Hey Farm Folk,
Although we’re still in the heart of February, there’s lots of signs that the farming season is around the corner. Seeds are arriving at my door from seed companies, last years potatoes and onions are starting to sprout, grass and plants are emerging from underneath snow. Thus, with farming season feeling closer, I thought I’d take the time to update you on news about The Cutting Veg.
Plants: I thought you might be interested to know what The Cutting Veg will be growing this season. Well, here’s the line-up: String Beans (Green, Purple, Yellow, Speckled), Mesclun Mix (3 varieties), Onions (Red, Yellow, White), Garlic (12 varieties), Sunflowers, Carrots, Beets, Cukes, Zukes (Green, Yellow, others), Chard, Kale, Butternut Squash, Gem Squash, Spaghetti Squash, Pumpkin, Basil ,Tomatoes, Radishes, Hot Peppers, and more. And with 15,000 garlic plants already in the ground, we’re already on our way! The hope is to be in the field preparing the soil, and planting in mid-April. However, the weather will dictate…last year we weren’t able to get started until Mid-May.
People: Last season, we had countless volunteers help out on the farm by preparing soil, planting, weeding, watering, fertilising, harvesting, cleaning, etc. Volunteers who participated not only developed their farming skills but contributed to the community by improving access to local, organic food. Further, volunteers made a difference to our planet by addessing our worldwide carbon emissions problems through cultivation of carbon feeding plants. Through their farm work, volunteers also helped to provide a healthy living space for countless critters and birds. As with last season, The Cutting Veg Organic Farm will be a collaborative effort in 2009, and you as volunteers are welcome to come and participate as much or as little as you like.
Additionally, in 2009, we will be having our first official Internship Program. The Internship is for people who want to take a significant step in their farm skill development, and are able to commit 10 hours per week from April to October to participate in farm activities. Over the last week, we just completed our Internship Application process. Thus, I would like to introduce you to The Cutting Veg 2009 All-Star Internship team. Their names are Eva, Brin, Sabrina, Prapti, Carolina, Chris, Tammy, Katie, Melodie, and Kate. There are also three other individuals who are hoping to be Interns this season, and are trying to organise their schedules to make it happen. I am so thrilled to be able to welcome these talented and special people to the team. They will bring not only a great deal of heart and good character to the farm this season, but expertise and skills in a variety of related areas, including herbalism, nutrition, working with seniors and children, nursing, mechanics, energy work, massage, and so much more! Undoubtedly, the Internship is going to be a wonderful exchange. The Internship will act as a bridge for the Interns as they move toward their goals, and they will provide much needed labour support for the farm. You will have an opportunity to meet the Intern All-Stars when you come to volunteer on the farm.
Markets: This seasons produce will be distributed through two Farmers Markets and a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. A CSA is a mutually beneficial partnership in which individuals or families receive fresh, local, organically grown produce weekly, while supporting our local farmers and sustainable growing practices. Starting in June, The Cutting Veg will be selling its produce on Mondays at the Sorauren Farmers Market, and on Saturdays at the Wychwood Green Barns Farmers Market. The CSA will take place on Thursday’s, and is geared toward the Vaughan/Thornhill community.
Well, that’s the news from the farm for now. Can’t wait to be getting dirt under the nails with you all in a couple months. Until then, enjoy the winter, and Keep Livin’ on the Veg!
Daniel
