The Eternal Dance of the Seasons
It all begins with a humble tray of seeds and soil in the greenhouse. As the frozen depths of February slowly melt away, planting these tiny specks of life is our annual act of faith – a testament to the eternal dance of the seasons. Though an unexpected April blizzard may try to delay spring’s arrival, we know that the snow will eventually recede, the soil will warm, and we will tenderly nurture thousands upon thousands of seeds into an abundant harvest.
At Thornap ple CSA, our dedicated team works tirelessly to coax this miraculous transformation from seed to vegetable. Led by our seasoned Farm Manager, Kate, who has honed her craft over five seasons, we move with the rhythm of the land, our movements as effortless as a well-choreographed ballet. Joined by the boundless energy and optimism of our Assistant Manager, Tanya, and a crew of passionate farmers, we pour our hearts into every row, every leaf, and every juicy tomato.
The Rewards of Responsible Stewardship
Of course, it’s not as simple as just planting and watching things grow. Our success is the result of smart, diligent, and backbreaking work. As the effects of climate change and irregular weather patterns continue to challenge us, we must constantly adapt our practices to ensure the long-term health and vitality of our land.
This year, we faced ongoing issues with disease pressure in our brassica family crops – broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage – exacerbated by the wet weather in early fall. In response, we’re taking a hard look at our crop mix and exploring innovative organic seed varieties and production methods that can help us mitigate these problems.
But our commitment to responsible stewardship extends beyond just the crops we grow. We’re also diving deep into our soil fertility and rejuvenation plans, recognizing that the foundation of plant health starts with the very ground beneath our feet. The heavy rains and winds that have become all too familiar can take a toll on our soil, and we’re determined to do the hard work necessary to maintain and improve its tilth and fertility.
The Gift of Abundance
Despite these challenges, our fields have produced an abundance of beauty and deliciousness that we are honored to share with our CSA community. From the first tender greens of spring to the juicy melons of summer and the hearty root vegetables of fall, we’ve been blessed with the bounty that our land provides.
One of the highlights for me this season was the introduction of our Spring Share, which allowed our members to visit the farm and experience the early-season vegetables we nurture with such care. Witnessing the delight on their faces as they reconnected with the land that sustains them fills me with a sense of profound gratitude.
And the tomatoes – oh, the tomatoes! After a few wet summers, the dry spell in August was the perfect recipe for some of the most flavorful, saucy goodness I’ve ever had the pleasure of freezing. I may have gone a little overboard, but can you blame me?
The Joy of Community
But perhaps the greatest joy of all has been the unwavering support and loyalty of our CSA community. For the past 13 years, we’ve had the privilege of attending the Westside Community Market on Saturdays, and this year, the dedication of our customers has been truly awe-inspiring. Rain or shine, they’ve shown up to celebrate the abundance we’ve cultivated, and we are endlessly grateful for their steadfast commitment.
This sense of community is at the heart of what it means to be a part of a CSA. I’ve always wanted our farm to remain small, where the direct connection between the families who eat our food and the land that nourishes them is strong and unbreakable. Your support allows us to focus on being good stewards, growing the best food we can, and supplying you and your loved ones with some of the most nutrient-dense, delicious, and seasonal vegetables on the planet.
The Tapestry of Local Agriculture
At Thornap ple CSA, we feel incredibly fortunate to be working on the fertile bottomlands of the Schneiderwind Farm, which overlooks the scenic Delaware River. This land has a rich history of supporting diverse agricultural production, from the sweet corn and cut flowers of the past to the current tapestry of annual and perennial flowers, landscape plants, honey, farm-fresh eggs, maple syrup, and seasonal produce.
We’re proud to be part of this vibrant agricultural community, working side-by-side with the Schneiderwind family to strengthen the local food system in the Bucks County and Hunterdon County region. Our shared commitment to sustainability, transparency, and responsible stewardship is the foundation upon which we’ve built our CSA.
The Integrity of the Story
As Wendell Berry so eloquently said, “the extended experience of taste” connects us to the land and the incredibly complex systems that brought our food to us. The integrity of that food is only as strong as the integrity of its story – the cultural, agricultural, and ecological tale that unfolds with each bite.
We are deeply honored to be the stewards of the Blue Moon story, and we’re grateful that you’ve chosen to be a part of it. From the first seed we plant to the final harvest, every step of the journey is infused with our passion, our determination, and our unwavering respect for the natural world that sustains us.
So, come with me on this adventure. Let’s delve into the rhythms of the seasons, the triumphs and challenges of responsible stewardship, and the joy of reconnecting with the land that nourishes us. Together, we’ll uncover the beauty, the abundance, and the profound connection that a community-supported agriculture service can offer.
