Welcome to Green Gate Farms Spring CSA, Week 5! Adult Farm Camp, Mother's Day Bouquet Class, and More!
Farm News & Upcoming Classes:
- Mother’s Day Bouquet-Making Class at our east Austin farm! Saturday, May 8th, class repeats at 10:00 and 1:00. After a tour of the flower fields, Farmer Erin will teach you how to make an extra special bouquet for your Mom using freshly harvested flowers and herbs. (Admission includes a tour and one bouquet.) Bring your friends! We’ll meet at the picnic tables beside Big Red Barn. Sign up here on our website.
- Floral Tattoo Classes are back! Saturday, May 22 at our east Austin farm, class repeats at 10 and 1. Learn how to make a bracelet, necklace or anklet of fresh flowers and herbs. This fun, easy class also includes a portrait session. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations. Sign up here.
- Farm Camp for Adults: GGF founders will share their secrets (and mistakes) happening May 2nd and June 6th. Adult Farm Camp is your opportunity to get all your questions answered by the founders of Green Gate Farms/New Farm Institute. We address certified organic, HMI, and regenerative systems. After a farm tour that includes equipment and fields, we will address your concerns ranging from soil tests to farm marketing. Class is tailored to participants interests. Sign up here!
After a year postponement due to the pandemic, we are excited to be hosting the students of Austin Jewish Academy again. Farmer Skip and Kalina demonstrated planting eggplant last Wednesday as we got our final summer crops in the ground. Today, they are harvesting onions.
Are you an educator? Reach out to us on our website to discuss field trips and school partnership opportunities. Green Gate loves its students!
Get Involved:
- Flower Power Workshares: Learn how to cultivate organic cut flowers this spring. Perfect for gardeners of all abilities. Apply here
- Spring Veggie Workshares: Learn to grow organic veggies with us at the farm! More info on our website!
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Volunteer! We are always accepting volunteers to help with the demanding workload at both farms. Bring your friends for a weekend and leave with fresh veggies! No experience needed, just submit a form through our website and we'll get back to you.
SUPPORT TEXAS AGRICULTURE IN THE TEXAS LEGISLATURE:
FARFA has put together some resources to help guide voters towards helping local agriculture in our upcoming local elections. The Texas Legislature meets for just 140 days every other year. Now is the time that we can make big changes to support local farmers and food producers in Texas. Click here to learn more about the bills we support and how to get involved!
Notes From the Field: This Season’s First Summer Squash Have Arrived!
By Farmer Kalina
One of the many pleasures of farming year round, is getting to enjoying different veggies throughout the changing seasons. This week we harvested the first zucchini and zephyr sqaush we’ve had since last October! Each season as I anticipate the first of each crop I am filled with excitement. Something about the first tomato, or cauliflower, or onion feels like a special treat each year. At the same time I sometimes feel sadness when I harvest the last broccoli or kohlrabi and know that I won’t get to enjoy their unique flavor for several months. But that sadness dissapates quickly, as I turn to the next succession of new crops and taste the first farm fresh carrot I’ve had in a long time. The celebration that comes with eating seasonally has brought me much joy over the past several years.
When I harvested the first zucchini and zephyr this morning, a celebration is what came to mind. For me these delicious summer squash evoke memories of spring time, outdoor grilling, and cooking with friends. I hope for those things to become a part of my life again as we emerge from the pandemic this summer and get to celebrate again.
Spring CSA - Week 5 Veggie Share
- Beets
- Spinach
- Mustard Greens - Green OR Purple
- White Russian Kale
- Parsley
- Garlic Scapes (Stems can be used like green onions!)
- Zucchini & Zephyr Squash
- Purple Top Turnips
Sneak Peak Of The Week 6 Veggie Share:
- Cabbage
- Swiss Chard
- Lettuce
- Spring Onions
- Root Veggie (Hoping for our first carrots of the season!)
- Fennel Fronds
- Beets OR Watermelon Radishes
Items are subject to change based on availability!
FLOWER BOUQUETS AVAILABLE:
- Our flower fields are beginning to pop – ranunculus, narcissus, sunflowers and more are starting to bloom. The fragrance is amazing! You’re welcome to join our 12-week Flower CSA to receive a weekly bouquet (prorated from the week you join) or sign up for 4-weeks of flowers for the month of May or June. Each week we post a photo that helps you identify your stems as well as gardening tips.
Flower Shares Are Postponed This Week, Thank You For Understanding!
Spring Veggie CSA Snapshot:
- Veggie CSA Spring Season, 10 weeks: March 31st - June 2nd
- $25 each week, prorated
- 5 pick-up locations, Wed/Sat; no home deliveries
- Additional vegetables, herbs, flowers and specialty items (e.g., pickled okra, plants for your garden, etc.) posted every Wednesday on Green Gate’s private Facebook page (REKO Ring); touchless pickup at our intown farm is on Saturdays, 10-noon. (8310 Canoga Ave., Austin 78724)
- Got a question about your CSA share? Contact your Community Organizer, the volunteer who manages your pickup site and handles any issues that might arise.
Recipes From Kalina:
- Southern Mustards Greens - Try this take on classic southern greens. The heat and bitterness of the mustard greens adds another level of flavor to this classic dish. If you want to try toning down the flavor of the mustard greens, try adding your kale as well!
- Baked Parmesan Summer Squash Recipe - Try these easy and delicious summer squash recipes that only requires two ingredients!
- Beet and Spinach Salad - Enjoy this simple and hearty salad with your beets and spinach this week!
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