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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~  The snow is melting fast today ...
Spring is coming soon!
Here at Midsummer Farm we are in the throes of seed germination and transplanting seedlings. I feel like I am constantly moving trays of soil and seedling around. But I love it - the seedlings are so green and so full of promise of a great season to come!
Now is the time to plant your brassica seeds - that's the cabbages, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kales, etc. Get your onion and scallion seeds into the soil now as well. I planted my chard and spinach seeds this morning, along with some sages and ornamental salvias.
I also am planting a bunch of other cool slower-growing greens like pak choi, purslane, herba stella, silene, good king henry, agretti, typhon holland greens, spigariello, vegetable mallow, and more over the next couple days. Wait a couple weeks to plant fast-growing escarole, lettuce and chicories. Many herb seeds should be planted now including oregano, thyme, lavender, sage, salad burnett, parsley, chervil, and sorrel. In about 2 weeks, I'll start planting the tomato, basil, pepper, and eggplant seeds.
I will be running the Seed Starting Workshop one more time this Spring - actually, the day after Spring starts - on March  21st from 10 am - 12 noon. If you want some inspiration, advise, or instruction on starting your own seeds in your house, please feel free to register and join us!
Here's the workshop blurb:
Seed Starting for your Organic Garden Workshop
Thursday, March 21st, 10 am - 12 noon
Over the years, we have established a well tried-and-true method for germinating and raising seedlings in the house to get a jump on the spring planting season. This workshop will cover all you need to know set up and to start your own organic seedlings in your house! Cost is $36 | Please register by emailing me at info@midsummerfarm.com or by downloading our registration form by 3/18/13.
St. Patrick's Day is our date marker for our first tilling and planting week of the spring. Whether we can actually till and start planting will have a lot to do with how well our field drains after all this snow and rain. But we usually luck out and are able to get our peas and fava beans in the ground at least. I also am planning to plant some more asparagus crowns, and I'm also going to try some early, cold-loving wheat seeds - not enough to make bread, just enough for use in flower arrangements/decorations.
If you are looking for some green and plant-centered events to focus your spring energies on this week, here are two things you might consider:
 There will be a meeting of the Hudson Valley Garden Association this Thursday evening (3/14/13) at 7 pm at the Shawangunk Town Hall, 14 Central Ave, Wallkill, NY. Anyone who is interested in gardening or in love with plants is more than welcome to come by and talk about local gardens, gardening events, and plants!
And at Midsummer Farm on Friday morning at 10 am, I'm doing our Plotting Your Organic Garden Workshop again ...
Here's the blurb for that workshop:
Plotting Out Your Home Organic Garden
Friday, March 15th, 10 am - 12 noon
With a strong emphasis on Bio-Intensive Methods. This is an interactive workshop - bring you garden plans and seed catalogs. We'll create a garden plan for you to grow your favorite veggies in less space for a longer season! We'll discuss seed starting, creating a new garden bed, companion planting, boosting the efficiency of an old garden and so much more! Cost is $36 | There is still space available - so send an email if you would like me to reserve you a seat.
Egg Update! The hens are laying like crazy now - so we have plenty of eggs for sale. I'll be bringing some down to the Hungry Hollow Co-Op in Chestnut Ridge NY later this week. Please always feel free to send me an email if you need eggs, and we'll arrange a time for you to come by the farm to pick them up. We'll also have eggs available at our Open Farm Weekend Saturday and Sunday, March 23rd and 24th, from 9 am to 12 noon. And check out the recipe below for a great omelet idea!
 We are having an Open Farm Weekend and CSA Day as an Equinox and Spring Planting celebration!
Saturday and Sunday, March 23rd and 24th, from 9 am to 12 noon
If you have any CSA questions, please feel free to stop by and visit! There will be eggs for sale as well as asparagus crowns, blackberry canes, and perhaps some other very cold-hardy greens seedlings. We'll be transplanting and out in the early garden tilling and putting in our peas and favas, and so we'll be available for answering any gardening questions you may have.
