Farm News
CSA Week 9
THE HARVEST. Tomatoes - so many! Big reds, heirlooms and cherry types. Spaghetti squash, Zucchini, Cucumbers, Eggplant, Garlic, Onions, Peppers - bells and hots (jalapenos, cherry bombs and long hots), Potatoes, Beets and Carrots. U-Pick fields FULL of color! From Cherry tomatoes to Flowers and Herbs. Green beans too. Next week, sneak peak… watermelons?!
U-PICK CROPS. ALL Open to the Public. CSA Members discounts.
Cherry Tomatoes: This field is loaded with flavor and color! Orange and black types. Farmer tip… bake/caramelize in oven on cookie tray with fresh herbs, garlic, olive oil and sea salt. Many uses! Spread on crackers and add to sauces. And I freeze for later use during the winter. Enjoy.
Flowers: Mix bouquets (15 stems) and Sunflowers (8 stems). Additional sunflowers $1 each. Pair with herbs. Dill is going to seed; dill flower heads are gorgeous.
Herbs: Basil, Parsley, Rosemary, Oregano, Mint and more. Herbs mix and match, or choose your favorite.
Green Beans: still some out there. Might need to look a bit harder; we are seeding more for the next few weeks.
EXTRAS FOR SALE. Walking Bird farm-grown produce (Jersey Fresh, 100% grown on our farm!). Honey (new flavors), Whole Chickens, Sausages, Cheeses, Sheepsicles, Baked goods (as available). We are taking a week off from corn, but it will be back next week, along with new items. Peaches?!
CSA MEMBERS NOTE… not sure if the weekly share email was sent out for you to customize. It seems fine on my end, but some customers did not get it. Computer/software glitches? No worries! We should have the tags in Farm shop for you; and you can customize in person. OR, log into your account. Regardless of the email, every week, your farmers are out working the fields and growing your food! See you on the farm.
CSA Week 8
THE HARVEST… Tomatoes! Nice reds, perfect sandwich size; Heirlooms, delicate and VERY flavorful, cracks and splits are normal and expected; U-Pick cherry tomatoes – orange and black types. Tomato harvest getting bigger each week! Spaghetti squash; Potatoes (red, gold, white mix); Cucumbers – heavy harvest – make pickles! Zucchini, Eggplant, Peppers (bells and hots), Carrots, Beets, Onions (red, yellow). Also, Garlic – so fresh – pair with extra tomatoes and basil. More Cabbage, Radish and Scallions. U-Pick Green Beans. U-Pick Herbs… lots of Basil! And parsley. Dill and Cilantro going to seed, still great for cooking. U-Pick Flowers full of color – pair with an herb bouquet and give your table that farmhouse feel. Take a pic, along with your veggies and tag us @walkingbirdfarm to win a Walking Bird Farm t-shirt/tank or canvas tote bag!
U-Pick Crops. Open to the Public.
CSA… include as an item, OR purchase as an extra item in Farm Shop.
FLOWERS: Mixed Bouquets 15 stems OR 8 Sunflowers. CSA $4, Public $6. Extra Sunflowers $1 each.
HERBS: Mixed bunches or Single Herbs – see sample display for estimate. CSA $2, Public $4.
CHERRY TOMATOES – Mix colors and flavors! Orange sun golds (smaller oranges, super sweet!); tropical sunset (larger oranges, mild flavor), black cherry types (rich flavor, pick very dark). CSA $3/lb, Public $3.50/lb.
GREEN BEANS.
BLUEBERRIES – likely last week. Get what you can, then wander into our other U-Pick fields!
HOURS: Thu, Fri 10 AM-5 PM and Sat 10 AM-2 PM.
ALL U-PICK MUST BE COMPLETED BY CLOSING.
Extras for Sale.
Corn, Blackberries, Cheeses, Meats, Mushrooms, Sheepsicles, Baked goods (as available, please check Hammerbacher Bakery direct for more options), AND Walking Bird farm-grown produce (extras for sale to CSA and Public). Please note, not all produce available to public, only bumper crops that we have tons of. For example, we do have smaller red tomatoes and u-pick options for public sales, limited quantities. Large red “beefsteak” tomatoes are CSA only currently. ALL CROPS LABELED, PLEASE FOLLOW SIGNS FOR OPTIONS AND PRICING.
Thanks for supporting our farm!
CSA Week 7
Hot and Heavy Harvest! Eggplant, Tomatoes (reds, heirlooms, u-pick cherry types), Peppers (bells and hots), Cucumbers, Zucchini, Onions, Carrots, Beets, Cabbage, Kohlrabi, Scallions, Garlic scapes. U-Pick Flowers, Herbs AND cherry tomatoes.
