Fresh, buttery salad greens, ripe and juicy strawberries, baby carrots and more could all be yours! Although the winter is not quite over yet, some farms are already looking to the summer by trying to determine what types of produce they are going to grow in the coming months and what types of plants they are going to start for gardeners. Although the farm stand at Staehly Farms may be closed during the winter months, owners Gail and Chris are hard at work delivering firewood and attempting to determine what plants are going to do best in your garden as well as what produce will be popular in the coming year.

To take out some of the guesswork, Gail and Chris have created their version of a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program for the farm. The idea has recently become popular across the United States, offering “subscribers” a box of produce every week when they pre-pay at the beginning of the year. This method of growing and selling has become popular among farms because it shares the responsibility of growing and selling the produce with the consumers. Because farmers know that they can give you everything that they grow, it eliminates the waste that comes from trying to retail the produce on shelves.

Each week, the box can be picked up from the farm, or delivered through Simply Connecticut, an East Haddam-based produce delivery service. One week the box may contain lettuce and carrots, the next strawberries and after that perhaps cucumbers, among other things. It is all up to chance and to the growing conditions, but those who tend to subscribe typically enjoy the thrill of not knowing what to expect. This surprise factor has also been appealing to the more adventurous types; discovering new recipes and new types of fruits and vegetables can be not only exciting but a fun bonding activity for couples and families.

At the time of publication, shares were still available to purchase and you can find additional information by visiting their website.