And we still have space in our 2013 CSA program! Please see below for more info, and here's the link to the registration form. Please don't hesitate to email or call me with any questions you may have. CSA@midsummerfarm.com | 845-986-9699
Very best and thank you,
~Barbara and Mark
Midsummer Farm | info@midsummerfarm.com
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RECIPE: Omelet with Peas and Peppers
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This is a great recipe for an omelet I made yesterday basically by accident - It came out so tasty! I think it may be my favorite omelet recipe:
11 eggs
1-1/2 medium sized green peppers, diced
1 medium onion, diced
1/2 cup grated Monterey Jack cheese (or other mild sweet cheese)
1 cup of fresh shelled or frozen peas
a dash of cajun spice
a dash of garlic powder or granules
salt and pepper
3 tbsp butter
Directions:
Heat 2 tbsp of butter in a large non stick pan. Add onions, peppers, peas and cook until soft. Sprinkle with cajun spice, garlic powder, and some salt and pepper and let cool down a bit. Meanwhile, in a big bowl, beat the eggs well, and then mix in the grated cheese and cooled vegetable mixture. Reheat pan and add last 1 tbsp of butter. Make sure bottom of pan is coated with butter, and then add egg mixture. Cover and cook at very low heat for about 45 minutes or until middle is just starting to firm up. Take off heat, and leave covered for another 5 minutes until middle firms, then slice and serve!
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2013 CSA program!
 What is a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) Program?
In the words of The Robyn Van En Center, CSA brings together community members, farmers, and agricultural land in a relationship of mutual support based on an annual commitment to one another - a commitment that ensures the survival of local farms today and for future generations. If you are new to the concept of a CSA, CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture where a household subscribes to a local farm for the growing season and picks up a weekly basket of fresh, organic produce at the farm. The basic idea of CSA farming is a cooperative relationship between the small farmer and his/her customers. With a preseason payment, you purchase a share of the season's harvest. You then receive a weekly basket of fresh produce during the course of the harvest season, from June to September. By subscribing to a CSA, you are providing a farmer with a very welcome measure of certainty, and in turn the farm is dedicated to providing you with varied, nutritious vegetables. The arrangement guarantees the farmer financial support and enables many small-to moderate-scale organic family farms to remain in business. Ultimately, CSA creates agriculture-supported communities where members receive a wide variety of foods harvested at the peak of ripeness, flavor, and vitamin and mineral content. Members of a CSA are called "shareholders" or "subscribers". The portion of the harvest each shareholder takes home is referred to as a "share." The methods of operating a CSA vary considerably. Each CSA is designed specifically for its community and farmer, yet all CSAs strive for a truly sustainable operation, both economically and environmentally. Crops are planted in succession to provide a continuous weekly supply of mixed vegetables chosen for flavor and nutritional value, and to support biodiversity. The farmer frequently grows a large assortment of seasonal vegetables so shareholders can expect a wide variety. This greatly diminishes the risk of crop failure while enhancing soil fertility without the use of synthetic chemicals. Organic growing techniques such as crop rotation, companion planting, green manuring, and composting are often standard practice. Each week the farmer harvests fresh, ripe crops that are divided equally among shareholders. Usually, shareholders receive their food within 24 hours of picking. A share is generally enough for a family of four or a couple on a vegetarian diet. The price of a share for a season varies widely depending on each farm's costs of operation, total months of distribution, variety of crops available, and soil productivity.
I see the #1 most important reason to join a CSA is to dedicate and commit yourself to receiving, and thus using and eating, a whole basket of super-fresh, seasonal, organic, local, vegetables, greens, and herbs each week!  How the Midsummer Farm CSA Program Works
We are accepting registrations now for the CSA ; all you need to do is download the registration form, fill it out, choose the options that work best for you and your household, enclose your check, and send to: Midsummer Farm at 156 East Ridge Road, Warwick, NY 10990.
