Wood Duck Farm

February 16th, 2012   

 By golly, it has really rained a lot up here at the farm in the last few weeks. We are counting 14 inches plus since late January, and some are forecasting more rain tomorrow night. Jeepers Louise! While  the rain is good, we would love a little break as some of cauliflower heads are turning a little pink. The strawberries are hanging in there; they survived a frost last weekend, but too much rain will make them begin to go fungal on us. The other major issue is that it is hard to prepare soil for planting, that has turned to mud. Not to worry I guess, we'll just try to make "lemonade out of lemons" or something like that.    

What's Growing?  Can you believe that the first day of Spring is only about 30 days away. Most of you will likely agree that it feels like Spring already, huh? Thousands of tomato plants are resting in our greenhouses and are do to begin being planted in early March.  Peppers, Squash, Sweet Corn are soon to follow.      

 Above is what Full Share holders in our Winter CSA program received this week. Items included top left to right:  

Kale, Broccoli, Swiss Chard, bottom row L to R: Red & Green Head Lettuce, Micro Greens, Strawberries, Sugar Snap Peas.  

Winter/Spring CSA Shares:  Our winter CSA program began two weeks ago,, but we are still taking registration at several of our 13 Houston area pick up locations. Prices are prorated each week to reflect cost.  Our anticipated winter harvest over the ten week program will include cold hardy crops such as cauliflower, spinach, brussells sprouts, sugar snap peas, carrots, beets, collards, onions, kale, purple kohlrabi, cilantro, radishes, mustard greens, salad mix, broccoli, potatoes, stored winter squash etc.  Visit this link to learn more Winter/Sprng CSA, 2012  So how much produces comes in a share? The pic above gives you an idea or you can visit this link  Fall Share Photos and scroll down to get an idea as to what our Full shares received this past Fall. FYI partial shares receive approximately 1/3 less than the full share, (so for example perhaps 5 beets vs. 8.)         

Ordering Pastured Eggs, Cheese, Honey etc:  We are very pleased to say that our "add on goodies" option, that debuted last week, was very well received. This week we have added to our online offerings some local artisan cheeses as well as Honey from Reed Family Farms up in Montgomery. So whether it be pastured eggs, local smoked meats, or whatnot, consider visiting  WDF On-Line Shopping Cart  How it work: Go to this WDF website page. select your desired pick up location, this may take you to a new page then select/read about the item(s) you wish to purchase, select the date/item and go to checkout. Items need to be ordered by Saturday midnight, for arrival next next Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday at one our thirteen area pick up locations. Wish to receive eggs every week?  Just select the weeks you wish to receive them and order. Our new set will keep record of your purchase.

               
Desire Some Great Tasting Soups and/or Smoked Meats? Our on-site Chef, Stephanie Mead is preparing one of Farmer's Market Favorites, Tortilla Soup as well as a  Vegan version of Tuscan Potato Soup. Visit WDF On-Line Shopping Cart to read more.      

Not A CSA Member But Wish To Order Some "Goodies" Online?  Not a problem, just order and retrieve at one of our thirteen Houston area pick up locations.   Visit WDF On-Line Shopping Cart   to order.   

Woodlands Area Home Delivery Service Begins  Deliveries take place every Thursday afternoon and available for zip codes, 77380, 77381, 77382 & 77384.  We'll have a FAQ section soon, but no you don't have to be at home to receive deliveries. To learn more and register visit this link Woodlands Home Delivery Program     

Flood Warnings possibly out for Saturday, so it is unlikely that we will be at the Urban Harvest Farmers Mkt Saturday a.m.