By Evan Conklin, Farm Manager 

As I sit here writing the Week 6 newsletter I find it hard to believe it is already the second week in July.  Not only does it seem like the CSA just started yesterday but it is currently 55⁰ with a low tonight in the 40s, not the temperatures I would hope out of July.  The tomatoes, peppers, squash and beans really enjoy the heat so the cold weather is slowing down their growth considerably.  Luckily we have hoop houses where we are able to keep the crops a little warmer and get them to you in a timely fashion.  This week that means cucumbers are ready and waiting to be added to salads or sandwiches or eaten whole in the car before you get home so you don't have to share and no one is the wiser.  The tomatoes and peppers we have planted in the hoop houses are looking great as well, and are starting to bare small green fruits that will quickly ripen red and delicious.

The cold weather is not affecting all crops negatively. All the cole crops (broccoli, kale, cabbage) are doing great.  When it is too hot these crops mature too quickly and their flavor quality decreases rapidly if not harvested promptly.  With the cold weather and long days the head of broccoli are growing very large before becoming over grown and they are remaining sweet and tender even when they are harvested a day or two past their ideal time.  The colder weather also ensures the lettuce is staying sweet long enough to ensure one planting can be harvested over multiple weeks so they can be given in multiple shares.

That's the thing about farming for a CSA.  When you grow such a great array of vegetables, no matter what the weather does some will suffer while others thrive.  This means you will always get a bountiful harvest because the crops that thrive can make up for those that suffer. It helps mitigate the great risk we have in trying to grow crops in a changing climate.  

I hope everyone had a beautiful holiday weekend and that you enjoy this share as much as we enjoyed growing it, especially for you.

If you need to contact me please send an email to: farmwellspring@gmail.com

Veggie storage tips, photos, etc. is after these messages :)

• SINGLE CSA boxes available for you, friends and family! We have single CSA boxes available for purchase. This is a great way for someone to sample the share to see if the CSA model is something that works for them. Or you might want an extra box when you know you're going to have more time to process (dry, freeze, can) for eating later on. Boxes are available for $35 with on farm pickup or $40 with delivery to one of our drop-sites. Orders need to be received AT MINIMUM, the Friday prior to the next week delivery/pickup date of Thursday. Email or call Nancy with questions - 203-994-7643 or WellspringCSA@gmail.com

• Join us on CSA pick-up day at the farm for our first Pizza Night/ Flicks on the Farm. Buffet style pizza will be $8/person and $20/family when you RSVP by 5 p.m. Wednesday, July 22 and $10/person and $25/family thereafter. Vegetarian and vegan options available. Free herb-infused water. Beer and wine for purchase. Please bring your own blanket to sit on. Movie is FREE. Bring your own picnic (no alcohol carry-ins) if you don't want pizza. We will be showing Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 at 7:30PM.                                                            
  RSVP- wellspringcsa@gmail.com or (203)994-7643 (if you'd like to change your pickup to the farm for that date, let me know by Monday, July 20)

• Rising Phoenix Organic Market has opened!!

Pickup will be from 10am-7pm this week.

The address is 830 South Main St. West Bend

If you are not sure where to pick up email me at WellspringCSA@gmail.com  

********************* 

Certified Organic Plants, Compost and

Potting Soil for Sale!

It's not too late to start your garden! We have potted plants that you can keep inside, on your patio, porch or lawn. Also, we have single plants, ready to produce, that can be transplanted into garden beds. 

$7 per potted plant

Purple Cow Activated Compost $16

Lg. Bag Purple Cow Potting Mix $20

Sm. Bag Purple Cow Potting Mix $16

Purple Cow Tomato Gro $12

We have heirloom tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, kale, broccoli, cabbage, thyme, sage, rosemary, mint, chives and more.

Potted tomatoes, peppers, herb "gardens" and kale.

Interested??- email Nancy at wellspringcsa@gmail.com

Please share this information with friends, 

co-workers, & family!

• Info on community potlucks and our farm blitz is at the bottom of the email in "Events" section. Please consider attending to connect with our community, learn how fellow shareholders are using their produce and have some fun!

• If you have old rubber bands please leave them in designated cups or on top of the check sheet at your designated drop site

Let us know how you enjoyed your share!