U-Pick this week… Blueberries - 1 or 2 weeks left. Get um in the freezer! Flowers - Mix & Match bouquets AND sunflowers. Herbs - Mix & Match basil, dill, cilantro and parsley; others too. Cherry Tomatoes - just coming in. Count a pint as a “tomato unit” in your share. Orange AND Black tomato types! Green Beans? New field need another week before we open it.
Extra “Jersey Fresh” For Sale. Corn AND Blackberries, Pastore Orchard; Cheeses - NEW selections, Fulper Farms and Misty Meadow; Fresh Chickens AND Eggs, Cycle Farms, Sheepsicles and Yogurt, Misty Meadow; Mushrooms, Faith Flower Farm; Baked goods (as available, OR visit Hammerbacher direct for more!); AND WB farm-grown produce, see Shop for details and pricing (tomatoes for CSA only this week, please check back soon for public sales).
Thank you for your support. See you on the farm!
CSA Week 6
THE HARVEST. NEW! Eggplant and Peppers… just coming in and limited. Also, Broccoli and Cauliflower (choose 1, last week, until the fall harvest). Radish and Scallions back on the table. Along with Cabbage, Carrots, Cucumbers, Garlic scapes, Kohlrabi and Zucchini.
TOMATO TEASER! Grab a tomato sample, as they are just coming in. Could be a red “beefsteak”, an heirloom or a handful of cherry tomatoes.
EXTRA JERSEY FRESH FOR SALE.
NEW… CORN AND BLACKBERRIES! Pastore Orchard.
More to Love in Farm Shop… Fresh Chickens and Eggs (chickens free range/organic, priced accordingly at $5/lb.), Cycle Farms; Yogurt/Cheeses/”Sheep”sicles, Misty Meadow Sheep Dairy; Chicken sausages/ground turkey, Griggstown Farms; Mushrooms, Faith Flower Farm; Microgreens, Jersey Joe’s (Walking Bird farmer Joe’s up and coming business!); AND our own farm-grown produce. Need to cool off… we have Joe’s tea! In the fridge. Baked goods, Hammerbacher… sells out fast! If you miss them on Thursday, please visit their bakery in Egg Harbor City. It is worth it:)
U-PICK CROPS. Blueberries, Green Beans, Flowers and Herbs.
ALL abundant and easy to pick. Herbs – try drying or freezing for later use. Basil, Parsley, Dill, Cilantro. Also, Rosemary, Oregano, Mint and more. Raspberries? Depends on field conditions this week.
See you on the farm. And thank you for your support!
CSA Week 5
The Harvest… Broccoli, Cauliflower, Cabbage, Beets, Carrots, Cucumber, Zucchini, Garlic Scapes, Kohlrabi. Other crops and game day decisions - Scallions, Kale and Radish? NEW U-Pick Crop… Green Beans! AND Sunflowers and Herbs are abundant! Too hot for most greens right now; will take a break from the lettuce for a few weeks. Looking forward to peppers, eggplant and tomatoes! 2 weeks? For now, time to make pickles - try a batch with zucchini and garlic scapes.
U-Pick Berries… Blueberries - LOTS of blueberries! Raspberries are on lighter side but still worth picking. They will continue to come in. This is a new crop for us, so still learning about its habits.
HOT WEEK! Farm Crew is doing great, bangin out the harvest and other work. Epic Garlic harvest, which you will see in about 3 weeks, as it needs to cure. So much good food in the fields - call us crazy, but we love what we do! Stay cool out there:)
CSA Week 4
The Harvest…
Cucumber, Zucchini, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Beets, Carrots, Scallion, Radish, Garlic scapes, Lettuce, Kale, Cabbage, Kohlrabi. Also U-Pick Flowers and Herbs - include as an item in your CSA share, or purchase extras. CSA Member discount on U-Pick crops. Extras for Sale - see Farm Shop for details.
FLOWERS… Sunflowers and Calendula are abundant! Zinnia, Cosmos, Snapdragon and other flowers starting to fill in. Farmer tip: add a bunch of herbs to your bouquets; they will look AND smell amazing.
Sunflowers - field next to blueberries.
Flowers, Mix and Match - field in front of barn.
HERBS… Choose a single herb, or a mix.
Parsley, Basil, Dill, Cilantro - field in front of barn.
Mint, Lavender, Sage, Thyme, Oregano, Rosemary - field next to blueberries.
