September 3, 2024
SUMMER CSA Week 13
Dear FARMILY!
The summer season is slowly coming to a close and the weather is already starting to get cooler at night. It won't be long before we start talking about frosts and freezes, and frozen pipes! For now, we are doing everything we can, however, to cram in the preparations for the fall. From shoring up the greenhouses to be prepared to handle the winter weather, to finalizing our planting and any other projects we are able to get done before the cold hits us in the face. It's a little bit of a rush, but the team is doing amazing and the farm is 100% planted and the fall season is almost completely prepped for! the varieties this fall are going to be amazing, and everyone will be getting plenty of amazing veggies! Coupled with all the amazing changes coming in the fall, it just might be the best season we have ever had! If you haven't signed up yet, it's important to secure your spot early. You can do so here.
CSA UPDATES
As you all should be aware of by now, Ahavah Farm is making some huge changes to our schedules including moving all locations and deliveries to Fridays and extending the hours to an entire 8 hours or more to make your lives easier and more convenient! Well, if that's not hard enough to remember, we are throwing in another curveball (and we are sorry!!): For the first four weeks of Fall CSA, all pickups and deliveries will be on Wednesday. Yes, the farm is changing the regular-scheduled pickup and delivery day to Friday, but for the first weeks of October, those days will be moved to Wednesday. The times for these days will not change, however. All the times and all the locations remain the same, but you will need to update your calendars and make arrangements for those four weeks for the day-change. If you have been hiding under a rock and haven't seen the changes, you can do so here😊: Check out the announcement here.
THIS WEEK'S CSA
We are continuing in the consistency of providing beautiful shares to our members! This week is no exception as we are really loading up on all those summer crops like tomatoes and cucumbers. This week we also have tons of daikon radishes, turnips, lettuce, arugula and kale. There's more, but you can see that below in the CSA section, "What's in your Bag."
FARMER'S MARKET
There are only four more markets of the year! This week will be our last homeschool day at the farm and tour, so it should be a huge crowd! We will be having a petting zoo, a kids chicken class, the bounce-house and ziplines and more activities too! Come on out with all the kiddos and have a blast! We will be having all the regular vendors this week too, so you can expect to get all your favorite soaps, breads, meats and so much more. The markets are Fridays from 10am to 1pm. The last market of the year will be September 27th.
THIS WEEK'S NEWSLETTER
I hope you enjoyed the newsletter last week with the new, simpler and more streamlined design. Many of you have sent in feedback, and it is much appreciated! This week we continue with the same themes and we have three new articles for you: A new Article of the Week, a new CSA Tip of the Week and a new Gardening Tip of the Week where we are continuing with our 6-step fertility plan.
We love you all, our beautiful FaRmily!!!
Farmer Yosef and Family!
WE L❤️VE OUR COMMUNITY!
ARTICLE OF THE WEEK
8 Hour Pick Up Windows (and more)!!! (starting October 1st)
More exciting news is on the horizon for Ahavah Farm's CSA program! We're thrilled to announce another significant enhancement to your CSA experience: starting in October, all of our pickup locations will feature extended hours of 8 hours or more! We understand that one of the biggest frustrations for our CSA members has been the limited window for picking up your shares. Life can be hectic, and we want to make it easier for you to enjoy the fresh, beyond-organic produce you've come to love from Ahavah Farm. With this new extended pickup window, you'll have even more flexibility to fit your CSA pickup into your busy schedule, ensuring that you never miss out on your share.
This change is part of our ongoing commitment to offering more convenience to our valued CSA members. Just like our recent shift to pre-packed, customizable shares, this extended pickup window is designed to give you greater control over your CSA experience. Whether you're an early riser or prefer to swing by after work, the extended hours mean you can pick up your share at a time that works best for you. No more rushing to make it during a short window—now, you'll have the freedom to pick up your produce when it's most convenient for you.
Here’s the new schedule for our pickup locations*:
Monument/North Colorado Springs: Fridays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Colorado Springs @ Ranch Foods Direct: Fridays from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
At Ahavah Farm in Peyton: Fridays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Door to door deliveries: Fridays between 5am and 3pm
**Please note:** For the month of October, all of these times will be changed to Wednesday due to the Jewish High Holidays.
Door to Door Delivery
But that's not all! We know that sometimes even an extended pickup window might not be enough to fit into your schedule. That's why we're also reminding you of our door-to-door delivery service, available for just $11.00 per week. This service brings the farm-fresh vegetables straight to your doorstep, saving you both time and gas. It’s the ultimate convenience, allowing you to enjoy the best of Ahavah Farm’s produce without even leaving your home. If you're interested in this option, be sure to check out the delivery area map at here.
