Week 20 of 26:October is here

Farm Updates

With just six weeks left in the season, we’re winding down—but you can still look forward to an abundance of fall crops! The rain has done wonders, helping them thrive. Even some of the summer ones are seeing a little resurgence, like all of the pepper varieties.

Our cover crop has also gotten off to an amazing start, with many seeds already germinating and now a few inches tall. Establishing a strong early stand is key, as it allows the root systems to grow deep, maximizing the soil health benefits. That said, we wouldn’t mind a break from the rain! We still have some seeding to do for our final round of salad greens, like arugula and spicy mix. Once the fields dry out and the tractors can get back to work, you can expect lettuce to take center stage in the coming weeks.

The crew is all also proud to report that our tomatoes are still ripening! You can expect one or two ripe tomatoes to accompany this week's bounty. Peppers and eggplants, our remaining summer crops, should last until the first frost. And don’t forget—you can freeze peppers easily! Simply slice them, remove the seeds, and pop them into a freezer bag. They’re great for tossing into a sauté or as a pizza topping later.

As for greens, get ready to incorporate them into everything! We’ll have a bounty of cabbages, from the classic green heads to the wavy-leafed Savoys. Our kale and collards are lush, and fun root crops like beets and carrots are also on the way. Lastly, keep an eye out for sweet potatoes in the final weeks!

Keep the shares coming through the Winter Season!

Check out our next season’s offerings with shares starting in December.

U-pick

U-pick Hours: Monday- Saturday 9:00-6:00 p.m. Closed Sundays
Please note you can drive around the gates if closed by continuing straight towards the Residence and then turning left at the corner of the fence to head back towards the 3 large barns

Kale (Lacinato/red), Collards- This will be the field you pass on your left once you enter the gate heading up to the CSA pick-up,
VERY IMPORTANT——-Please only pick the rows marked!!!! We will also have a stopping point in each row that will indicate where to stop U-picking as we will still be harvesting these crops for shares.
Cherry Tomatoes
Chili peppers - Located in the large field just as you enter the farm to the right just as you pass the large gate we will have the red signs.
Jalapenos
Shishito
Cayenne
Sweet Pimento
Directly in Herb Garden next to CSA pick-up
Starting from the first oval brick bed nearest the picnic table, these herbs are ready to pick- Please ask if you would like a demo on how to cut best:

Parsley
Oregano
Thyme
Mint
Rosemary

Any flowers you see are up for grabs, just be mindful that we are a community sharing this space and opportunity.

More from the Farm

Bulk Beef Pre-Orders Available Now!!!
Expected back by November 1

Roasted Turnips and radish Recipe

Walk-ins during pick-up are welcomed!!!
We accept cash or credit card

-The Clagett Crew
Please let us know if you have any questions by emailing us at Clagettfarm@cbf.org, or checking in with staff at pick-up!

If you wish to add additional emails to receive this email each week, subscribe here.

CBF offers many cool opportunities to take part in our watershed from here at the farm and our many other programs, see what’s happening on the CBF event calendar.

Elissa Planz

September 24, 2024

Week 19 of 26: Fall is officially here!

Elissa Planz

September 24, 2024

Main Season CSA Pick-up Schedule

Wednesday -Clagett Farm, 3:00-6:00 p.m.
Thursday - Annapolis, 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Friday - Davidsonville, 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Saturday - Clagett Farm, 1:00-4:00p.m.

This Week’s Share

Garlic Heads
Kale | Collards
Romaine Lettuce | Salad Greens
Tomatoes
Eggplant | Okra | Chili’s
Bell Peppers
Yellow Onions
Hakurei Turnips | Radish Medley

Farm Updates

As we enter the last week of September and the first official week of fall, we are excited to still see one of the best overlaps of the season with both summer and cool-season crops coming in from the fields. These cool-season crops are loving these cool dewy fall mornings, and the rain this week has been a nice bonus. Especially as went to plant our cover crop seed! This rain will allow those seeds to germinate nicely to make a nice lush cover to keep our topsoil right where we want it and to give a nice bonus of organic matter to our fields come spring when they will be reincorporated.

Having tomatoes at this point in the season is also especially exciting, though they are ripening more slowly and facing more pressure from caterpillars and other critters. We expect to see them decline after this week, so please savor the ripe tomatoes while they last just a bit longer.

As we ease into October next week, the first frost will be on our minds, as summer crops won't survive the chill. So we will be on the lookout, especially past the mid-way point. But as they know what is coming with these cooler nights- our eggplant peppers and okra are slowing down. We expect to still see them around a couple more weeks.

Over the next six weeks, you can expect to see a bit more of summer, more greens, from salad-size leaves to cabbage varieties, along with roots like carrots and rutabagas, and of course, sweet potatoes coming in those final weeks!

Keep the shares coming through the Winter Season!

Check out our next season’s offerings with shares starting back up in December.

Shares are selling fast…….

U-pick

U-pick Hours: Monday- Saturday 9:00-6:00 p.m. Closed Sundays
Please note you can drive around the gates if closed by continuing straight towards the Residence and then turning left at the corner of the fence to head back towards the 3 large barns

Cherry Tomatoes
Chili peppers - Located in the large field just as you enter the farm to the right just as you pass the large gate we will have the red signs (next to older tomato field)
Jalapenos
Shishito
Cayenne
Sweet Pimento
The larger annual herb and flower field (Also referred to as Field G2)-
Make use of this field while it is still here this week; it is being flagged to prepare for the cover crop.

Thai Basil (purple flowers)
Holy Basil (Light white/purple flowers)
Cut Flowers
Directly in Herb Garden next to CSA pick-up
Starting from the first oval brick bed nearest the picnic table, these herbs are ready to pick- Please ask if you would like a demo on how to cut best:

Parsley
Oregano
Thyme
Mint
Rosemary

Any flowers you see are up for grabs, just be mindful that we are a community sharing this space and opportunity.

More from the Farm

Bulk Beef Pre-Orders Available Now!!!
Expected back by November 1

Walk-ins during pick-up are welcomed!!!
We accept cash or credit card

-The Clagett Crew
Please let us know if you have any questions by emailing us at Clagettfarm@cbf.org, or checking in with staff at pick-up!

If you wish to add additional emails to receive this email each week, subscribe here.

CBF offers many cool opportunities to take part in our watershed from here at the farm and our many other programs, see what’s happening on the CBF event calendar.

Elissa Planz

September 17, 2024

Week 18 of 26: The Salad greens and roots keep coming

Elissa Planz

September 17, 2024

Main Season CSA Pick-up Schedule

Wednesday -Clagett Farm, 3:00-6:00 p.m.
Thursday - Annapolis, 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Friday - Davidsonville, 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Saturday - Clagett Farm, 1:00-4:00p.m.

This Week’s Share

Garlic Head
Tomatoes
Chinese Cabbage
Daikon & Watermelon Radishes
Arugula | Spicy Mix | Tokyo Bekana
Eggplant | Okra | Chili’s
Bell Peppers
Yellow Onions

Farm Updates

This week, we're featuring Root Medleys, with the purple daikon bringing with it two new varieties that are ready for harvest: the white daikon radishes and the vibrant red watermelon radishes.

The rain earlier this week, especially overnight on Monday, was a welcome relief. All the greens are thriving, especially the newer plantings. However, we’re holding off on harvesting kale and collards for one more week to give them time to size up, as fall regrowth can be a bit slower so we want to be sure they keep coming once we start. But rest assured once we start they usually hang around until the final week and even taste better after a light frost.

In the high tunnels, the tomatoes are enjoying the warm and dry conditions, with the rolled-up sides keeping them comfortable. They will be making an appearance still this week, along with the remaining field tomatoes, which are ripening, albeit at a slower but steady pace.

While most summer crops are winding down, some, like the chilies, are still going strong. It’s a great time to visit the farm for U-pick if you’re looking to make hot sauce or chili powder. And for those who’ve been waiting for large stuffing peppers, the poblanos have finally come into their own and will notice they have grown in size this week.

We’ve also got an impressive bounty of lettuce coming up, so stay tuned for that!

Keep the shares coming through the Winter Season!

Check out our next season’s offerings with shares starting back up in December

U-pick

U-pick Hours: Monday- Saturday 9:00-6:00 p.m. Closed Sundays
Please note you can drive around the gates if closed by continuing straight towards the Residence and then turning left at the corner of the fence to head back towards the 3 large barns

Cherry Tomatoes
Chili peppers - Located in the large field just as you enter the farm to the right just as you pass the large gate we will have the red signs (next to older tomato field)
Jalapenos
Shishito
Cayenne
Sweet Pimento
The larger annual herb and flower field (Also referred to as Field G2)-
Make use of this field while it is still here this week; it is being flagged to prepare for the cover crop.

Thai Basil (purple flowers)
Holy Basil (Light white/purple flowers)
Cut Flowers
Directly in Herb Garden next to CSA pick-up
Starting from the first oval brick bed nearest the picnic table, these herbs are ready to pick- Please ask if you would like a demo on how to cut best:

Parsley
Oregano
Thyme
Mint
Rosemary

Any flowers you see are up for grabs, just be mindful that we are a community sharing this space and opportunity.