U-Pick Flowers and Herbs:
What you need to know, and get the most from your experience.
What is a bunch? See U-Pick sample display for details, in Farm Shop. Every week it will change depending on abundance.
Bring Your Own Scissors. We do have a few pairs on hand, in a pinch, but they do disappear quickly!
Bring Your Own Containers. Something that will fit in your vehicle cup holder works. Fill up at the water coolers to help get your bouquets home without wilting.
Strip leaves from the stems in the field - helps keep bouquets from wilting and fresh for longer. You can do this in the field, just drop on the ground in the walkways.
Use a rubber band. Keep bouquets neat and tidy - grab a few from the U-Pick sample display.
Can I add Flowers and Herbs to my share? Include as an item in your CSA share, swap out something, or purchase as an “extra”. CSA Member discount on ALL U-Pick crops.
Open to the Public? Yes, with limitations. CSA Members have priority. Please see Farm Shop for details.
U-pick Berries:
Blueberries (OPEN to Public). Price $2.90/lb ($2.75 for CSA). NO entry fee.
Raspberries (OPEN to Public). Price $6/pint ($5/pint for CSA). Entry fee $1/person for anyone entering field.
HOURS (U-Pick and CSA)
U-Pick: Mon-Fri 10 AM-5 PM, Sat 10 AM-2 PM, Sun Closed (U-Pick hours AND availability weather dependent, please check social media for real time updates).
Farm Shop/CSA Pick up: Thu, Fri 10 AM-5 PM, Sat 10 AM-2 PM.
CSA Week 3
The Harvest… Carrots, Cauliflower (white AND orange!), Zucchini (green AND yellow), Cabbage, Lettuce, Kale, Scallions, Radish, Kohlrabi, Garlic Scapes. Also U-pick Herbs and Flowers (CSA Only). Lots coming in now! Extras for sale, see Farm Shop for details.
U-Pick Berries… Blueberries (OPEN to Public) AND Raspberries (OPEN to Public).
Blueberries… Price $2.90/lb ($2.75 for CSA). NO entry fee.
Raspberries… Price $6/pint ($5/pint for CSA). Entry fee $1/person for everyone. After 3 years of intensive, organic management, labor and infrastructure costs, crop losses and re-plantings, we can FINALLY open this crop for u-pick. Raspberries are expensive to grow; berries are priced accordingly.
HOURS (U-Pick AND CSA pickup): Thu AND Fri 10 AM-5 PM; Sat 10 AM-2 PM; CLOSED Sun.
Other farm happenings… Broccoli and cucumbers next week? Green beans… 2 weeks? Beets back next week. More greens? The early heat and no rain took a toll on some of these crops, combined with a labor shortage to help maintain and harvest. We expect arugula and spinach for a few weeks, but not this season, a first for us in over 10 years. I am considering buying in local though, if available. I will keep you posted. Every year is different, and what we are pulling from the fields is coming in strong. Thank you for being a part of the farm season with us… lots to grow, pick and eat! Enjoy.
CSA Week 2
The Harvest…
Lettuce heads (buttercrunch, summer crisp and frilly loose leaf types); Beets; Kohlrabi; Kale; Arugula; Garlic Scapes; Radish; Turnips; U-Pick Herbs; U-Pick Flowers. REMINDER… BRING YOUR OWN BAGS! Mother Earth thanks you. EXTRAS… you can purchase in Farm Shop (as available); posted weekly.
U-Pick Flowers and Herbs… How Does It Work?
Bring Your Own Scissors.
Bring Your Own Containers. I recommend something that will fit in your vehicle cup holder. We have water to fill up… don’t let your flowers and herbs wilt in the car ride home! Keep bunches tidy with a rubber band; we have these too, next to water coolers.
Flowers and Herbs: count as an item in your share. If you do not have it selected, then you can swap it out OR purchase as an “extra”. For example, if you have a small share (choose 4 items), it might look like this… beets, lettuce, kale and flowers. If you want more items, you can purchase extras (as available).
How much can I pick? Please refer to the U-Pick SAMPLE display in Farm Shop. Each week, the varieties and stem count will change (as available). This week… flowers and herbs just coming in. They will be smaller bunches. As you pick, they will get bigger and fuller in a few weeks.
U-Pick Berries… Strawberries. ALL U-Pick Berries EXTRA, not part of CSA share.
CSA PICKUP HOURS:
Thursday AND Friday 10 AM-5 PM
Saturday 10 AM-2 PM
U-Pick Twilight Hours
U-Pick Strawberries CLOSED today, Sunday, for field maintenance and farm chores. OPEN during the week for twilight picking, 4-7 PM, as available. We will announce twilight picking after field maintenance. Please check back soon!
