one that fits your needs best . Whatever you choose , it is bound to be an adventure in eating seasonally .
Ilene White Freedman and her husband , Phil , operate House in the Woods Farm , an organic CSA farm in Adamstown , Maryland , founded in 2000 . With an environmental education mission , House in the Woods Farm inspires customers to connect to the land , food and community through farm CSA memberships . Over the years , Ilene has written about farming for Mother Earth News and the Frederick News Post . www . houseinthewoods . com
CSA Farms Farm fresh from our growers
n Amaranth Acres Dickerson , MD Organically and sustainably grown vegetables available through the CSA are a combination of ethnic Indian vegetables along with greens , regular summer vegetables and herbs . Pickup locations are at Amaranth Acres , Clarksburg / Urbana , Germantown and Rockville . CSA runs from mid April through September / early October . Goat meat and pasture raised eggs are also available for sale . CSA details and sign-up information are available at : info @ amaranthacres . com
n Common Root Farm Derwood , MD Local . Fresh . Certified Organic . Common Root Farm near Rockville and Olney is offering a diversified vegetable CSA . We grow the best tasting and most nutritious vegetables using organic and regenerative practices . Feed yourself and your family the best ! We offer choice and flexibility with on farm pickup and home delivery . Visit our website for more details .
Ryan Kalivretenos www . commonrootfarm . com 301.639.8316
n House in the Woods Farm Frederick County , MD Pickups on the farm , just on the edge of the Ag Reserve . Heirloom vegetables are a specialty . Ilene and Phil Freedman ilene @ houseinthewoods . com 301.607.4048
n One Acre Farm Boyds , MD One Acre Farm is a Certified Naturally Grown farm serving families in Montgomery County and DC . The farm ,
14 plenty I spring sowing 2023