Then starting in June, we will harvest and pack a bushel basket of heirloom, super fresh, certified organic produce for you each week from our small biodynamic farm.
Pick up is at the farm - just stop by each week for your big basket of delicious vegetables, along with recipes and ideas for using and storing. We also send out a weekly CSA newsletter with more recipes and information on the week's harvest.
We have two pick up times - Wednesdays between 6:30 and 7 pm and Fridays between 10 and 10:30 am.
Traditional Vegetable Share: 17 weeks, $695.00: Wednesday, June 5th through Sept. 25th or Friday, June 7th through Sept. 27th
Add-ons:
Herb Share - (17 weeks) $65.00
(For the herb share, we add 6-12 bunches of fresh culinary herbs to your basket each week; one specific culinary herb will be highlighted each week with recipes and info, and we'll also be including a highlighted medicinal/tea herb as well each week.)
Flower Share - (middle 5 weeks) $60.00
(For the flower share, you'll receive a big bouquet of cut flowers for the five middle weeks of the CSA season. If you are having an event where you would want your flowers earlier or later we would be happy to accommodate that!)
Double Flower Share - (middle 10 weeks) $110.00
(For the flower share, you'll receive a big bouquet of cut flowers for the 10 middle weeks of the CSA season. If you are having an event where you would want your flowers earlier or later we would be happy to accommodate that!)
 Summer Egg Share - (first 8 weeks) $60.00
(For the summer egg share, you'll receive 1 dozen eggs in your basket for the first 8 weeks of the CSA season.)
Mushroom Share - (17 weeks) $78.00
(For the mushroom share, we add a container of fabulous certified organic mushrooms each week - a variety of types, recipes also included. Mushrooms combine so well with vegetables...)
Sweet Share - (17 weeks) $360.00
(For the sweet share, you'll receive a fresh farm baked good each week with your vegetable basket. Baked goods will usually have nuts or herbs or vegetable components and will be made with our own eggs and organic ingredients.)
We also have a Special Share, we call the "Total Taste of the Farm" share. It includes the Traditional Vegetable Share, along with the Herb, single Flower, Summer Egg, and Mushroom Share for $932.00. You also get other farm products we produce in small quantities such as honey comb, smoked and dried peppers, duck eggs, and more!
 What to expect at Pick Up... We aim to have the baskets all ready to go when you arrive. We don't have a lot of refrigerator space so we usually are harvesting for the shares the same day you pick up. We will try to have some extra fruit or other organic products available for sale that same day as well. Although you can just drop in fast and grab the basket and go, it is also a chance to talk with the other CSA members, discuss recipes and cooking tips, tour the gardens and greenhouse, visit with the chickens, and enjoy the company of like-minded people.
We want to encourage our CSA members to spend more time in the garden - as the season progresses, we'll have some pick your own options - that are especially nice for children - we'll have pick your own cherry tomatoes, green beans, and raspberries.
We have an artistic and gourmet vision for our CSA shares. We are a small farm - our cultivated garden area is under 2 acres. We do all of our growing, maintenance, harvesting, and packaging ourselves. This allows us to grow varieties of vegetables and greens that just cannot be grown on a large scale, where produce needs to survive mechanical harvesting and mass storage. You won't ever see most of the stuff we grow in any supermarket and only very rarely at the farmers' markets. Our lettuces are soft and frilly and our tomatoes and squash are tender-skinned and perfectly ripe. Many of our veggies go straight from the field into your basket - never seeing the inside of a fridge.
We also provide plenty of recipes and ideas for using your veggies as sometimes the unusual varieties may be a bit overwhelming if you're not used to them. We are dedicated to making sure that each of our shareholders can make good use of each week's harvest basket. We don't want anyone to feel over-burdened with veggies! And we understand busy schedules - our recipes and tips are designed for cooks with limited time but advanced taste-buds!