CSA Week 1
THE HARVEST…
Arugula, Lettuce mix, Kale (choose Tuscan and Curly), Garlic Scapes, Swiss Chard, Hakurei Turnip (a sweet salad turnip!), U-pick Herbs. U-Pick Strawberries (ALL berries EXTRA, not included in CSA).
Questions?
Customize Your Share. Yes, you can do this! If you are confused by your Week 1 share email... we are learning new CSA software this year, and I have a few tweaks to make on how I enter harvest data into the system before Week 2. Thank you for your understanding. Customize in Farm Shop - our friendly farm staff will take care of you. Tell us your share size and we will fill you up! AND Purchase Extra Produce (as available).
Extras. Yes, you can do this! LOYAL TO LOCAL… chicken sausages, ground turkey, sheep dairy products, mushrooms and baked goods (as available). Other extras to be added throughout the season. Extra Produce will be listed for sale in Farm Shop (as available).
Strawberries, U-Pick. ALL u-pick berries are EXTRA, not included in CSA. Grab your share (at the old barn on the left), OR pick strawberries first (park at the bldg. near flag pole). ALL U-PICK MUST BE COMPLETED BEFORE CLOSING. Please allow enough time to do so AND grab your share. Thank you so much!
Other U-pick Options? Choose Herbs, Flowers, Cherry tomatoes and Green Beans as a share item (as available). You can include these in your item count for the week.
Change Pick up Day? If you are unable to pickup your share on your scheduled day… you can do so on another pickup day, during CSA pickup hours. We cannot hold your share beyond CSA days/hours; you can choose to it donate it. Or, have a friend pick up your share in your place. You do not need to notify us… but please explain the pickup procedures to them.
PICKUP HOURS - CSA WEEK 1:
THU 10 AM - 5 PM; FRI 10 AM - 2 PM (CLOSING EARLY FOR FAMILY WEDDING); SAT 10 AM-2 PM. Normal Friday hours will resume for Week 2, and the remainder of the season (10 AM-5 PM). Thank you for your understanding.
Bring Your Own Bags. You may help yourself to items on the tables (like bunches of things). For loose greens, we will have them pre-weighed; we will serve you. We are not pre-bagging or distributing plastic bags. Please bring your own bags for loose greens (arugula and lettuce mix). Reduce waste and recycle, thank you!
Masks NOT required.
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers. Anything not covered in this message is in “Frequently Asked Questions and Answers”. Please read before first pickup.
More Questions? Our farm staff will be happy to assist you - no worries! Farm Shop days are for meeting your farmers and community, eating healthy food and having fun!
Memorial Day Weekend
U-PICK STRAWBERRIES: Due to heavy picking and rain, U-Pick Strawberries will be CLOSED through Memorial Day Weekend. We will reevaluate the fields on Tuesday and determine when picking will resume. Thanks to everyone who came out to pick over the past week. We picked a lot of strawberries!
CSA REMINDER: 2021 CSA starts June 3–5. This will be the kickoff of our 12th CSA Season! Signups are officially closed as we are SOLD OUT for the 2021 Season. Follow our Facebook page for updates on extra vegetables available for public purchase throughout the season. CSA customers, if you ever miss an email, the weekly updates will always be loaded to the NEWS section of our website: https://www.walkingbirdfarm.com/news
U-Pick OPEN Friday
U-pick Strawberries OPEN today, Friday 9 AM-3 PM, or until sold out. Get yours before the rain! We will be closed Saturday. We will re-evaluate field conditions and keep you posted about Sunday/Monday picking. It is possible we will be closed. Today is beautiful day to pick! Thank you for your business and supporting local.
CSA Opens Next Week
CSA OPENS… June 3rd, 4th 5th.
CSA Week 1 PICK UP… on any of these days, and during pickup hours:
Th 10 AM – 5 PM
Fri 10 AM – 2 PM (Friday pick up, Week 1 ONLY… closing early at 2 PM for private event/family wedding).
Sat 10 AM – 2 PM
FRIDAY PICK UP, WEEK 1, PLEASE NOTE: We will resume normal business hours on Friday the following week, and for the remainder of season, Friday pickups 10 AM – 5 PM.
CSA Week 1 Harvest… Kale, Arugula, Lettuce, Salad Turnip (Hakurei), Swiss Chard and Garlic scapes. Waiting on Kohlrabi and Radish… hoping rain will push these along for Week 1 as well. U-pick Herbs (rosemary, sage, chives, thyme, oregano and mint). AND U-pick Strawberries (ALL berries extra, not included in CSA).