More from the Farm

Bulk Beef Pre-Orders Available Now!!!
Expected back by November 1

Walk-ins during pick-up are welcomed!!!
We accept cash or credit card

-The Clagett Crew
Please let us know if you have any questions by emailing us at Clagettfarm@cbf.org, or checking in with staff at pick-up!

If you wish to add additional emails to receive this email each week, subscribe here.

CBF offers many cool opportunities to take part in our watershed from here at the farm and our many other programs, see what’s happening on the CBF event calendar.

Elissa Planz

September 10, 2024

Week 17 of 26: The seasons are blending beautifully

Elissa Planz

September 10, 2024

Main Season CSA Pick-up Schedule

Wednesday -Clagett Farm, 3:00-6:00 p.m.
Thursday - Annapolis, 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Friday - Davidsonville, 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Saturday - Clagett Farm, 1:00-4:00p.m.

This Week’s Share

Garlic Head
Tomatoes
Chinese Cabbage
Daikon Radishes
Arugula | Spicy Mix | Tokyo Bekana
Eggplant | Okra
Bell Peppers
Yellow Onions
Chili’s

Daikon Radish Recipe

Farm Updates

The mornings and early evenings are no longer just whispering of fall, now bringing in cooler temps settling into the chilly mid-50s. While rain has been scarce at the farm, it’s much easier to manage than June’s drought and intense heat. A nice shower would give both the greens and the farmers a welcome boost, but for now, we’re relying on our trusty drip line irrigation to keep everything thriving.

As we finish planting the last of the fall transplants, including the final rounds of lettuce, our focus is shifting toward helping the last succession of tomatoes ripen a bit faster. We’re getting a bit impatient, but we have a few tricks up our sleeve before frost arrives and we have to let them ripen off the vine.

This week, we are seeing the third succession finally see more ripe tomatoes than last week! Plus we’ve also secured the sides of our high tunnel to keep the two rows a little warmer overnight, and we’re pleased with the yield so far, especially considering this small trial almost slipped away from us during the busiest days of summer. For yields expect to see a bit more than last week for shares this week and next. We will keep you posted with the ripening report next week as we go.

Our eggplant, bell, chili peppers, and okra are hanging in just fine but will also start to slow down as the daylight hours keep disappearing.

And hats off to cucumbers this season—from the early high tunnel slicers to the continued field plantings through transplanting, we had 16 straight weeks of cucumbers. We hope everyone has enjoyed them and would love to hear what recipes became a summer staple for you.

Alongside this, we’re turning our attention to the soil, which is the heart of everything we do. We’re pulling out old drip lines, clearing fields from early summer crops, and preparing the ground for cover crops. These crops won’t be harvested but will be incorporated back into the soil, with a mix that offers benefits like weed suppression, pulling nitrogen from the air, and holding down our topsoil through winter to keep everything in place for the next season.

Looking ahead into the fall crops for our shares, next week we will start getting into the Kales and Collards!

With nine more weeks, we will start to see more and more of the cool weather crops, wrapping up with the arrival of sweet potatoes in the final weeks.

Keep the Share’s coming through the Winter Season!

Check out our next season’s offerings with shares starting back up in December

U-pick

U-pick Hours: Monday- Saturday 9:00-6:00 p.m. Closed Sundays
Please note you can drive around the gates if closed by continuing straight towards the Residence and then turning left at the corner of the fence to head back towards the 3 large barns

Chili peppers - Located in the large field just as you enter the farm to the right just as you pass the large gate we will have the red signs (next to older tomato field)
Jalapenos
Shishito
Cayenne
Sweet Pimento
The larger annual herb and flower field (Also referred to as Field G2)-
Make use of this field while it is still here this week; it is being flagged to prepare for the cover crop.
Basil: Italian (regular),
Thai Basil (purple flowers)
Holy Basil (Light white/purple flowers)
Cut Flowers
Directly in Herb Garden next to CSA pick-up
Starting from the first oval brick bed nearest the picnic table, these herbs are ready to pick- Please ask if you would like a demo on how to cut best:

Parsley
Oregano
Thyme
Mint
Rosemary

Any flowers you see are up for grabs, just be mindful that we are a community sharing this space and opportunity.

More from the Farm

Grass-Fed Beef and Lamb cuts & Honey
Available now while supplies last

Walk-ins during pick-up are welcomed!!!
We accept cash or credit card

Bulk Beef Pre-orders are available now in the farm store and expected back on the farm by November 1

-The Clagett Crew
Please let us know if you have any questions by emailing us at Clagettfarm@cbf.org, or checking in with staff at pick-up!

If you wish to add additional emails to receive this email each week, subscribe here.

CBF offers many cool opportunities to take part in our watershed from here at the farm and our many other programs, see what’s happening on the CBF event calendar.

Elissa Planz

September 3, 2024

Week 16 of 26: Moving into the last ten weeks

Elissa Planz

September 3, 2024

Main Season CSA Pick-up Schedule

Wednesday -Clagett Farm, 3:00-6:00 p.m.
Thursday - Annapolis, 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Friday - Davidsonville, 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Saturday - Clagett Farm, 1:00-4:00p.m.

This Week’s Share

Garlic Head
Tomato Medley
Daikon Radishes
Cucumbers
Eggplant | Okra
Sweet & Bell Peppers
Yellow Onions
Chili’s

Eggplant Stirfry Recipe

Farm Updates

As we ease into September, we're excited to introduce our beautiful purple daikon radishes. The abundant rain has been a blessing for our fall crops, and we anticipate a lush spread of greens by the end of the month. Next week, we'll have the perfect pairing for those cherry tomatoes—the first cutting of fall arugula! Mmmm!

We're holding onto our summer crops with all our farming might, though we expect the sweet peppers to start fading soon, with bell peppers lasting a bit longer. Eggplants have had a great season, thanks to the drier conditions earlier this year, and should be around for a few more weeks.

Onions are now shifting towards just yellow varieties. They’ve been curing in the barn for some time and have excellent storage potential. Just keep them in a cool, dark place until you’re ready to use them. As for tomatoes, our cherry varieties are still going strong, and the last set of field tomatoes is starting to ripen, which should give us more larger tomatoes over the next two weeks. We hope you’ve been enjoying your medley boxes as much as our crew enjoys crafting them!

Our high tunnel tomatoes, though just two rows, have been a wonderful bonus, ripening faster now that they can retain more heat at night. We’ll see if they outlast the field tomatoes that were planted at the same time.

In the coming weeks, we’ll begin closing out the summer fields by planting cover crops. These will help establish ground cover before winter, protecting our topsoil during precipitation and adding valuable organic matter for the next season when we reincorporate it into the soil come spring.

Enjoy watching the farm go through this big transition, both on the drive up and on our CSA benches.

U-pick

U-pick Hours: Monday- Saturday 9:00-6:00 p.m. Closed Sundays
Please note you can drive around the gates if closed by continuing straight towards the Residence and then turning left at the corner of the fence to head back towards the 3 large barns

Chili peppers - Located in the large field just as you enter the farm to the right just as you pass the large gate we will have the red signs (next to older tomato field)
Jalapenos
Shishito
Cayenne
Sweet Pimento
The larger annual herb and flower field (Also referred to as Field G2)-
Make use of this field while it is still here this week; it is being flagged to prepare for the cover crop!
Basil: Italian (regular),
Thai Basil (purple flowers)
Holy Basil (Light white/purple flowers)
Cut Flowers
Directly in Herb Garden next to CSA pick-up
Starting from the first oval brick bed nearest the picnic table, these herbs are ready to pick- Please ask if you would like a demo on how to cut best:

Parsley
Oregano
Thyme
Mint
Rosemary

Any flowers you see are up for grabs, just be mindful that we are a community sharing this space and opportunity.

More from the Farm

Grass-Fed Beef and Lamb cuts & Honey
Available now while supplies last

Walk-ins during pick-up are welcomed!!!
We accept cash or credit card

Remote Shareholders: Have your pre-orders delivered to your next CSA pick-up! Select your CSA site at checkout to request, and we will reach out to confirm via email.

-The Clagett Crew
Please let us know if you have any questions by emailing us at Clagettfarm@cbf.org, or checking in with staff at pick-up!

If you wish to add additional emails to receive this email each week, subscribe here.

CBF offers many cool opportunities to take part in our watershed from here at the farm and our many other programs, see what’s happening on the CBF event calendar.

Elissa Planz

August 27, 2024

Week 15 of 26: Winding down of summer

Elissa Planz

August 27, 2024

Main Season CSA Pick-up Schedule

Wednesday -Clagett Farm, 3:00-6:00 p.m.
Thursday - Annapolis, 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Friday - Davidsonville, 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Saturday - Clagett Farm, 1:00-4:00p.m.

This Week’s Share

Garlic Head
Ginger
Tomato Medley
Cucumbers
Eggplant | Okra
Sweet & Bell Peppers
Red & Yellow Onions
Chili’s

Learn more

Farm Updates

It's been quite a season so far, despite facing one of the longest droughts we've experienced as growers and relentless heat indexes. But here we are—on the other side, exhausted and a little wiser.

But certainly not hungry! Thanks to our amazing crew, we've still managed to pull 40,000 pounds of food from our fields this season, and we're still going strong! So let’s stock up on summer while it’s here and make way for fall—because it’s on its way.

Before it does, we’re going to hold on tight to things like this last round of cucumbers and keep harvesting the fruits that the pepper and eggplant plants continue to produce.