As a Holistic Health Coach, I really recommend becoming a member of a CSA - one of the key ways to achieve better health is to eat more vegetables and greens. By joining a CSA, you are automatically receiving a big basket of fresh vegetables every week and you have to use them! For some it may be a healthy challenge - but it is one well worth the effort! And we're here with all sorts of ideas and recipes for helping you make the best use of all the great veggies! Here's a list of the types of crops you'll see in your basket during the four months of our CSA program:  In June: You'll see: two different sorrels, lovage, lamb quarters, a huge variety of different frilly, soft heads of lettuce, baby greens mixes, garlic scapes, three different kales, rainbow chards, red and white dandelion greens, our fabulous collection of heirloom chicories, radicchio, frisee endive, escarole, edible flowers, flat and curly parsley, french breakfast radishes, round cherry radishes, watermelon radishes, long white sweet turnips, round tokyo turnips, collards, 4 different types of chives, green onions, scallions (both white and crimson), welsh onions, raspberries, strawberries, various colors of beets, fresh peas, rainbow carrots, nettles, spinach, and more!
In July: You'll see: broccoli, early and savoy cabbages, basils, cilantro, summer squash (zucchini of various colors and flavors, pattypans, trombicino squash, cucumbers of all sorts (we are planning 18 different varieties of cucumbers), peppers (sweet and hot varieties - we are planning over 40 different types of peppers), blueberries, currants, mulberries, gooseberries, a variety of different frilly, soft heads of lettuce, baby greens mixes, some kale, lots of rainbow chard, the bigger heirloom chicories like punterellas, radicchio heads, frisee endive, escarole, hot-weather edible flowers, flat and curly parsley, collards, continual green onions, scallions - both white and crimson, welsh onions, summer onions, various colors of beets, stringbeans (green, yellow, purple, flat podded), and more!
In August: You'll see: tomatoes (a huge variety of colors of cherry, plum, slicing, and giant tomatoes - we're currently planting seeds for over 40 different varieties), various colors and sizes of eggplants, cauliflower, tomatillos, leeks, broccoli, basils, cilantro, summer squash (zucchini of various colors and flavors, pattypans, trombicino squash, cucumbers of all sorts (we are  planning 18 different varieties of cucumbers), peppers (sweet and hot varieties - we are planning over 40 different types of peppers), some lettuce, some kale, rainbow chard, the bigger heirloom chicories like punterellas, radicchio heads, frisee endive, escarole, hot-weather edible flowers, flat and curly parsley, collards, continual green onions, scallions - both white and crimson, welsh onions, summer onions, and more! In September: You'll see: fennel, burdock roots, other cool roots, winter squash, turnips, various colors of beets, brussel sprouts, tomatoes (a huge variety of colors of cherry, plum, slicing, and giant tomatoes - we're currently planting seeds for over 40 different varieties), various colors and sizes of eggplants, tomatillos, leeks, broccoli, basils, cilantro, peppers (sweet and hot varieties - we are planning over 40 different types of peppers), baby spinach and lettuce mixes, kale, rainbow chard, the bigger heirloom chicories like punterellas, frisee endive, escarole, flat and curly parsley, collards, scallions, welsh onions, storage onions, storage cabbage, and more!
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7 Reasons to Join a CSA
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1. You and your family's health. The number one missing ingredient to a healthy disease-free lifestyle is a variety vegetables! If you have a big basket of fresh veggies on hand, you will use them! And we are here to fully support you in using them!
2. Living more sustainably - by joining a CSA, you are personally and directly addressing the flaws of our global food system. By paying attention to what you eat, you participate in a more environmentally and socially sustainable way of life.
3. Living more ethically - you are supporting a circular farm with animals, plants, and the soil itself being treated with respect and care.
4. Supporting Local Business and strengthening your community.
5. Supporting Organic Farmers. It is more than just supporting the particular farm you have a membership with - it is about showing policy makers that people want local, real, organic food, and it is about showing the local farming community that you appreciate their efforts.