Holds and Credits
And don’t forget about our flexible hold and credit program for vacations! We understand that life happens, and sometimes you might not be around to pick up your share. Unlike other CSAs, where missing a pickup means losing your share, we offer you the ability to put your CSA on hold when you're away and receive a credit for a double share in the future. This feature gives you even more control over what you get, when you get it, and how you enjoy it. It’s just one more way we’re working to ensure that your CSA membership is as convenient and beneficial as possible.
At Ahavah Farm, we're constantly striving to improve your experience with our CSA program, and these changes reflect our dedication to meeting your needs. We're confident that these updates—extended pickup hours, customizable shares, convenient delivery options, and our flexible vacation hold program—will make your CSA membership more enjoyable and convenient than ever before.
We’re excited to bring these changes to you and look forward to continuing our journey together, providing you with the highest quality, freshest, and most nutritious food available. Thank you for being a part of the Ahavah Farm faRmily. We can't wait for you to enjoy these new benefits and make the most of your CSA experience!
WHAT'S IN YOUR BAG THIS WEEK?
SUMMER Week 13 - September 5 & 6
CSA MEMBERSHIP SAVINGS (so-far) THIS SEASON*:
AUTO-RENEWAL MEMBERS:
👏SMALL +8.69% 👏MEDIUM +14.05%👏18.05%
NON-AUTO-RENEWAL MEMBERS:
👏SMALL +3.69% 👏MEDIUM +9.05%👏13.05%
*MARKET-STYLE MEMBER SAVINGS MAY BE GREATER OR LESSER DEPENDING ON SELECTION MADE BY INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS. THE ABOVE SAVINGS ARE CALCULATED VIA BAGGED TRADITIONAL-SHARE MEMBERSHIPS ONLY.
Market-Style Members Selection - Summer Week 13:
Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Daikon Radish, Squash, Arugula, Lettuce, Basil, Swiss Chard, Kale, Green Beans, Turnips, Plants, Sunflower Shoots, Pea Shoots, Broccoli Microgreens, Radish Microgreens, Wheat Grass
CSA TIP OF THE WEEK!
How Supporting local Can Benefit You as a CSA Member
-By Yosef Camire
At Ahavah Farm, we believe that supporting local agriculture isn't just about fresh produce—it's about fostering a deeper connection to your food, your community, and even your own well-being. When you choose to be a part of our CSA program, you're not only receiving the freshest, most nutrient-dense vegetables possible, but you're also making a powerful investment in your health, your local economy, and the environment. Let's explore how supporting local can truly benefit you as a CSA member.
First and foremost, the food you receive from a local farm like Ahavah Farm is unparalleled in freshness, nutrient-density, purity and flavor. Our vegetables are harvested at their peak ripeness, often just hours before they reach your table. This means you're getting produce that is bursting with flavor and packed with nutrients—far superior to what you'd find in a grocery store, where vegetables may have traveled hundreds or even thousands of miles before reaching the shelves. The shorter the distance from farm to fork, the more nutrients are retained, ensuring that you're feeding your body with the best possible fuel.
Beyond the nutritional advantages, supporting local agriculture connects you more closely to the food you eat. When you know your farmer, you know exactly where your food comes from, how it was grown, and the care that went into its production. This transparency fosters a sense of trust and confidence in the quality of your food, something that is often missing in our modern, industrialized food system. As a CSA member, you’re not just a consumer; you’re a partner in the farming process, sharing in both the risks and rewards of the growing season.
Moreover, supporting local farms has a profound impact on the local economy. By choosing to buy from Ahavah Farm, you're keeping your dollars within the community, helping to sustain local jobs and supporting a more resilient and diverse economy. Small farms like ours rely on the direct support of CSA members to continue farming in a way that is sustainable, ethical, and environmentally responsible. Your membership helps ensure that we can continue to practice regenerative agriculture, stewarding the land for future generations while providing the community with healthy, sustainably grown food.
Environmental benefits are another significant reason to support local agriculture. Small-scale, sustainable farms like Ahavah Farm are more likely to use practices that enhance biodiversity, improve soil health, and reduce the environmental footprint of farming. By minimizing the need for long-distance transportation, local farms reduce carbon emissions, contributing to a healthier planet. Additionally, supporting local agriculture helps to preserve open spaces and rural landscapes, maintaining the natural beauty and ecological integrity of our region.