Our high tunnel tomatoes will have one last showing this week as we prepare the tunnel for its next crops. These tomatoes were such a treat back in early June, ripening 2-3 weeks before our first field tomatoes.

They've been equally valuable over the past two weeks as we've waited for cooler nights to stop confusing the many green tomatoes in our final field. We hope the warmer nights we’re having now will encourage them to ripen faster. Still, while they take their time, we’re all very happy they’re there and look forward to more weeks of tomatoes ahead. By the end of this month, we should see summer start to fade, making way for some cool-season gems like our beloved salad greens and unique root crops. And look at how large our Chinese cabbages are already below!

U-pick

U-pick Hours: Monday- Saturday 9:00-6:00 p.m. Closed Sundays

The larger annual herb and flower field (Also referred to as Field G2)-
Make use of this field while it is still here this week, it being flagged to prepare for cover crop!
Basil: Italian (regular),
Thai Basil (purple flowers)
Holy Basil (Light white/purple flowers)
Cut Flowers
Directly in Herb Garden next to CSA pick-up
Starting from the first oval brick bed nearest the picnic table, these herbs are ready to pick- Please ask if you would like a demo on how to cut best:

Parsley
Oregano
Thyme
Mint
Rosemary

Any flowers you see are up for grabs, just be mindful that we are a community sharing this space and opportunity.

More from the Farm

Grass-Fed Beef and Lamb cuts & Honey
Available now while supplies last

Walk-ins during pick-up are welcomed!!!
We accept cash or credit card

Remote Shareholders: Have your pre-orders delivered to your next CSA pick-up! Select your CSA site at checkout to request, and we will reach out to confirm via email.

-The Clagett Crew
Please let us know if you have any questions by emailing us at Clagettfarm@cbf.org, or checking in with staff at pick-up!

If you wish to add additional emails to receive this email each week, subscribe here.

CBF offers many cool opportunities to take part in our watershed from here at the farm and our many other programs, see what’s happening on the CBF event calendar.

Elissa Planz

August 20, 2024

Week 14 of 26: Keeping summer going

Elissa Planz

August 20, 2024

Main Season CSA Pick-up Schedule

Wednesday -Clagett Farm, 3:00-6:00 p.m.
Thursday - Annapolis, 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Friday - Davidsonville, 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Saturday - Clagett Farm, 1:00-4:00p.m.

This Week’s Share

Garlic Head
Ginger
Tomatoes
Cucumbers
Eggplant | Okra
Sweet & Bell Peppers
Shallots | Red & Yellow Onions
Chili’s

Farm Updates

August is moving by quickly and the fall air seems to be moving in more and more each morning. But there are still signs of summer all around the farm. The last round of cucumbers has arrived right on time, with the smaller pickling cukes and larger slicing varieties making their appearance. We're also happy to report that fresh ginger is sticking around, adding some zest to our shares this week.

We’re gearing up for the final batch of field tomatoes. However, they seem to need another week to fully ripen, so we’ll be pulling what we can from our last set—expect a smaller share of larger tomatoes this week. The cherry tomatoes, however, will help fill the gap until the larger ones come on more strongly.

The tomato plants are looking healthy and upright, with plenty of green fruits still clinging to the vines. It’s great to see this summer staple hanging on a bit longer—kudos to the crew for carefully managing the twining right through to the end.

In our region, it’s increasingly challenging to fend off diseases in tomatoes, as they love to vine out but struggle when their vines are wet. Proper management and training of these plants upward give this summer icon a fighting chance through this last stretch, which coincides with hurricane season. Other favorites like peppers, eggplant, onions, and okra are also thriving, and we expect them to keep coming in throughout September.

With most of the summer tasks behind us, our focus—aside from harvesting—has shifted to preparing for fall. We’ve been busy planting and weeding fall crops, along with tackling tasks like getting cover cropping ready to phase out summer fields, and overall preparing for the winter season. So far, fall is shaping up nicely, with the occasional rain helping our transplants and root crops along.

So here’s to keeping summer going just a bit longer, and making way for one of our favorite times of year with the greens starting to overlap just a bit more than we saw in the spring-to-summer transition.

U-pick

U-pick Hours: Monday- Saturday 9:00-6:00 p.m. Closed Sundays

Cherry Tomatoes by the CSA pick-up area!
This is the field in the fenced-in bit across from the CSA parking
The larger annual herb and flower field (Also referred to as Field G2)
Parsley
Basil: Italian (regular),
Thai Basil (purple flowers)
Holy Basil (Light white/purple flowers)
Cut Flowers
Directly in Herb Garden next to CSA pick-up
Starting from the first oval brick bed nearest the picnic table, these herbs are ready to pick- Please ask if you would like a demo on how to cut best:

Parsley
Oregano
Thyme
Mint
Rosemary

Any flowers you see are up for grabs, just be mindful that we are a community sharing this space and opportunity.

More from the Farm

Grass-Fed Beef and Lamb cuts & Honey
Available now while supplies last

Remote Shareholders: Have your pre-orders delivered to your next CSA pick-up! Select your CSA site at checkout to request, and we will reach out to confirm via email.

-The Clagett Crew
Please let us know if you have any questions by emailing us at Clagettfarm@cbf.org, or checking in with staff at pick-up!

If you wish to add additional emails to receive this email each week, subscribe here.

CBF offers many cool opportunities to take part in our watershed from here at the farm and our many other programs, see what’s happening on the CBF event calendar.

Elissa Planz

August 13, 2024

Week 13 of 26: Ginger, and the midway point of the season

Elissa Planz

August 13, 2024

Main Season CSA Pick-up Schedule

Wednesday -Clagett Farm, 3:00-6:00 p.m.
Thursday - Annapolis, 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Friday - Davidsonville, 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Saturday - Clagett Farm, 1:00-4:00p.m.

This Week’s Share

Garlic Head
Ginger
Tomatoes
Summer Squash |Cucumbers
Eggplant | Okra
Sweet & Bell Peppers
Shallots | Red & Yellow Onions
Chili’s

Fresh Ginger Tea Recipe

Farm Updates

As we reach the midpoint of the main season, we now begin to retrace our steps through the first 13 weeks in reverse order. However, we're determined to hold onto summer for as long as possible—hopefully until October rolls around.

The farm is in great shape, with the crew successfully managing the final succession of tomatoes, which are looking fantastic! Eggplant and peppers are peaking now, so enjoy them while they are abundant. We’re also excited to start harvesting our ginger this week. Fresh ginger is a special treat—it doesn’t require peeling like the cured type found at the grocery store, and we guarantee you’ll taste the difference. Plus, it freezes nicely whole and can be grated as needed.

In the past two weeks, we've also begun transplanting fall crops into the ground, taking full advantage of the excellent growing conditions as we head into autumn. With shorter daylight hours on the horizon, we're making the most of the time we have left. The root crops are growing nicely and with one more weeding will be able to get to a good harvest size.

This has truly been the year of the cucumber! Thanks to our high tunnel and a shift to continuous transplanting throughout the season instead of direct seeding, we've been able to include cucumbers in our CSA shares since week one. This approach has helped us avoid gaps in planting due to poor germination, and giving the plants a 2-3 week head start on weed pressure has made a huge difference. We expect to have cucumbers available for at least another week, and our upcoming planting might even yield one more batch before the season wraps up

U-pick

U-pick Hours: Monday- Saturday 9:00-6:00 p.m. Closed Sundays

Cherry Tomatoes by the CSA pick-up area!
This is the field in the fenced-in bit across from the CSA parking
The larger annual herb and flower field (Also referred to as Field G2)
Parsley
Basil: Italian (regular),
Thai Basil (purple flowers)
Holy Basil (Light white/purple flowers)
Cut Flowers
Directly in Herb Garden next to CSA pick-up
Starting from the first oval brick bed nearest the picnic table, these herbs are ready to pick- Please ask if you would like a demo on how to cut best:

Parsley
Oregano
Thyme
Mint
Rosemary

Any flowers you see are up for grabs, just be mindful that we are a community sharing this space and opportunity.

More from the Farm

Grass-Fed Beef and Lamb cuts & Honey
Available now while supplies last

Remote Shareholders: Have your pre-orders delivered to your next CSA pick-up! Select your CSA site at checkout to request, and we will reach out to confirm via email.

-The Clagett Crew
Please let us know if you have any questions by emailing us at Clagettfarm@cbf.org, or checking in with staff at pick-up!

If you wish to add additional emails to receive this email each week, subscribe here.

CBF offers many cool opportunities to take part in our watershed from here at the farm and our many other programs, see what’s happening on the CBF event calendar.

Elissa Planz

August 6, 2024

Week 12 of 26: August Abudance

Elissa Planz

August 6, 2024

Main Season CSA Pick-up Schedule

Wednesday -Clagett Farm, 3:00-6:00 p.m.
Thursday - Annapolis, 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Friday - Davidsonville, 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Saturday - Clagett Farm, 1:00-4:00p.m.

This Week’s Share

Garlic Head
Ginger
Tomatoes
Summer Squash
Cucumbers
Eggplant | Okra
Sweet & Bell Peppers
Shallots | Red & Yellow Onions
Chili’s

Farm Updates

August is here, and so are the storms. We are preparing as best we can to get as much done in the fields before the predicted rains later this week.