6. Creative cooking - to be the ultimate 'foodie' you must cook! In your basket will come a huge variety of flavors, scents, textures, and all of these can be cooked up and presented in thousands of different ways!
7. Saving fossil fuels - Typical grocery store produce travels 1,500 miles to get to your table!
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~Upcoming Workshops and Events at Midsummer Farm~
 Plotting Out Your Home Organic Garden Workshop Friday, March 15th, 10 am - 12 noon
With a strong emphasis on Bio-Intensive Methods. This is an interactive workshop - bring you garden plans and seed catalogs. We'll create a garden plan for you to grow your favorite veggies in less space for a longer season! We'll discuss seed starting, creating a new garden bed, companion planting, boosting the efficiency of an old garden and much more! Cost is $36 | STILL SPACE AVAILABLE - Email me if you want to reserve a seat! info@midsummerfarm.com
Seed Starting for your Organic Garden
Thursday, March 21st, 10 am to 12 noon
Over the years, we have established tried-and-true methods for germinating and raising seedlings in the house to get a jump on the spring planting season. This workshop will cover all you need to know set up and to start your own organic seedlings in your house! Cost is $36 |Registration closes 3/18/13
 Backyard Organic Poultry Rearing Workshop
Friday, March 22nd, 10 am to 12 noon
For anyone who has dreamed of walking out to your own chicken coop and collecting fresh eggs for breakfast, this course will guide you through starting up your own flock and in organic and natural rearing methods. We will discuss all of our secrets to Organic chicken care that we have discovered over the years. Chickens are wonderful stewards of the earth; and kept in proper conditions, chickens are valuable assets to the garden, lawn, and compost pile. They also provide backyard joy. They are easy to take care of, are not noisy or smelly, and are an important part of the Organic garden. This is a great time of year to plan for chickens for the Spring. (Please be sure to check with your town to make sure that chickens are allowed where you live.) Cost is $36 | Registration closes 3/20/13
Advanced Natural Poultry Rearing (Backyard Chickens Part 2)
Friday, March 22nd, 1 pm to 3 pm
For the experienced poultry enthusiast ... Discussions will include herbal remedies, nutritional issues, whole grain and soy-free feeding programs, flower essences, natural preventative measures, holistic land stewardship, organic certification, things to consider when expanding your flock, and more. We will mix up some herbal remedies including an antibiotic ointment and elecampane tea. Come prepared with your questions and current flock issues for personalized attention and discussion. Cost is $36 | registration closes 3/20/13
VERY Early Spring Cold Planting Sale and CSA Day!
Farm will be open on Saturday, March 23rd
and Sunday, March 24th from 9 - 12 noon
Come by with your CSA questions! We'll also be offering asparagus crowns and blackberry canes for sale, and possibly some very cold hardy early spring greens seedlings. And we'll be transplanting and out in the early garden tilling and putting in our peas and favas and be available for answering gardening questions.
We will also have plenty of eggs available for sale as well. Feel welcome to stop by!
Making Homemade Cat and Dog Food
Saturday, April 13th, 10 am to 12 noon
Featured in the NY Times! Check out the article here! Healthier, Economical, Delicious. Either as a supplementary meal or as your pets' regular diet, homemade food is better, safer, and easy to make. We will mix up a batch of balanced food using raw chicken as a base. We'll go over tons of options in food bases - raw vs cooked, various nutrition additions, dogs vs cats, special needs pets, and discuss the wide range of commercial diets and brands. You'll take home recipes, a clearer knowledge of the commercial pet food available, and resources for suppliers. We'll also make up a wonderful whole foods supplement that you can add to a commercial diet using higher quality ingredients and for a lot less money than the fancy brand names. Even if you're not ready to switch over completely to a homemade diet, you'll get a lot from this workshop. Workshop takes place in the kitchen at Midsummer Farm | Cost is $36 | Registration closes 4/11/13
 Annual "Allium and Brassica" Pre-Sale! Saturday, April 20th, 9 am to 2 pm We designed this Pre-Sale for our gardener and farmer friends who want to plant in stages. So, we'll have a nice variety of cold-hardy plants and seedlings for sale that are ready to go in the ground! (Or you can hold them for a bit too.) We'll also have some hardy perennials for sale and some other awesome plants. The Brassicas are all the dark leafy greens: kales, collards, cabbages, pak koi, broccoli, raabs, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, mustards, etc. The Alliums are all the onion-flavored plants - leeks, chives, scallions, welsh onions, walking onions, bulbing onions, etc. We'll also have spinach, chards, escaroles, endives, radicchios, chicories, parsleys, lettuces, many thymes, a couple oreganos, a couple sages, cilantro, flowers like violas and violets, celeries, cresses, dill, lovage, mints, many of our hard to find European greens like erba stella and agretti, and lots of perennials and native plants available.