CSA Week 2 Harvest, a look ahead… all of the above AND maybe Carrots, Beets, Scallions and Zucchini. Spinach is having a hard time with the heat and lack of rain; I will keep you updated on crops and other field conditions throughout the season.
And in the weeks following, the harvest will continue to get heavier and more diverse. First few weeks are mostly greens. Lots of salads! I will send another update before the first pickup with more details about your CSA. Looking forward to seeing our CSA members next week.
Strawberry Picking OPEN
OPEN today! 9-3. Pick before the rain, and beat the heat. Strawberry season is VERY short... don’t miss it! Open for CSA and public. Wed, Thu 9-3, and Fri (if not raining). And we definitely need the rain! Come out and pick early if u can...lots out there!
Strawberry Picking Update
U-Pick Strawberries OPEN this week: Wed and Thu 9 AM-3PM. And maybe Fri if there is no rain - looks like rain though (OH PLEASE RAIN!!!) We desperately need the rain! I see a chance this weekend, so if you want berries, come out Wed or Thu. Fields are ripening again from heavy picking. The 2nd flush of berries are usually smaller... and they are just as sweet:)
Demand is high and strawberry season is VERY short - come out and get yours before it is too late! And thank you for supporting our farm.
Closed Sunday
U-Pick Strawberries CLOSED Sun. We will reopen during the week as the berries ripen again. Thank you for visiting us Fri and Sat... you picked us out! Please check our website and social media for real time updates - it will be a few days, not sure exactly when, it’s weather dependent. Thank you for supporting our farm, and we look forward to seeing you soon for more picking — at Walking Bird Farm.
U-Pick Strawberries
U-Pick Strawberries OPEN today, 9AM-4PM, OR until sold out. CSA customers have priority, AND get our CSA discount. Berries are beautiful... beat the heat and get out early! See u on the farm.
Strawberry U-Pick Opens Friday!
OPEN for CSA Members ONLY this weekend.
Friday, Saturday, Sunday 9 AM-4 PM. OR until sold out. Get out early for the best berries! We will post if we are picked out for the day... it could happen before 4! This is the first pick… they do go quick and there will be more. Depending on weather and customer volume, the fields will be periodically closed and opened… this is normal for strawberries. We will evaluate and update field conditions daily.
CSA pricing $3.50/lb, Public pricing $3.85/lb. Cash and Cards accepted.
Containers for picking? We have boxes for you that you can take home. If you prefer to use your own containers to pick into, please bring it along.
Where to park and CSA member check in? Follow signs for parking. Proceed to lot near the flagpole (not the CSA barn) and enter the building.
Do I need a mask? Not required in the u-pick fields.
Group limits? The fields will be full, and we expect our customers to maintain proper social distancing. One adult per 4 children, and please stay in the walkways. Enjoy yourselves and be courteous to your fellow u-pickers.
Do I need an appointment? No. Berries are first come, first serve.
Not a CSA member? Strawberry U-Pick will be open to the public Memorial Day Weekend, OR sooner, depending on field conditions. Please check back soon for updates.
Strawberry season is short and in high demand. Managing this crop, and other berries we grow, is a yearlong, labor intensive effort for us. Fruit crops require much more maintenance than our annual CSA, and therefore we need to charge additional fees outside the CSA share to cover our costs. As a thank you for the consistent support of our CSA membership, we do offer a 10% discount on ALL u-pick berries throughout the season. Thank you for your support... see you on the farm!
Cinco de Mayo Farm Update
After days in the 80’s and lows in the 40’s then 4 days of being wind blown, spring conditions are normalizing on the farm. We have lots of beautiful crops growing and we’re just a few weeks away from opening our 12th CSA season! Lots of wild bee activity has us super excited. Strawberries are loving this warm weather and the blueberries are loaded with flowers. Won’t be long now before the u-pick fields are open! Our garlic crop is looking beautiful and we have not one, but TWO high tunnels loaded up with tomatoes. The staff is working hard helping us keep all of the planting on schedule.
At this point we’re nearly sold out of CSA shares for the 2021 season, so if you still want to get in, you only have a couple of weeks left since we typically get a run on signups as we near Memorial Day Weekend. In addition to our home grown CSA veggies, we are planning to once again load our farm shop with all the goodies you’re accustomed to from our farm (and chef) friends. Plus, we’re working on some other surprises for the Summer and Fall. Looking forward to seeing our long time customers and welcoming the new ones.
See you on the farm soon!