In between harvests, we have all been pressing hard to catch up with the July boom that comes with rapid plant growth and an overwhelming list of tasks. From weeding sweet potatoes, transplanting cabbages, twining tomatoes, and mowing down some corners of pigweed that like to tower over crops.

While August by no means brings less growth or fewer things to do, it becomes a steady wave that carries you into those cool fall mornings. As we work in between and around the rainstorms, we expect to still bring in some great summer goodies this week, including more cherry tomato varieties. But please note, with rainfall does come some cracking in tomato skins.

This week also marks the ripening of the next high tunnel variety, and it is delicious! This is coming right on time as we will see the other larger tomatoes slow down some as we head into the late season as the crew prepares the last field for the final days of summer before frost to get one more succession of tomatoes this year.

The new high tunnels down in the fenced-in field have been such a great addition this year. They have taught us a lot, especially about the challenges in the microclimate they create—like increased pest pressure and intensified disease pressure in humid, hot conditions.

But with the right care, we’ve seen that these challenges can be managed. The cherry tomatoes in the high tunnel started producing about 10 weeks ago and are still giving us red tomatoes. While they are certainly on their way out and the plants are tired, it has been amazing to watch them climb.

In the third tunnel, we have another crop coming your way later this season. Ginger! While we can’t promise crops until they are harvested, they sure are progressing nicely!

U-pick

U-pick Hours: Monday- Saturday 9:00-6:00 p.m. Closed Sundays

The larger annual herb and flower field (Also referred to as Field G2)
Parsley
Basil: Italian (regular),
Thai Basil (purple flowers)
Holy Basil (Light white/purple flowers)
Cut Flowers
Directly in Herb Garden next to CSA pick-up
Starting from the first oval brick bed nearest the picnic table, these herbs are ready to pick- Please ask if you would like a demo on how to cut best:

Parsley
Oregano
Thyme
Mint
Rosemary

Any flowers you see are up for grabs, just be mindful that we are a community sharing this space and opportunity.

More from the Farm

Grass-Fed Beef and Lamb cuts & Honey
Available now while supplies last

Fried Eggplant, Green peppers & Tomato Recipe

Remote Shareholders: Have your pre-orders delivered to your next CSA pick-up! Select your CSA site at checkout to request, and we will reach out to confirm via email.

-The Clagett Crew
Please let us know if you have any questions by emailing us at Clagettfarm@cbf.org, or checking in with staff at pick-up!

If you wish to add additional emails to receive this email each week, subscribe here.

CBF offers many cool opportunities to take part in our watershed from here at the farm and our many other programs, see what’s happening on the CBF event calendar.

Elissa Planz

July 30, 2024

Week 11 of 26: Summer squash is back

Elissa Planz

July 30, 2024

Main Season CSA Pick-up Schedule

Wednesday -Clagett Farm, 3:00-6:00 p.m.
Thursday - Annapolis, 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Friday - Davidsonville, 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Saturday - Clagett Farm, 1:00-4:00p.m.

This Week’s Share

Garlic Head
Tomatoes
Summer Squash
Asian Pears
Eggplant
Sweet & Bell Peppers
Shallots | Red Onions
Chili’s

Farm Updates

As summer is progressing, it has been wonderful to have these rainy days. With it will come some more split fruits, but for now, we will not complain about the consistent summer showers. It has also helped us breathe some in regards to irrigation as we just added our Fall root crops to the mix out in the fields to be maintained.

Photographed above, you will see we are filling up in our high tunnel to be transplanted soon into one of our prepared fields. It can seem like it would be too hot in this high tunnel, but with the sides rolled up, shade cloth, watering twice a day, and some very large fans, this place seems like a fall haven for these greens and us farmers!

This week we dive deeper into our summer crops as we expect this rain to have helped with plant growth. The shades of summer are truly colorful, with our summer squash making a return and a variety of peppers coming in. The CSA spread are going to be a vibrant mix of greens, yellows, reds, purples and oranges, showcasing the season's beauty.

Our farm crew has been busy in the kitchen too, making delicious sauces, salsas, and sun-dried tomatoes with our fresh produce. We’d love to know what our shareholders are creating with their shares. Share your culinary creations on our Instagram @cbfclagettfarm – we can’t wait to see what you’ve been making!

U-pick

U-pick Hours: Monday- Saturday 9:00-6:00 p.m. Closed Sundays

Tomatoes in the High Tunnel!! This is the one all the way to the right (in the corner) when you are looking at them.
Do not pick the field tomatoes!
This will be the set of 3 Greenhouse structures you pass on the drive in on your left, you will see a gate that will be open. Please do not drive in but park in the grass off the road outside the fence.
There will be a sign out front of it and red signs in front of the doorway and you will also see some red tomatoes along either side.
The larger annual herb and flower field (Also referred to as Field G2)
Parsley
Basil: Italian (regular),
Thai Basil (purple flowers)
Holy Basil (Light white/purple flowers)
Cut Flowers
Directly in Herb Garden next to CSA pick-up
Starting from the first oval brick bed nearest the picnic table, these herbs are ready to pick- Please ask if you would like a demo on how to cut best:

Parsley
Oregano
Thyme
Mint
Rosemary

Any flowers you see are up for grabs, just be mindful that we are a community sharing this space and opportunity.

More from the Farm

Grass-Fed Beef and Lamb cuts & Honey
Available now while supplies last

While it is undergoing some renovations, the farm store is open during all Clagett CSA pick-ups for walk-in purchases with cash/credit card and for pre-order pick-ups

Remote Shareholder’s: Have your pre-order’s delivered to your next CSA pick-up! Select your CSA site at checkout to request, and we will reach out to confirm via email.

-The Clagett Crew
Please let us know if you have any questions by emailing us at Clagettfarm@cbf.org, or checking in with staff at pick-up!

If you wish to add additional emails to receive this email each week, subscribe here.

CBF offers many cool opportunities to take part in our watershed from here at the farm and our many other programs, see what’s happening on the CBF event calendar.

Elissa Planz

July 23, 2024

Week 10 of 26: Cleansing Summer Rain

Elissa Planz

July 23, 2024

Main Season CSA Pick-up Schedule

Wednesday -Clagett Farm, 3:00-6:00 p.m.
Thursday - Annapolis, 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Friday - Davidsonville, 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Saturday - Clagett Farm, 1:00-4:00p.m.

This Week’s Share

Garlic Heads
Tomatoes
Eggplant
Bell Peppers
Shallots | Red Onions
Cucumbers

Fried Shallot Recipe

Farm Updates

The rain has finally returned, and the temperature is much more bearable as we close in on the final summer projects. We are incredibly grateful for our amazing farm crew, who have been tirelessly mulching, staking, and twining the last set of field tomatoes to keep them off the ground for a better harvest. Completing this task is high on our to-do list, alongside maintaining the layers of string that will support all the tomatoes as they grow.

The tomatoes have been thriving with this care. We've been able to apply water via drip lines without getting their leaves wet, preventing disease by ensuring they can dry out properly after the rain. We take great care to weave our strings around each plant, not only for their health but also because it's much easier to pick from a waist-high plant! We love how the tomatoes are flourishing and expect a great season ahead. Once the soil dries out from this much-welcomed rain, we'll turn our attention to the potato fields, ready to harvest what we can from a crop grown during a drought. While we do anticipate some loss in the potato yield, rest assured that our onion crops have thrived, and we'll continue to bring in various types over the coming weeks.

As we enjoy the height of summer, we’re also looking ahead to fall seeding and winter preparation. These upcoming weeks are a time of intense overlap between seasons, with the harvest at its peak. Our team's hard work and dedication during this busy period are invaluable, ensuring we can bring you the best produce possible.

Thank you to our amazing farm crew for their relentless efforts—they all stepped up during this intense heat wave—and to our wonderful customers for your support and for still making it out to see us for pick-ups. Let's savor these delicious tomatoes and look forward to the bounty that lies ahead!

U-pick

U-pick Hours: Monday- Saturday 9:00-6:00p.m. Closed Sundays

The larger annual herb and flower field (Also referred to as Field G2)
Parsley
Basil: Italian (regular),
Thai Basil (purple flowers) ,
Holy Basil (Light white/purple flowers)- do not cut down to the ground, just top third section to allow to regrow all season.
Cut Flowers
Directly in Herb Garden next to CSA pick-up
Starting from the first oval brick bed nearest the picnic table, these herbs are ready to pick- Please ask if you would like a demo on how to cut best:

Oregano
Thyme
Dill
Lemon Balm
Mint
Sorrel
Rosemary - go easy; they are still young plants, but a few snips would help them bush out more fresh tips!

Any flowers you see are up for grabs, just be mindful that we are a community sharing this space and opportunity.

More from the Farm

Grass-Fed Beef and Lamb cuts & Honey
Available now while supplies last

While it is undergoing some renovations, the farm store is open during all Clagett CSA pick-ups for walk-in purchases with cash/credit card and for pre-order pick-ups

Remote Shareholder’s: Have your pre-order’s delivered to your next CSA pick-up! Select your CSA site at checkout to request, and we will reach out to confirm via email.

-The Clagett Crew
Please let us know if you have any questions by emailing us at Clagettfarm@cbf.org, or checking in with staff at pick-up!

If you wish to add additional emails to receive this email each week, subscribe here.