 Backyard Organic Poultry Rearing Workshop Sunday, April 21st, 10 am to 12 noon
For anyone who has dreamed of walking out to your own chicken coop and collecting fresh eggs for breakfast, this course will guide you through starting up your own flock and in organic and natural rearing methods. We will discuss all of our secrets to Organic chicken care that we have discovered over the years. Chickens are wonderful stewards of the earth; and kept in proper conditions, chickens are valuable assets to the garden, lawn, and compost pile. They also provide backyard joy. They are easy to take care of, are not noisy or smelly, and are an important part of the Organic garden. This is a great time of year to plan for chickens for next Spring. (Please be sure to check with your town to make sure that chickens are allowed where you live.) Workshop takes place mostly outside at Midsummer Farm (dress appropriately - wear boots) and is weather permitting. Cost is $36 | Registration closes 4/17/13
We'll be at the First Annual Hudson Valley Garden Fair
Saturday, May 4th, 10 am - 4 pm
And we'll be bringing a great assortment of plants!
The Hudson Valley Garden Fair is the place to be if you are into plants or gardening! Demos, lectures, tons of vendors and garden and plant clubs! I can't wait to shop and sell plants!
Workshops at Midsummer Farm: Classes are taught from a strictly Holistic and Organic standpoint. Class size is kept small to ensure individual attention. Fees include all materials and supplies needed. Children are welcome; children under 5 are free. If more than one person from a single household is taking the workshop together, the second person may deduct $5 from the cost of the workshop. Many classes take place outside in the gardens and are weather-permitting. Participants must register in advance. Cooking classes are hands-on and tasting is encouraged. NOTE: times and dates of workshops are subject to change.
If you haven't been to our farm yet, we're located at 156 East Ridge Road, Warwick, NY 10990. And welcome! |
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© Copyright 2013 Barbara Taylor-Laino, HHC / Barbara Taylor Health. All Rights Reserved. This content may be copied in full, with copyright, contact, creation and information intact, without specific permission, when used only in a not-for-profit format. If any other use is desired, permission in writing from Barbara Taylor Laino is required.
This information newsletter is designed as an educational tool for better health. Recipes and information are included as examples for you learn from; they are not diagnostic or prescriptive. Everyone's health needs are different. This newsletter is not to be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment of any health condition or problem. Any questions regarding your own health should be addressed to your own physician or other healthcare provider. The entire contents of this newsletter and the websites of Barbara Taylor Laino and Midsummer Farm are based upon the opinions of Barbara Taylor Laino, unless otherwise noted. Individual articles are based upon the opinions of the respective author(s), who retains copyright as marked. The information on the www.midsummerfarm.com website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experience of Barbara Taylor Laino. You are encouraged to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional.
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Midsummer Farm Contact Info:
Barbara and Mark Laino
Midsummer Farm
156 East Ridge Road
Warwick, NY 10990
845-986-9699
info@midsummerfarm.com
Holistic Health Counseling Contact Info:
Barbara Taylor-Laino
Barbara Taylor Health
156 East Ridge Road
Warwick, NY 10990
845-986-9699
info@barbarataylorhealth.com
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