Happy New Year!
Well so much for it being a dry winter! The crops are holding up thru the rain, but with how soggy the soil is, we will be a bit behind planting the succession crops waiting in the greenhouse. The good news is we’ve passed the winter solstice, so not only will the days be getting longer but the sun’s angle will also be getting higher and higher, all of which will help crops start growing a bit quicker. From around Thanksgiving to mid-January everything always slows down to a snail’s pace and then rebounds growing quicker and quicker. The first round of sugar snap peas will be ready by next week followed by cabbage, butterhead lettuce, romaine and bok choy. In a few short weeks, we will be seeding summer crops, so they are ready to go into the ground first of March.
For now, it’s the Season of Citrus, so much citrus, but hold on there is so much you can do with citrus from making fabulous dishes to cleaning your house!
Here’s a link to creative way to include citrus into your diet 30 Recipes to Make with Fresh Citrus | Taste of Home In Young Pioneers, we made a Citrus Galette, which all the kids really liked. There are so many ways to incorporate citrus into your diet on top of just eating an orange.
This link provides many uses for citrus peels. We’ve started our jars of citrus peels soaking in vinegar, which makes a fabulous cleaner that does not introduce any additional chemicals into our household and is a fraction of the cost of store bought 50+ Uses for Citrus Peels (wisebread.com)
Our Farm Stand Hours: Saturdays 9am-Noon.
What’s Being Harvested
Arugula, Bok Choy, Broccoli, Butterhead Lettuce, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Carrots, Chard, Cherry Tomatoes, Collards, Guavas, Grapefruit, Green Onion, Kale, Lemons, Limes, Mandarins, Oranges, Radishes, Romaine Lettuce, Tangelos, Turnips, Zucchini
The Pantry
In our pantry you will find our homemade jams, preserves, dehydrated goods, and Sand n’ Straw gear as well as… Root & Splendor Non-toxic Laundry Concentrate, Pre-spotter, and Room Sprays, Munro’s Apothecary Natural Soaps & Balms , Mellow Minds , and My Treehouse Candles
| LUNCHBOX CHALLENGE |
| Its that time of year again for the Lunchbox Challenge. We’ve reformatted into an eBook for easier use. The Challenge is 37 pages long and has been collaborated on with two nutritionists including multiple recipes with ways to rethink your lunches, getting everyone in the family involved to jump start a healthy 2023! We hope you join us on the Lunchbox Challenge set to launch January 23rd! $21.00 Shop |
Your Backyard Garden
It’s time to start thinking about growing some of your own food, even if it’s starting off with an herb garden and a few fruit trees. There’s no time like the present and its bare root tree season! What is bare root season? Its where you can get fruit trees for half the price, you’ll be able to get them in when they are potted up, so a great way to be able to get a jump start to your orchard, but it only lasts for a few short weeks in January and then it’s over.
When looking for trees, don’t just buy all the same type of peaches look for trees that give early, mid and late season to extend the season and not have all your fruit come at once. On The Farm, Farmer Rich has researched and studied fruit tree varieties with over 100 and counting different varieties of trees.
Not sure where to start? We offer garden consultations, gardening and fruit tree classes, as well as farm tours to help you get started. Click here for more information. We are also around at the Farm Stand for questions and will be your cheerleading section to help you get started!
Try a Farm Box Today!
We provide a variety of freshly picked, hand selected items in your share with new varieties each week so that you never get bored in your kitchen! Items include leafy greens, root crops, herbs, and vegetables.
Full Share & Half Share sizes available.
YOUR KITCHEN.
Cooking should never be boring. New recipes, tips and foodies talking about their latest creations to help you on your journey. It’s all in the community!
YOUR PRODUCE.
Your weekly box is full of fresh locally grown fruits, veggies and herbs harvested at just the right time for you and your family in mind. We’re about to explode your taste buds!
YOUR FARM.
Ever dreamt of the farm life? By joining the community you get a glimpse of farm life and enjoy farm fresh produce without the chores. We open up the farm to create life long memories thru workshops, tours and events for your family.
FARM HAPPENINGS
Animal Visits
Every Saturday starting 9:30 am
Come visit our farm animals and spend some time with our sheep, Misty & Shona, as well as Opal, the farms sweetest little pig. You’ll also get to feed Opal’s parents Ken & Bae and visit with the goats for a bit. Wrap up your experience with our chickens. You may even spot a bunny or two!
Story Time Every other Thursday @ 9amCome join Ms. Nancy and friends on the farm for stories, songs and coloring! Thursdays we are open for Story Time and Animal Visits. Registration is required ahead of time!
6 -Acre Farm Tour
Every 2nd Saturday @ 10amCome take a tour of our 6 acre farm including the ponds, seasonal creeks, growing areas, food forest and more! You’ll learn about regenerative agriculture and permaculture, while exploring the farm guided by one of our farmers. Be prepared for a rigorous walk, the farm is terraced!
Story Time
Every other Thursday @ 9amCome join Ms. Nancy and friends on the farm for stories, songs and coloring! Thursdays we are open for Story Time and Animal Visits.
Registration is required ahead of time!
Natural Dyeing Workshop
January 28th @ 10am – During this workshop you will learn about the process of creating natural dyes using earths materials, how to create & use a natural mordant, and have fun bundle dying silk & cotton scarves! We will make pale pinks with avocado pits, sunny yellows with eucalyptus leaves, and many other earth tones with materials found right here on the farm! All ages welcome!
TODAY’S RECIPE
Citrus Galette
See you on The Farm! Sand n Straw Community Farm- 629 Mar Vista Drive -Vista, CA
