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CSA News : December 9, 2011

Root Zone Heating Project

The growing season may have come to an end-- but we're still working hard to make improvements around the farm. Take a look at our radiant heat project. You're looking at three 4' x 8' insulated pallets, constructed out of reclaimed lumber, connected by Pex tubing. We purchased a used 12 gallon water heater, attached a thermal expansion tank, and circulate the water with a vintage Taco water pump.

Each pallet will be filled with sand and covered with plastic supported supported by hoops. In the end we will have created 3 heated greenhouses within our unheated greenhouse. We can't wait to see what root zone heat and natural light does for our seedlings!

Also, with every project we do on the farm we are conscious of the environment and budget. We try to find used or reclaimed materials. I am happy to report that with no prior heating/plumbing/or electrical experience we were able to complete the project below the estimated cost. Lets take a look at the materials:

-insulation board: new

-lumber: reclaimed from an old porch

-plastic: all plastic reclaimed from the greenhouse taken down in 2010

-wire grid: 1'' x 2'' galvanized wire found on the farm

-Pex tubing: new

-Taco pump: used and donated to us

-expansion tank: new

-12 gallon water heater: used

We filled the system with water yesterday. We were able to get the water hot and found out that the old pump works great. What we hadn't thought through was how we'd drain the system. So, there are a few kinks to be worked out but we are confident that the system will be running smoothly by the time Brett brings the first of the seedlings out to the greenhouse.

Now, I am off to Vermont for winter work! Thanks to all who came to my farewell potluck. It has been wonderful gettting to know everyone in the Spoutwood community over the last two seasons. I may be partial, but I have complete confidence in your farm manager and the plans he is making; I'm sure next season will be record-breaking.

Take care!

-Erin
 
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CSA News : November 10

The Final Harvest

We still really love this work.

Even after an aberrant (the new normal) snow storm sent us scrambling to cobble together two final harvests that we had planned to be full and glorious.

We love it, still, despite having to compost the entirety of our late season fennel, which two weeks ago was the prettiest thing in the garden.

Working outdoors everyday, feeling the rolling rhythm of the season’s weather, choosing to be part of it rain or shine as the summer crescendos and then falls away is a part of why we’ve chosen this lifestyle.

Also in participating in the re-imagining of food systems and what may be the beginnings of a return to a more land-based population, and culture.  I recently read that last year the USDA reported an increase in the number of farms in the country, the first time that had happened in 150 years.

But what we love most is being able to play the small role in your lives that we do.  That one weekly pick-up is our full time focus, and we really do strive to make it nice every week.

In a lot of ways it’s sad to see the season come to a close.  But I, for one, am ready for a little break.  Not that the physical nature of the work is too much – it’s one of the best parts.  But Mother Nature was unwavering in her determination to make the growing of food difficult this year.  We need to separate for awhile, remember the good times and come back next year friends.

So farewell for now, and Thanks, so much, for being part of this.  It may seem a small thing, but it really matters in keeping small farms alive, keeping fresh food on the table, and in maintaining a real connection to that food.  Stay well and warm, and we really hope to see you next year (which will be the best ever).

What's in your bag?
 
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CSA Harvest Guide: November 3

Next week is the final harvest of the season!

Thank you for your participation in the Spoutwood CSA this year.  It’s been a challenging season, from start to finish, with the grand finale of 8” of heavy, wet snow this past Saturday.  Even the cold-hardiest vegetables don’t take too kindly to that sort of treatment.  But we’ll do our level best, as always, to assemble two bountiful harvests out of what's left.  The unfolding of this season is not something we would ever hope for, or hope to repeat, but a good reminder of what CSAs are all about.
We hope you’ll consider joining us again next year.  Information on 2012’s membership types/rates, including a discount for early sign-ups, will be available soon.

Please remember to bring any extra harvest bags when you come to pick up your share.  The one you take home with you next week is yours to keep.

 

 

What's in your bag?