CBF offers many cool opportunities to take part in our watershed from here at the farm and our many other programs, see what’s happening on the CBF event calendar.

Elissa Planz

July 16, 2024

Week 9 of 26: In the heat of a dry summer

Elissa Planz

July 16, 2024

Main Season CSA Pick-up Schedule

Wednesday -Clagett Farm, 3:00-6:00 p.m.
Thursday - Annapolis, 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Friday - Davidsonville, 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Saturday - Clagett Farm, 1:00-4:00p.m.

This Week’s Share

Garlic Heads
Tomatoes
Eggplant
Bell Peppers
Shallots | Red Onions
Cucumbers

Storing Fresh Tomatoes

Farm Updates

As we await a proper rainstorm, we keep moving along into the middle of summer. This week brings the start of our field tomatoes, adding more color to the tomato section at pick-ups and marking the time for salsa and sauce making. With varieties ranging from red, orange, and striped, it’ll be a fun week to dig into each one and experience the subtle differences.

Over the next few weeks, as the tomato field picks up in production, be prepared for large tomato shares. Remember, you can freeze tomatoes whole to add to soups and sauces later in the year. If the amount seems too much to take home, feel free to just take what you will use. After CSA pick-ups we donate twice a week during peak season to keep produce moving along to our local food pantries, reducing our food waste and increasing access to healthy produce in our community. So far this season, we have donated over 6,000 pounds of produce!

Looking past the tomatoes, we will start seeing more pepper varieties, more types of onions, and crops like okra will be coming in plentiful. Hopefully, in the next couple of weeks, we will see our potatoes sized up enough for harvesting, and the last round of summer squash should be ready to carry us into August.

U-pick

U-pick Hours: Monday- Saturday 9:00=6:00p.m. Closed Sundays

The larger annual herb and flower field (Also referred to as Field G2)
Parsley
Basil: Italian (regular),
Thai Basil (purple flowers) ,
Holy Basil (Light white/purple flowers)- do not cut down to the ground, just top third section to allow to regrow all season.
Cut Flowers- Cosmos, snapdragons are blooming, you may also see some marigolds and salvias starting to bloom this week
Directly in Herb Garden next to CSA pick-up
Starting from the first oval brick bed nearest the picnic table, these herbs are ready to pick- Please ask if you would like a demo on how to cut best:

Oregano
Thyme
Dill
Lemon Balm
Mint
Sorrel
Rosemary - go easy; they are still young plants, but a few snips would help them bush out more fresh tips!

Any flowers you see are up for grabs, just be mindful that we are a community sharing this space and opportunity.

More from the Farm

Grass-Fed Beef and Lamb cuts & Honey
Available now while supplies last

There is still time to secure a bulk 25 pound variety pack of beef at just $12/lb.!!!

While it is undergoing some renovations, the farm store is open during all Clagett CSA pick-ups for walk-in purchases with cash/credit card and for pre-order pick-ups

Remote Shareholder’s: Have your pre-order’s delivered to your next CSA pick-up! Select your CSA site at checkout to request, and we will reach out to confirm via email.

-The Clagett Crew
Please let us know if you have any questions by emailing us at Clagettfarm@cbf.org, or checking in with staff at pick-up!

If you wish to add additional emails to receive this email each week, subscribe here.

CBF offers many cool opportunities to take part in our watershed from here at the farm and our many other programs, see what’s happening on the CBF event calendar.

Elissa Planz

July 9, 2024

Week 8 of 26: The harvest is back, but still no good rain

Elissa Planz

July 9, 2024

Main Season CSA Pick-up Schedule

Wednesday -Clagett Farm, 3:00-6:00 p.m.
Thursday - Annapolis, 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Friday - Davidsonville, 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Saturday - Clagett Farm, 1:00-4:00p.m.

This Week’s Share

Green Onions
Garlic Heads
Tomatoes
Eggplant
Baby Bell Peppers
Shallots
Chard | Basil | Parsley

Eggplant Parmesan Recipe

Farm Updates

Welcome back!
It seems June has passed us by for the 2024 season, bringing barely any rain. It has been a tough challenge keeping up with irrigation and managing other tasks that seem much harder in this heat and dry soil. We're all eagerly awaiting a good summer rain shower or three.

Despite the drought, we managed to check some big items off our to-do list during the break. You may notice some fields have transformed. As we have lightly tilled the spring fields that have finished their season to prepare for summer cover crops and new fall greens fields. And our second wave of tomatoes has been mulched, and posts are going up with twine.

Quite a few crops like the eggplant and peppers, are thriving on their irrigation schedule. You will see as you drive along that most crops are receiving water regularly through our black drip lines that we run alongside crops to drip water more efficiently.

We are enjoying the high tunnel tomatoes, as they continue to produce abundantly. They also seem like they are overlapping nicely with our field tomatoes, which should start ripening soon.

But the potatoes will need more time to grow due to the lack of rain, so we'll let them size up for about another two weeks before revisiting them.

In this drought, our usual spot for sunflowers turned into a deer buffet, as sunflower sprouts being watered regularly are quite tasty. We'll be reseeding them and planning for a Fall debut inside our new deer fence. Maybe with more winter squash that they also are starting in on next. We will be putting an electric fence here to see if we can send the message that some crops are just off limits. Stay tuned.

Despite the challenges the weather is bringing us…and the deer, the farm is still producing a tremendous amount of food and we look forward to keep sharing that with you all for the remainder of the season!

U-pick

U-pick Hours: Monday- Saturday 9:00=6:00p.m. Closed Sundays

The larger annual herb and flower field (Also referred to as Field G2)
Parsley
Basil: Italian (regular),
Thai Basil (purple flowers) ,
Holy Basil (Light white/purple flowers)- do not cut down to the ground, just top third section to allow to regrow all season.
Cut Flowers- Cosmos, snapdragons are blooming, you may also see some marigolds and salvias starting to bloom this week
Directly in Herb Garden next to CSA pick-up
Starting from the first oval brick bed nearest the picnic table, these herbs are ready to pick- Please ask if you would like a demo on how to cut best:

Oregano
Thyme
Dill
Lemon Balm
Mint
Sorrel
Rosemary - go easy; they are still young plants, but a few snips would help them bush out more fresh tips!

Any flowers you see are up for grabs, just be mindful that we are a community sharing this space and opportunity.

More from the Farm

Grass-Fed Beef and Lamb cuts & Honey
Available now while supplies last

There is still time to secure a bulk 25 pound variety pack of beef at just $12/lb.!!!

While it is undergoing some renovations, the farm store is open during all Clagett CSA pick-ups for walk-in purchases with cash/credit card and for pre-order pick-ups

Remote Shareholder’s: Have your pre-order’s delivered to your next CSA pick-up! Select your CSA site at checkout to request, and we will reach out to confirm via email.

-The Clagett Crew
Please let us know if you have any questions by emailing us at Clagettfarm@cbf.org, or checking in with staff at pick-up!

If you wish to add additional emails to receive this email each week, subscribe here.

CBF offers many cool opportunities to take part in our watershed from here at the farm and our many other programs, see what’s happening on the CBF event calendar.

Elissa Planz

June 25, 2024

Week 7 of 26: Our last week before break

Elissa Planz

June 25, 2024

Main Season CSA Pick-up Schedule
NO SHARE NEXT WEEK

Wednesday -Clagett Farm, 3:00-6:00 p.m.
Thursday - Annapolis, 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Friday - Davidsonville, 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Saturday - Clagett Farm, 1:00-4:00p.m.

This Week’s Share

Green Onions
Red Onions
Garlic Heads
Tomatoes
Carrots | Beets
Cucumbers
Summer Squash

NO SHARE NEXT WEEK

Cucumber Salad Recipe

Farm Updates

Things are certainly getting dry, and this week we are seeing the Brassica family (Kale/Collards) say their farewell as they are just not built for this heat! We are really hoping for this to break soon but everything is holding on through some carefully coordinated irrigation schedules. Which things like our next set of field cucumbers photographed above very happy.

This week, while we see spring fade, we are easing into summer crops with our first batch of onions and a healthy start of garlic heads to get you going for the season. And those high tunnel tomatoes are becoming quite the bounty!

What a fantastic treat they have been, trickling in a few weeks earlier than our field tomatoes, which already have green tomatoes!

The first onions we will pick—we are going to keep the tops intact as they will provide you with more green onion tops to use as chives. Did you know you can freeze them once chopped up? Then, when you need them, simply pull them out and sprinkle towards the very end and watch them thaw out and steam up beautifully to garnish any dish you’d like.

Garlic is also something that is going to come in handy and can be stored for some time now that we have started the curing process. Simply put these heads in a cool, dark, dry environment, and they will last quite a few weeks at this point. In a bit, the garlic that is still curing in the barn will be even better for storing for a longer period of time.

When we get back from our week off of harvest, we will start seeing more of summer show off its stuff with potatoes being on the harvest list for when we return. So let’s all take a deep breath, clear out those storage spaces, canning jars, load up on freezer bags, and get ready for the bounty.

NO SHARE NEXT WEEK

U-pick

U-pick Hours: Monday- Saturday 9:00=6:00p.m. Closed Sundays

The larger annual herb and flower field (Also referred to as Field G2)
Parsley
Basil: Italian (regular), Thai (purple flowers) , Holy Basil (Light white/purple flowers)- do not cut down to the ground, just top third section to allow to regrow all season.
—Flowers are waking up in the field: you will find cosmos, snapdragons starting to bloom

This is all located on the black landscape fabric you may have noticed expanding over the last week or so across the larger parking lot with the mulch piles that are now shrinking in size, making room for closer parking.