One of the often-overlooked benefits of supporting local is the sense of community it fosters. Being a part of a CSA connects you to a network of like-minded individuals who share your values around health, sustainability, and supporting local. Whether it's through farm events, CSA pickups, or simply knowing that your food is coming from a nearby farm, there’s a sense of belonging and shared purpose that comes from supporting local agriculture. It’s about more than just food; it’s about building relationships and strengthening the social fabric of our community.
Additionally, supporting local farms encourages a diverse and resilient food system. By choosing to support small, local farms, you’re helping to preserve agricultural diversity and reduce dependence on large-scale industrial farming. This not only benefits you by providing access to unique, heirloom varieties of vegetables, but it also contributes to a more stable and resilient food supply. In times of uncertainty, such as during a global pandemic or natural disasters, local food systems have proven to be more adaptable and reliable, ensuring that communities continue to have access to fresh, healthy food.
Finally, when you support a farm like Ahavah Farm, you’re also investing in the future. The choices you make today about where your food comes from have lasting implications for future generations. By supporting sustainable farming practices, you’re helping to ensure that your children and grandchildren will inherit a world with healthy soils, clean water, and a climate capable of supporting life. Your decision to support local is a vote for a healthier, more sustainable future.
In summary, the benefits of supporting local agriculture as a CSA member are vast and far-reaching. From the superior freshness and flavor of your food to the positive impacts on your health, the environment, and the local economy, every dollar you spend on local food is a powerful act of support for a better world. At Ahavah Farm, we’re grateful for your commitment to local, sustainable, and pure agriculture. Together, we’re not just growing food; we’re growing a stronger, healthier, and more connected community.
Thank you for being a vital part of Ahavah Farm and for choosing to support local. Your involvement makes all the difference, and we look forward to continuing this journey with you, season after season.
AHAVAH COMMUNITY SCHEDULE
CSA "EXTRAS" AVAILABILITY
Availability for "EXTRA's at the CSA pickup locations this week (Summer Week 13):
(see Market Style Section, above, for market selection this week)
Carrots, Fennel, Parsley, Rhubarb, Scallions, Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Squash, Arugula, Salad Mix, Basil, Cilantro, Mustard, Swiss Chard, Kale, Green Beans, Turnips, Plants, Sunflower Shoots, Pea Shoots, Broccoli Microgreens, Radish Microgreens, Wheat Grass
Updated and rolling on a 150 day basis:
May 20th, 2024 - Today we had a board meeting to approve or deny applications for ACI. Over 85 applications were submitted and 68 were approved. Funds are limited so the board approved 8 weeks only with hopes that funds will be available to extend an additional 8 weeks.
June 16th, 2024 - The 10th Annual Summer Festival is going to be the best we have ever had! With thousands expected to participate and with dozens of vendors, activities, rides and more, it's going to be not only an awesome night to remember, but a fantastic way to raise money for families in need! We are hoping to raise about $10,000 - $15,000 for local families!
July 7th, 2024 - Thank you to everyone who came out for the Summer Fest! It was an absolute disaster with the hail and rain, but for those who came out - we solute you! Thank you for standing with ACI! Yes, it was a huge loss, but we are hoping that the Fall Festival will be better! We still had about 1,200 people come out though!
July 22nd, 2024 - Due to funding limitations, the current donated CSA shares were scheduled for cancellation, as funds ran out and were not able to be extended. Ahavah Farm stepped to the plate and donated the rest of the season to all members for no cost.
August 9th, 2024 - Our homeschool day was a huge success with about 50 kids in attendance! We had tons of outreach to the community and got to interact with and teach the kids all about regenerative agriculture. Kids got to do a petting zoo, play with the local Soccer-Shots organization, listen to story time, go down the zipline and, of course, we had lots of other activities too!
August 19th, 2024 - Unfortunately due to financial constraints and limited bandwidth, we have decided to cancel the Fall festival. We are sorry for any inconvenience.
August 28th, 2024 - Do not miss the deadline to apply for free CSA shares for the Fall season! The deadline to apply is September 15th. Please go to ahavahcommunity.org/apply
Gardening Tip of the Week: The Power of Compost in Your Colorado Garden.
By Yosef Camire
As we continue our journey through the essential steps of creating a thriving and sustainable garden, I’m excited to focus this week on one of the most fundamental and transformative practices in gardening: composting. If you’ve been following along, you’ll recall that we’ve already covered the benefits of gypsum and azomite in our previous articles. Today, we delve into the wonders of compost—often referred to as “black gold” for its unparalleled ability to enrich the soil, boost plant health, and contribute to a more sustainable and resilient garden ecosystem.