 
 
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Spoutwood News

  • CSA News

    CSA News : December 9, 2011

    Root Zone Heating Project

    The growing season may have come to an end-- but we're still working hard to make improvements around the farm. Take a look at our radiant heat project. You're looking at three 4' x 8' insulated pallets, constructed out of reclaimed lumber, connected by Pex tubing. We purchased a used 12 gallon water heater, attached a thermal expansion tank, and circulate the water with a vintage Taco water pump.

    Each pallet will be filled with sand and covered with plastic supported supported by hoops. In the end we will have created 3 heated greenhouses within our unheated greenhouse. We can't wait to see what root zone heat and natural light does for our seedlings!

    Also, with every project we do on the farm we are conscious of the environment and budget. We try to find used or reclaimed materials. I am happy to report that with no prior heating/plumbing/or electrical experience we were able to complete the project below the estimated cost. Lets take a look at the materials:

    -insulation board: new

    -lumber: reclaimed from an old porch

    -plastic: all plastic reclaimed from the greenhouse taken down in 2010

    -wire grid: 1'' x 2'' galvanized wire found on the farm

    -Pex tubing: new

    -Taco pump: used and donated to us

    -expansion tank: new

    -12 gallon water heater: used

    We filled the system with water yesterday. We were able to get the water hot and found out that the old pump works great. What we hadn't thought through was how we'd drain the system. So, there are a few kinks to be worked out but we are confident that the system will be running smoothly by the time Brett brings the first of the seedlings out to the greenhouse.

    Now, I am off to Vermont for winter work! Thanks to all who came to my farewell potluck. It has been wonderful gettting to know everyone in the Spoutwood community over the last two seasons. I may be partial, but I have complete confidence in your farm manager and the plans he is making; I'm sure next season will be record-breaking.

    Take care!

    -Erin

  • Faerie Festival News

    Fairie Festival 2011

    General Information!

    The Festival is rain or shine!

    May 4: 12-7
    May 5&6:10-6

    Admission:

    $15 for ages 13 and up
    $5 for ages 3-12
    2 and under:  FREE

    Friday May 4:  Ages 12 and under FREE

    Parking is $5 in Lots 1, 2 and 3

    Limited Handicapped parking at Festival Entrance and Lot 2.  Drop off strollers and wheelchairs at Festival Entrance, if desired.

    Spoutwood Farm's address is 4255 Pierceville Rd. Glen Rock, PA 17327

    Directions to the three festival parking lots. From here you will need to take a short stroll (about 3/10 of a mile) to the festival.

    From York and North
    Head South on I-83 to Exit 8 (Glen Rock). Turn right onto Rte. 216 West. Go into Glen Rock. Stay on 216 West for 4 miles out of Glen Rock. Turn left onto Pierceville Rd. Parking is 1/4 mile on left.
    From Baltimore and South
    Take I-83 North to Middletown Road Exit 31. Turn left onto Middletown Rd. Go 12.7 miles to Pierceville Rd. Turn right and parking is on the right.
    From Hanover and West
    Take Rte 216 East toward Glen Rock. Turn right at Sticks intersection, the junction of Rtes 216 and 516. Turn right, going one mile to Pierceville Rd. Turn left. Parking is on the right.

    TRAVEL TIP:  If you are travelling through the Carlisle PA area, be advised that the Spring Car Show (which draws several thousand people each day, like we do) will be happening, in addition to major traffic pattern changes within the town itself.  Watch for MAJOR congestion in Carlisle and nearby on I-81 and the PA Turnpike!

    Questions:  717-235-6610

     

  • Education News

    Teen Battle Chef

    The Teen Battle Chef program empowers youth to become ambassadors for healthy eating, through hands-on cooking activities. TBC is the flagship program for FamilyCook Productions. This year  FamilyCook Productions is partnering with TV's Dr. Oz to bring TBC to over 50 schools across the country. Spoutwood Farm is the model for Farm/CSA Teen Battle Chef programs that are "stirring up change" in Pennsylvania and Maryland.

