Recently, I have written a number of blogs about the benefits of growing your own garden. I have provided tips for the beginner gardener; the non-traditional gardener; and ways to get your children involved in gardening. I hope the tips came in handy. However, I am realistic, I realize there are some people (like my brothers) who wouldn’t be caught dead raking, mulching or fertilizing no matter how many tips I throw at them. And, I know they aren’t alone. So, with that in mind, I have come up with a way that you anti-gardeners can get the freshest fruits and vegetables without having to plant a single seed.
It’s called “Community Supported Agriculture” and it allows you access to exceptional produce (much better than what’s available at the grocery store) without breaking a sweat and without breaking the bank. Here’s how it works: Before the growing season starts, you purchase “a share” of the upcoming crop (prices range between $200-$500 depending on the type of crop and where you live). Then throughout the season you receive a set amount of the harvest—be it organic tomatoes, spinach, broccoli, watermelon, squash, strawberries, carrots, etc.
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) owners say one share will feed a “typical family”—meaning a family with two adults and however many children. In a good season one share will yield about 300 to 500 pounds of produce. If you don’t think you can find a way to incorporate that much produce into your family’s daily diet you can always opt to purchase a half share (this option exists at some CSA’s). If you do the math, you’ll find that CSAs are incredible money savers. In fact, a recent study showed that people who bought shares of CSA crops found savings of 100% over retail prices for the same amount of organic produce (we all know how expensive organic produce is at the market). However, as any gardener knows there are no guarantees. If Mother Nature doesn’t cooperate, and there is a bad crop, your yield of the harvest will be less. But in good years, you’ll have a bounty and savvy CSA shareholders know freezing fresh produce can help the excess last from season to season.
Another benefit of a CSA membership is the added value of being able to pick your own crops. For families with children this can be a great hands-on experience and a wonderful opportunity for parents and kids to bond. What’s more, you will be joining other families in the fields, which creates a community atmosphere. Some CSAs will actually let you volunteer on the farm—picking the crop—to earn your share. But, if you don’t like to break a sweat don’t despair–if you live in a city or suburb, many farms offer drop off locations and you can simply pick your share of the harvest rather than driving to the farm.
For a complete list of Community Supported Agriculture farms (worldwide) and find one located nearest you click here.