Compost is nature’s way of recycling organic matter back into the soil, turning kitchen scraps, yard waste, and other biodegradable materials into a nutrient-rich, soil-enhancing amendment. In Colorado, where gardening can be a challenge due to our unique climate and soil conditions, compost is particularly valuable. It provides a host of benefits that are crucial for overcoming these challenges and ensuring that your garden flourishes throughout the growing season.
At its core, compost is about building soil health. Healthy soil is the foundation of any successful garden, and compost is one of the most effective ways to achieve this. By adding compost to your garden, you’re introducing a rich blend of organic matter that improves soil structure, increases nutrient availability, and enhances water retention—all of which are vital for thriving plants.
In Colorado, our soils can often be sandy, heavy in clay, or low in organic matter, leading to poor drainage, low fertility, and difficulty in maintaining consistent moisture levels. Compost addresses these issues head-on. The organic matter in compost binds with sandy soils, improving their ability to retain water and nutrients. In clay-heavy soils, compost helps to break up dense particles, increasing aeration and drainage. This dual benefit makes compost a versatile tool for gardeners across the state, regardless of soil type.
One of the most important features of compost is its ability to deliver a broad spectrum of nutrients to your plants. Unlike synthetic fertilizers, which often provide a limited range of nutrients, compost offers a diverse array of essential elements, including nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and a host of micronutrients. These nutrients are released slowly and steadily, providing a continuous supply of nourishment to your plants throughout the growing season.
Compost also plays a critical role in supporting the soil’s microbial life. Healthy soils are teeming with beneficial microbes—bacteria, fungi, and other organisms—that help to break down organic matter, cycle nutrients, and protect plants from disease. By adding compost, you’re not just feeding your plants; you’re feeding the entire soil ecosystem, creating a dynamic, self-sustaining environment that promotes long-term fertility and resilience.
One of the most compelling reasons to compost is its role in reducing waste and supporting sustainable gardening practices. By turning kitchen scraps, garden clippings, and other organic waste into compost, you’re diverting materials that would otherwise end up in a landfill. This not only reduces your environmental footprint but also closes the loop in your garden’s nutrient cycle, returning valuable resources back to the soil.
At Ahavah Farm, we’re passionate about sustainability, and composting is a key part of our approach. We create our compost using a blend of on-farm materials, including manure, vegetable scraps, and crop residues. This process not only enriches our soil but also helps us manage waste in an eco-friendly way. By composting at home, you can take a similar approach, contributing to a more sustainable and self-sufficient gardening system.
How to Compost
Composting is a straightforward process, but it does require some attention to detail to ensure success. Here are the basic steps to get you started:
1. Choose a Composting Method: There are several ways to compost, from simple backyard piles to more structured compost bins or tumblers. Choose the method that best suits your space and needs.
2. Gather Materials: Compost requires a balance of “greens” (nitrogen-rich materials like vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, and grass clippings) and “browns” (carbon-rich materials like leaves, straw, and cardboard). Aim for a ratio of about 3 parts browns to 1 part greens.
3. Build Your Pile: Start by layering your browns and greens, adding water as you go to keep the pile moist but not soggy. Turn the pile regularly to aerate it and speed up the decomposition process.
4. Monitor and Maintain: Over time, the pile will heat up as the materials break down. Keep an eye on the moisture level, and turn the pile every few weeks to ensure even decomposition. In Colorado, where the climate can be dry, it’s important to monitor moisture levels closely and add water as needed.
5. Harvest Your Compost: After a few months, your compost will be ready to use. It should be dark, crumbly, and smell earthy. Spread it over your garden beds, mix it into the soil, or use it as a top dressing for established plants.
In our own gardens at Ahavah Farm, compost is a cornerstone of our fertility program. We apply it generously to our vegetable beds, fruit trees, and even our flower gardens, and the results speak for themselves. Our crops are more resilient, more productive, and more nutritious, all thanks to the power of compost. It’s a practice that aligns perfectly with our commitment to local, sustainable, and pure farming, and it’s one that we encourage all of our CSA members and fellow gardeners to adopt.
Composting is one of the most powerful tools at your disposal as a gardener. It enriches your soil, boosts plant health, reduces waste, and supports a more sustainable approach to gardening. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, incorporating compost into your routine is a step towards creating a healthier, more productive, and more resilient garden.
At Ahavah Farm, we believe in the power of compost to transform not just our gardens, but our communities as well. By nurturing the soil, we’re nurturing the food that sustains us, and in doing so, we’re contributing to a healthier, more resilient environment. So, roll up your sleeves, start composting, and watch your garden—and your connection to the earth—flourish.
Happy gardening!
LEARN MORE
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT WAYS TO MAKE PAYING FOR YOUR CSA SHARE MORE AFFORDABLE, OR EVEN FREE!
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