    Teen Battle Chef is an eight session program that teaches teens and "tweens" how to cook using fresh, healthful ingredients. Each week two teams of young chefs learn culinary skills, nutrition, team work and leadership as they make (and taste) delicious multicultural recipes and present their finished products in the weekly "food battles." The chefs learn about the county of origin of the recipes and experience new foods and flavors. Ultimately each team researches and creates a recipe to prepare for the "final battle." Family and special guests are invited to celebrate with the teams at their final presentations. The cost for the eight week program is $80.00 per chef

     

    Spoutwood's Teen Battle Chefs can go on to lead food demonstrations at Spoutwood events, community health fairs, farmers markets, and create garden to table cooking demonstrations during the CSA season. We are also "cooking up" opportunities for Spoutwood Teen Battle Chefs to host other TBC teams in an invitational "cook off."

    Our spring TBC program will be held at Woodberry Crossing,
    925 Stablersville Road, Parkton, MD 21120

    Saturdays from 2-4:30

    April 2, 9, 30, May 7, 14, 21, 28, June 4

    Our summer TBC program will be held at Spoutwood Farm
    4255 Pierceville Road, Glen Rock, PA 17327

    July 11, 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 21 2-5 pm

    Register online or contact:

    Liz Leinwand 443 695 0015 lizleinwand@comcast.net

     

  • MEHF News

    Spoutwood Farm Proudly Presents

     A Parade of Garden Vegetables & Musical Instrument Making Workshop at...

    The 7th Annual Mother Earth Hands-On Harvest Fair

    Saturday, October 1, 2011 10am to 5pm
    Spoutwood Farm, Glen Rock

    On October 1, 2011 from 10:00am - 5:00pm Spoutwood Farm presents the 7th Annual Mother Earth Hands-On Harvest Festival. Among the many fun fall activities there will be a Parade of Garden Vegetables. Join adults and children alike as we march and dance through the festival in our finest vegetable garden costumes. A prize will be given to all persons costumed and joining in the parade. Dress up as your favorite garden edible, garden critter, a garden shovel, or gardener themselves!

    Download a costume guide here!


    You can also join in the fun of our garden parade by playing your own hand made percussion instrument! Using objects found in nature, as well as repurposed materials, we will be creating some very cool drums and rattles. This is a fun craft for children and adults alike, and makes for a wonderful keepsake to remember your day at the fair! Workshop is free, scheduled at various times during the fair.

    spoutwood@comcast.net 

  • Observatory News

    Spoutwood Farm Observatory

    News and Announcements for 2012

    1. Introducing the Spoutwood Space Gallery! The Spoutwood Farm Observatory is pleased to present our first online gallery of astrophotography, now available on this website and on our Spoutwood Farm Center Facebook page. Enjoy digital CCD images of the Sun, Moon, and planets, as well as video streams and composite slide shows.

      jupiter_2011-12-18_III                                                                                                  Jupiter Optimus Maximus 

    2. Vernal Equinox Open House  You are cordially invited to the first of our four Open Houses, Friday March 23rd, at 6 p.m.  Come out to the Farm and celebrate the arrival of Spring in the charm of the Frodo Building, take a tour of the Observatory, and see telescope views of Venus, Mars, Saturn, and much more!  Please see the 'Schedule' tab for more information concerning our 2012 Open Houses.  

                                      observatory_spring_vernal_equinox_card

    3. Galaxies and Nebulae  We are pleased to report the return to action of our 20" Dobsonian reflecting telescope after surviving a large ash tree falling on the roof of its shed.  Miraculously only minor damage was done to the roof; after a thorough cleaning the telescope works perfectly.  Don't miss the stunning views of deep space offered by this excellent telescope!  

    observatory_photos_ash_tree_on_the_sundial

    The Dobsonian Shed after the Halloween Snowstorm of 2011.  The sundial is untouched in the only clear spot on the deck.