Clagett Farm Notes

A little help wanted

   Lately we've noticed that our leftovers from the Saturday pick-up aren't getting donated as quickly as we would like because the agencies we serve don't have access to transportation and volunteers on Saturday evenings or Sunday mornings.  If anyone is willing to ferry some boxes of vegetables to a soup kitchen or homeless shelter on weekends, we might be able to get more of it into needy hands before it goes bad in our washing station (particularly tomatoes).  You can choose an agency near you or we'll link you with one we already work with.  We would be happy to count any hours of your help toward a work share. 
   Also, a Food Bank staff member and friend, Andrea Merritt, just moved to Austin Texas.  That's left us short-staffed at the Anacostia Farmers Market (3-7pm, Southeast DC).  If anyone would like to spend a few hours each Wednesday helping out at one of the farm stands re-selling some jams and sauces, or perhaps helping us with various errands during the market or closing down at the end, we would love the help.  And of course, that time could count toward a work share, as well.  The market is a 10-15 minute walk from the Anacostia metro.

Chiles

Those who like it hot are in luck, we are having a great chile year at the farm. Jalapenos, sugar chiles, long cayenne, habaneros, Thai dragons and Bulgarian carrot chiles are all doing well at the farm. No doubt some of our chiles will participate in the 2nd Annual Chili Bowl Bonanza, which takes place today at the Anacostia Farmers Market.

Here is a sample of some of our chiles, in increasing order of burning power. (The pictures were taken after yesterday's harvest.)

Sugar chiles. Mildly hot and sweet.

Bulgarian carrot chiles. There is more heat in these ones.

Thai dragons. Small but as fiery as they look.

Habaneros. Proceed with great caution.

CSA shares closed

As of April 26, 2005 our full-price shares for this season at all pick-up sites have filled up.  It took us a bit of time to be sure, since we had to finish plugging everyone's orders into the database.  We're terribly sorry we have to turn anyone down, so here are your other options:
1) Come to our farmstand at the Anacostia Farmers Market any Wednesday after June 1, 3-7pm. It's on 14th St, SE, between U and V Streets. This is a small, inexpensive market that could use your support.
2) Come for a work share!  You are welcome any Monday through Saturday.  We begin at 7:30-8am weekdays and 8:30-9am Satudays.  Four adult hours gives you a week of vegetables. 
3) Let us know that you are interested and we'll make sure you are alerted about shares for 2006 as soon as they are available. 

1st share postponed

We are postponing our first share a week due to the cool spring we have had this year.  Soil temperatures have stayed so low that although our crops are planted and healthy, they are growing very slowly.  We need an extra week for the strawberries to ripen, and the lettuce and spinach to size up.  Your first share will be May 17 (Dupont and Farm Tuesday), May 18 (Anacostia) and May 21 (Farm Saturday).  We'll call or email everyone to alert you sometime this week.  Thanks for your patience!