Mind the rows of zinnias and cilantro growing alongside the fabric portion!!!
Directly in Herb Garden next to CSA pick-up
Starting from the first oval brick bed nearest the picnic table, these herbs are ready to pick- Please ask if you would like a demo on how to cut best:

Oregano
Thyme
Lemon Balm
Mint
Sorrel
Rosemary - go easy; they are still young plants, but a few snips would help them bush out more fresh tips!

Any flowers you see are up for grabs, just be mindful that we are a community sharing this space and opportunity.

More from the Farm

There is a huge buzzzzz in the farm store, 2024 Honey Harvest has begun!

For those that do not know, we have 14 hive’s located at the farm, starting with 6 in 2021. Each year they not only provide us with this golden treat, but they also aid in pollinating our vegetable crops!

Honey Available in half pound (8oz) and pound (16oz) bottles

While it is undergoing some renovations, the farm store is open during all Clagett CSA pick-ups for walk-in purchases with cash/credit card and for pre-order pick-ups

Remote Shareholder’s: Have your pre-order’s delivered to your next CSA pick-up! Select your CSA site at checkout to request, and we will reach out to confirm via email.

-The Clagett Crew
Please let us know if you have any questions by emailing us at Clagettfarm@cbf.org, or checking in with staff at pick-up!

If you wish to add additional emails to receive this email each week, subscribe here.

CBF offers many cool opportunities to take part in our watershed from here at the farm and our many other programs, see what’s happening on the CBF event calendar.

Elissa Planz

June 18, 2024

Week 6 of 26: Rain please come back

Elissa Planz

June 18, 2024

Main Season CSA Pick-up Schedule

Wednesday -Clagett Farm, 3:00-6:00 p.m.
Thursday - Annapolis, 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Friday - Davidsonville, 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Saturday - Clagett Farm, 1:00-4:00p.m.

This Week’s Share

Green Onions
Green Cabbage
Beets
Arugula
Carrots
Fennel
Cucumbers
Kale | Collards | Swiss Chard
Summer Squash

Roasted Fennel Recipe

Farm Updates

The weather has certainly shifted, as we head into another week here at the farm with no rain in sight. That early wet spring seems like a distant memory.

We are experiencing over 90-degree days this week, and our crops, crew, and irrigation systems are going to be put to the test as we officially kick off summer. It's a challenging time, but so far, we have been managing to keep up with all the big tasks of summer to get started on good footing.

These next two weeks, as the heat intensifies, you will notice shares dwindling in those tender cool-season greens. These greens are quite sensitive to high temperatures, so savor them while they are still here! They are a true taste of spring, and their presence will be missed as we transition fully into summer. However, get ready because when we return, you’ll start seeing those summer favorites pouring in through July and August. Tomatoes, potatoes, onions, peppers, eggplants, and more will soon be making their way to your table, bringing the vibrant flavors of summer with them.

Please note again, we will be taking off the week of July 4th! This brief pause is essential for our team and crops to regroup and prepare for the peak summer season.

Enjoy the current bounty, and get excited for the delicious summer produce that's just around the corner!

U-pick

U-pick Hours: Monday- Saturday 9:00=6:00p.m. Closed Sundays

The larger annual herb and flower field (Also referred to as Field G2)
Parsley
Basil-please only pinch the tops of the plants until they are more established!

This is all located on the black landscape fabric you may have noticed expanding over the last week or so across the larger parking lot with the mulch piles that are now shrinking in size, making room for closer parking.

The whole field is now seeded and planted so be mindful where you step!
Try to walk on the aisles of the fabric. And for now, avoid the bare soil on the far side will later hold our first batch of sunflowers, tithonia, and zinnias. Watch this field start to come to life with not just colorful blooms but all our favorite native pollinators.
Directly in Herb Garden next to CSA pick-up
Starting from the first oval brick bed nearest the picnic table, these herbs are ready to pick- Please ask if you would like a demo on how to cut best:

Oregano
Thyme
Calendula Flowers (edible)
Lemon Balm
Mint
Sorrel
Rosemary - go easy; they are still young plants, but a few snips would help them bush out more fresh tips!

Any flowers you see are up for grabs, just be mindful that we are a community sharing this space and opportunity.

More from the Farm

New Beef Cuts are in stock!!!

While it is undergoing some renovations, the farm store is open during all Clagett CSA pick-ups for walk-in purchases with cash/credit card and for pre-order pick-ups

Remote Shareholder’s: Have your pre-order’s delivered to your next CSA pick-up! Select your CSA site at checkout to request, and we will reach out to confirm via email.

-The Clagett Crew
Please let us know if you have any questions by emailing us at Clagettfarm@cbf.org, or checking in with staff at pick-up!

If you wish to add additional emails to receive this email each week, subscribe here.

CBF offers many cool opportunities to take part in our watershed from here at the farm and our many other programs, see what’s happening on the CBF event calendar.

Elissa Planz

June 11, 2024

Week 5 of 26: Pickling cucumbers are starting, and the slicers are departing

Elissa Planz

June 11, 2024

Main Season CSA Pick-up Schedule

Wednesday -Clagett Farm, 3:00-6:00 p.m.
Thursday - Annapolis, 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Friday - Davidsonville, 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Saturday - Clagett Farm, 1:00-4:00p.m.

This Week’s Share

Green Onions
Beets
Arugula | Tokyo Bekana
Kohlrabi | Radishes
Fennel
Cucumbers
Lettuce Heads
Kale | Collards | Swiss Chard
Summer Squash

Farm Updates

Week 5 is here, and we're really starting to feel the season shift. The weather's warming up, and the rain is becoming a distant memory. Our high-tunnel cucumbers are saying their goodbyes, but no worries—our pickling cucumbers are stepping up right on time. And while all things can be pickled, this type is the perfect candidate! With its petite uniform sizing and amazing crunch.

Take a look around the benches, and you'll spot some crops making their exit while heat-loving newcomers take center stage. The lettuce has been the first to slow down, and this week it's seriously the last time—it's going to start getting that strong, bitter taste from the heat. But fear not, we've got other salad greens ready to keep us going through the end of Spring.

Spring is hanging on for just 9 more days, with the summer equinox rolling in on June 20. Between now and mid-July, get ready for the biggest transition yet! Before Spring says farewell, we're aiming to bring along with the greens, more rounds of beets, a new cabbage variety, and a fresh batch of carrots to keep things exciting. And let us not forget about our early summer squash.

With this week included, we've got 3 more weeks until we take a break for the Fourth of July for the entire week. When we come back, get excited for more summer favorites to start hitting the benches. We will keep reminding you all as this week gets closer.

Please also note, that as share sizes increase note you can leave what you feel you will not use as we do donate all remaining produce each week to local food pantries with our Capital Area Food Bank Partners and the PG Food Rescue. Did you know we also make sure to harvest extra to donate about 30% or more of our harvest throughout the season? Last season we totaled 25,000 pounds, and so far this season we are at 2550 pounds!

U-pick

U-pick Hours: Monday- Saturday 9:00=6:00p.m. Closed Sundays

Strawberries
We are hoping everyone can grab a small container’s worth easily while they are here to leave this opportunity for all to experience.
This field is directly in front of the small parking lot you have used these first few weeks to get your shares at the farm. For our remote locations, you will want to find yourself parked by the CSA pick-up & Farm Store.

It will be inside the large fence right in front of you and to your left, you will see a large gate, and to the right, we also have in the corner- another person-sized gate.
You may use either gate but we do ask if you are the last from the field, please shut the gates behind you to keep the deer out. We also ask that you do not drive into the fields.

The strawberries are at the farther side, or at the bottom of the field. You will see the future U-pick tomatoes as you walk down. We will have red signs to lead the way.
We ask that you do not drive into the fields.
The larger annual herb and flower field (Also referred to as Field G2)
First row opening up in this field, Parsley!

This is all located on the black landscape fabric you may have noticed expanding over the last week or so across the larger parking lot with the mulch piles that are now shrinking in size, making room for closer parking.

When you cut just be mindful to leave enough for the plant to regrow. For parsley this cutting spot will be a bit lower than the herbs we have seen so far. Let us know if you want a cutting demo!

The whole field is now seeded and planted so be mindful where you step!
Try to walk on the aisles on the fabric. And for now, avoid the bare soil on the far side will later hold our first batch of sunflowers, tithonia, and zinnias. Watch this field start to come to life with not just colorful blooms but all our favorite native pollinators.

Directly in Herb Garden next to CSA pick-up
Starting from the first oval brick bed nearest the picnic table, these herbs are ready to pick- Please ask if you would like a demo on how to cut best:

Oregano
Thyme
Calendula Flowers (edible)
Lemon Balm
Mint
Sorrel
Rosemary - go easy; they are still young plants, but a few snips would help them bush out more fresh tips!

Any flowers you see are up for grabs, just be mindful that we are a community sharing this space and opportunity.

More from the FArm

Our Bulk Beef is coming back this weekend!!!
Pick-up is right on time for Father’s Day- load up on the savings of quality cuts for the grill!
Even the 25 pound packs come with a variety of steaks from sirloins, t-bones, and ribsteaks

Dry- aged for 21 days. and vacuumed sealed and frozen fresh by Bowman’s Butcher-shop.

Act quickly while supplies last this summer

Roasted Kohlrabi with Parmesan Recipe

While it is undergoing some renovations, the farm store is open during all Clagett CSA pick-ups for walk-in purchases with cash/credit card and for pre-order pick-ups

Remote Shareholder’s: Have your pre-order’s delivered to your next CSA pick-up! Select your CSA site at checkout to request, and we will reach out to confirm via email.

-The Clagett Crew
Please let us know if you have any questions by emailing us at Clagettfarm@cbf.org, or checking in with staff at pick-up!

If you wish to add additional emails to receive this email each week, subscribe here.

CBF offers many cool opportunities to take part in our watershed from here at the farm and our many other programs, see what’s happening on the CBF event calendar.

Elissa Planz

June 4, 2024

Week 4 of 26: U-pick Strawberries and the first Summer Squash

Elissa Planz

June 4, 2024

Main Season CSA Pick-up Schedule

Wednesday -Clagett Farm, 3:00-6:00 p.m.
Thursday - Annapolis, 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Friday - Davidsonville, 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Saturday - Clagett Farm, 1:00-4:00p.m.

This Week’s Share

Garlic Scapes
Chinese Cabbage
Arugula | Tokyo Bekana
Purple Top Turnips | Radishes
Cucumbers
Lettuce Heads
Kale | Collards | Swiss Chard | Bok Choi
Kohlrabi
Summer Squash

As a gentle reminder, no dogs are permitted unless they are service animals.
We appreciate your support in ensuring the safety of our livestock on farm and improving our food safety at all of our pick-up locations.

Farm Updates

Summer is almost here, and we can feel it in the air! As we gear up to plant our late summer crops, we're also busy with tasks like mulching our first wave of tomatoes with straw. Straw is a byproduct of cereal grain crops, coming free of weed seeds, and offering multiple benefits. It adds organic matter, suppresses weed growth, retains moisture, and creates a tough surface that hampers the movement of pests like the Colorado Potato Beetle.

A big task next on our agenda is setting up posts for our tomatoes. We'll be placing posts every few plants and using special tomato twine to weave these beauties together. Ensuring healthier plants and a more efficient harvest.

And, regarding our strawberries, we've noticed they need quite a bit of sorting during picking. The good news is that each day, the berries are getting sweeter as the rain diminishes, concentrating those delicious sugars.

We saw an incredibly wet spring, which has since given way to some lovely dry and warm days. However, it does not seem like it was in time to fully turn the corner. We do not anticipate the extended strawberry season we experienced last year with its drier early spring weather.

Therefore, we are opening U-pick strawberries for all our CSA shareholders now to enjoy while they last. We hope to have at least a couple more weeks of picking. Please try to to pick only a small container’s worth, so everyone can share in this delightful experience this coming week.

New areas are being added to U-pick

U-pick Hours: Monday- Saturday 9:00=6:00p.m. Closed Sundays

Strawberries
We are hoping everyone can grab a small container’s worth easily while they are here to leave this opportunity for all to experience.
This field is directly in front of the small parking lot you have used these first few weeks to get your shares at the farm. For our remote locations, you will want to find yourself parked by the CSA pick-up & Farm Store.

It will be inside the large fence right in front of you and to your left, you will see a large gate, and to the right, we also have in the corner- another person-sized gate.
You may use either gate but we do ask if you are the last from the field, please shut the gates behind you to keep the deer out. We also ask that you do not drive into the fields.

The strawberries are at the farther side, or at the bottom of the field. You will see the future U-pick tomatoes as you walk down. We will have red signs to lead the way.
We ask that you do not drive into the fields.
The larger annual herb and flower field (Also referred to as Field G2)
First row opening up in this field, Parsley!

This is all located on the black landscape fabric you may have noticed expanding over the last week or so across the larger parking lot with the mulch piles that are now shrinking in size, making room for closer parking.
When you cut just be mindful to leave enough for the plant to regrow. For parsley this cutting spot will be a bit lower than the herbs we have seen so far. Let us know if you want a cutting demo!

The whole field is now seeded and planted so be mindful where you step!
Try to walk on the aisles on the fabric. And for now, avoid the bare soil on the far side will later hold our first batch of sunflowers, tithonia, and zinnias. Watch this field start to come to life with not just colorful blooms but all our favorite native pollinators.

Directly in Herb Garden next to CSA pick-up
Starting from the first oval brick bed nearest the picnic table, these herbs are ready to pick- Please ask if you would like a demo on how to cut best:

Oregano
Thyme
Calendula Flowers (edible)
Lemon Balm
Mint
Sorrel
Rosemary - go easy; they are still young plants, but a few snips would help them bush out more fresh tips!

Any flowers you see are up for grabs, just be mindful that we are a community sharing this space and opportunity.

More from the FArm

Our Bulk Beef Pack Pre-Ordering is OPEN!

Enjoy the savings on quality beef, grass-fed and finished, raised here at Clagett Farm. Options range from a larger full “quarter” of a cow at 100 pounds, to a Marvelous Variety Pack at 25 pounds.

Dry- aged for 21 days. and vacuumed sealed and frozen fresh by Bowman’s Butcher-shop. Expected back by June 16

Act quickly while supplies last this summer

KALE WITH GARLIC AND LEMON Recipe

While it is undergoing some renovations, the farm store is open during all Clagett CSA pick-ups for walk-in purchases with cash/credit card and for pre-order pick-ups

Remote Shareholder’s: Have your pre-order’s delivered to your next CSA pick-up! Select your CSA site at checkout to request, and we will reach out to confirm via email.

-The Clagett Crew
Please let us know if you have any questions by emailing us at Clagettfarm@cbf.org, or checking in with staff at pick-up!

If you wish to add additional emails to receive this email each week, subscribe here.

CBF offers many cool opportunities to take part in our watershed from here at the farm and our many other programs, see what’s happening on the CBF event calendar.

Elissa Planz

May 28, 2024

Week 3 of 26: Greens Galore

Elissa Planz

May 28, 2024

Main Season CSA Pick-up Schedule

Wednesday -Clagett Farm, 3:00-6:00 p.m.
Thursday - Annapolis, 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Friday - Davidsonville, 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Saturday - Clagett Farm, 1:00-4:00p.m.

This Week’s Share

Garlic Scapes
Strawberries
Chinese Cabbage
Arugula | Tokyo Bekana | Spicy Mix
Purple Top Turnips
Bok Choi
Cucumbers
Lettuce Heads
Kale | Collards | Swiss Chard

As a gentle reminder, no dogs are permitted unless they are service animals.
We appreciate your support in ensuring the safety of our livestock on farm and improving our food safety at all of our pick-up locations.

Farm Updates

This week, we will be stepping into June on Saturday and transitioning into summer with the equinox on June 20. Summer is indeed on its way as you can see by many early spring greens sharing their beautiful flowers with us.

While we are all eager, we are going to hold off on opening U-pick strawberries for one more week. The plants and berries have been enjoying the sun but need a little more time to be prolific enough for everyone. Hopefully, we keep seeing nice periods of sunshine!

This month, our greens will remain abundant, but new varieties will emerge, replacing some of the more sensitive cooler-season crops. For example, we started strong with all our favorite lettuce varieties, but as the heat increases, so does their bitterness. You can look now for tasty alternatives to start hitting the shares, like this week's Tokyo Bekana.

Although technically a Chinese cabbage, it's grown as a cut-and-come-again salad green that can handle the heat and stay mild. Beyond the greens, we hope to keep serving up some other favorites like our beans, which are progressing well, and another round of beets. And right around the corner is summer squash!

With this heat, there is a reward, as it will allow our summer crops to start flourishing. So while we are surrounded by greens now, be sure to savor them because they will soon be replaced by crops like garlic, onions, potatoes, and the first field tomatoes, all coming in July.

So one high tunnel has been producing very well with cucumbers. And we did indeed plant another with some tomatoes! They are still green, but as we see warmer nights, those glossy greens should start turning red very soon. While this will not be a peak summer tomato harvest, we hope to give all our shareholders a small taste of summer just a bit sooner. So stay tuned for their progress!!

Looking to take an elegant step through local seasonal cuisine, paired with locally crafted wine?

Join us at The Vineyard at Dodon, Sunday, June 2
5:00 p.m.
Ticketed Event

Learn more

U-pick List in Herb Garden
Available to all pick-up locations:
U-pick hours: Monday-Saturday 9:00-6:00p.m., Closed Sundays

Starting from the first oval brick bed nearest the picnic table, these herbs are ready to pick- Please ask if you would like a demo on how to cut best:

Oregano
Thyme
Calendula Flowers (edible)
Lemon Balm
Mint
Sorrel
Rosemary - go easy; they are still young plants, but a few snips would help them bush out more fresh tips!

Any flowers you see are up for grabs, just be mindful that we are a community sharing this space and opportunity.

More from the FArm

Our Bulk Beef Pack Pre-Ordering is OPEN!

Enjoy the savings on quality beef, grass-fed and finished, raised here at Clagett Farm. Options range from a larger full “quarter” of a cow at 100 pounds, to a Marvelous Variety Pack at 25 pounds.

Dry- aged for 21 days. and vacuumed sealed and frozen fresh by Bowman’s Butcher-shop. Expected back by June 16

Act quickly while supplies last this summer

While it is undergoing some renovations, the farm store is open during all Clagett CSA pick-ups for walk-in purchases with cash/credit card and for pre-order pick-ups

Remote Shareholder’s: Have your pre-order’s delivered to your next CSA pick-up! Select your CSA site at checkout to request, and we will reach out to confirm via email.

-The Clagett Crew
Please let us know if you have any questions by emailing us at Clagettfarm@cbf.org, or checking in with staff at pick-up!

If you wish to add additional emails to receive this email each week, subscribe here.

CBF offers many cool opportunities to take part in our watershed from here at the farm and our many other programs, see what’s happening on the CBF event calendar.

Elissa Planz

May 20, 2024

Week 2 of 26: Strawberries and Garlic Scapes make their debut

Elissa Planz

May 20, 2024

This Week’s Share

Garlic Scapes
Strawberries
Bok Choi
Cucumber
Lettuce Heads
Turnips
Kale | Collards
2 Seedlings

These seedling’s will come in 2 inch plastic pots, we are able to reuse them! Please return them in the coming weeks for us next season.

Garlic Scape Pesto Recipe

Main Season CSA Pick-up Schedule

Wednesday -Clagett Farm, 3:00-6:00 p.m.
Thursday - Annapolis, 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Friday - Davidsonville, 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Saturday - Clagett Farm, 1:00-4:00p.m.

Farm Updates

What a fantastic first week of harvest! So many of you showed up smiling, ready to collect your first share despite the wet weather. That said, we are looking forward to a week of drying out, because while plants do love a drink of water, they also fancy a good basking in the sun.

This week, we are gearing up ,sooner than expected, to pick the Garlic Scapes from our garlic plants. This is a wonderful bonus from hard-neck garlic varieties. The garlic scape is the flower stalk of the garlic. It has a bud at the tip, that if left, would burst with a bunch of mini clove-like garlic seeds.

However, we pick them off to signal to the plant that it’s not time to put energy towards producing a flower but to instead put energy back into enlarging the bulb.

This also means in a month’s time full sized garlic will be hitting our benches. And a fun fact, garlic falls into a group of crops we will refer to as those being harvested in bulk. This means the entire crop is ready at one time, so we harvest them all at the same time, usually over a week or two. When then cure and store them, so they last for months to come this season.

Moving ahead, many crops are also nearing their harvest day a bit sooner than usual. We can look forward to Chinese Cabbages, Kohlrabi, Swiss Chard, and Summer Squash joining us soon on the bench, as we continue to enjoy our abundance of lettuce, kale, and collards.

Strawberry season is coming in strong this week, and we predict U-pick to open up in the coming weeks. Stay tuned next week as we refine our prediction.

U-pick List in Herb Garden
Available to all pick-up locations:
U-pick hours: Monday-Saturday 9:00-6:00p.m., Closed Sundays

Starting from the first oval brick bed nearest the picnic table, these herbs are ready to pick- Please ask if you would like a demo on how to cut best:

Oregano
Thyme
Calendula Flowers (edible)
Lemon Balm
Mint
Sorrel
Rosemary - go easy; they are still young plants, but a few snips would help them bush out more fresh tips!

Any flowers you see are up for grabs, just be mindful that we are a community sharing this space and opportunity.

As a gentle reminder, no dogs are permitted unless they are service animals. We appreciate your support in ensuring the safety of our livestock and improving our food safety!

.

More from the FArm

Our Bulk Beef Pack Pre-Order’s are one sale now!

Enjoy the savings on quality beef, grass-fed and finished, raised right here at Clagett Farm. Options ranging from a larger full “quarter” of a cow at 100 pounds, down to a Marvelous Variety Pack of 25 pounds.

-The Clagett Crew
Please let us know if you have any questions by emailing us at Clagettfarm@cbf.org, or checking in with staff at pick-up!

If you wish to add additional emails to receive this email each week, subscribe here.

CBF offers many cool opportunities to take part in our watershed from here at the farm and our many other programs, see what’s happening on the CBF event calendar.

Elissa Planz

May 14, 2024

Week 1 of 26: First harvest of the 2024 Main season begins

Elissa Planz

May 14, 2024

This Week’s Share

Garlic Scallions
Beets
Lettuce Heads
Arugula & “Spicy” Mix
Radishes
Turnips
3 Seedlings

These seedling’s will come in 2 inch plastic pots, we are able to reuse them! Please return them in the coming weeks for us next season.

Recipe of the Week

Tips for your first week

Where to find the CSA pick-up at each location:
We will be found in our same area’s as before but for those joining the CSA here are some tips to make the first time easy for us to find.

Clagett Farm
We ask that you enter from Old Marlboro Pike entrance, and during CSA time’s our gates will be open for you to follow our big blue signs up to the CSA-pick-up and Farm Store.

Davidsonville
We will be located in the outdoor pavilion to the right as you approach, and you will find parking in the rear of the building.

Annapolis
Continue straight back past the front parking lot to go towards the parking area found underneath the building. We will be found taking advantage of the covered area there in the front 2 corner spots. Feel free to park along the loop.

What to bring:

When you come to grab your share, to reduce the need for single use bags, we do encourage the use of reusable totes, produce bags, or even a spare box that was destined for recycles can have one more stop as a veggie mode-of-transport.

Getting food straight from the farm and buying local has more benefits than just our growing practices. We simply do not need to package the food for weeks of storage and transport, we give it straight to our community, freshly harvested!

Other Info:
13 week shareholder’s please note you can use your credits when ever you would like over this 26 week harvest period.
No need to alternate, or start the first week. Just note you will only be able to use 1 credit at a time (2 credits are possible upon request)

26 week shareholder’s please note you may double up whenever you may like over the 26 week season, with a max of 2 credits each week.

Farm Updates

We are absolutely thrilled to get started, and so are many of our favorite crops!

We have missed you all and are eager to meet new shareholders this year. If you haven’t heard, we are planting more rows to make room for another 30 shares this season, and we are almost there! If you know someone who may be interested in joining, please send them our way.

Our season started in January, once we caught our breath and visited family for the holidays in December. It was certainly a bit different with our new Winter CSA in the mix, but our first season was a huge success! It integrated really well with tasks like crop planning, seed and supply ordering, organic certification, and kicking off seeding with our onions!

You may notice some other projects we slid into the mix as well, such as finishing up with our third and final high tunnel, adding a new fence, and trading some pasture space for veggie crops. And just to show off, we are polishing up some really cool wash station bits to help with water drainage, and a new root sprayer.

As the weather began to warm earlier this year and “go times” were approaching, we had certainly been feeling on our toes, as we were given limited windows to prepare and plant our fields. Since the early wet months made fieldwork nearly impossible, we then had not seen a drop of rain for what was almost three weeks after getting quite a bit in the ground. Putting pressure on the need to shift to laying out irrigation to get those baby crops a drink while also keeping on with the current seeding and planting needs.

But with a team like this, we yet again banded together with the new overwhelming to-dos at hand, and we pulled off what looks like an incredible spring harvest. While we still have days of weeding and another batch of seeding of crops like radishes and salad greens ahead, much of our focus is transitioning to the summer crops growing next, with many like tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, squash, cucumbers, melons, beans, potatoes, and onions already in the ground.

Field of our Spring Brassicas, single rows in a tilled fielded of kale, collards, kohlrabi & cabbages

Inside one of new high tunnels 6 rows of tomatoes

We have been having a lot of fun in our new high tunnels this year too. While mostly intended to produce crops year-round, and for our Winter CSA program- we could not resist also trialing some fun early crops for our main season.

It has been a tremendous learning experience that is still underway, as we go to play with growing and plant management techniques that are just not possible in the scale of some of our open field spaces. So look forward to some early treats as they come our way, starting with some beautiful beets!

And for U-pick
Reminder that this is an offering for all shareholder’s no matter your pick-up location.
This year we are keeping the hours simple and easy to remember
9:00-6:00p.m. Monday-Saturday
Closed Sunday’s

This will come in handy here soon as it does seem strawberry season is easing in and will be producing a bounty we are sure in a few weeks time. That we will open the gates to you all to help us keep up with as it carries over hopefully well into June.

In the meantime though, please enjoy the herbs that are available at the farm. You will notice the signs and large fragrant mounds right at the CSA pick-up location in the raised brick beds. Please ask for assistance if you would like to know how to best harvest for them to continuously regrow all season long. But a good rule of thumb is to take the top tender tips and leave behind a good portion of the plant to survive, many do not get survive being cut at soil level.

For our remote locations note we will try our best to harvest some of these extras when we can- especially when items like the basil is abundant. But we highly encourage a few trips out to the farm this season, especially once we start seeing a bounty of overlapping crops to u-pick from like sunflowers, cherry tomatoes and chili peppers!

The wait is finally over, 2024 has begun.

More from the Farm

As CSA shareholders you will receive first notice for all Farm Store updates, and availability throughout the season on our Grass-fed and finished beef and lamb, as well as, the honey that comes late summer!!

This season as well please note there will be an option for our remote pick-up’s to request their pre-orders be delivered along with their CSA pick-up’s. Making buying fresh and buying local a bit more convenient