Our Garden & CSA

Hand’s down, the BEST thing about this summer has been the opportunities we’ve had to eat locally, organically and on a budget (my favorite). Our garden is absolutely overflowing with fresh vegetables, and I have to admit, there is no prouder moment than harvesting that first batch of self-grown produce. Going out into the garden and picking what we eat means: A. We’re not technically paying for food and B. The vegetables are insanely fresh C. We’re not harming the environment by hauling our food in from across the globe. All three reasons make us EXTREMELY happy and the success of the garden this year has been a complete blessing. And our wallets are extra happy. Our weekly Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods bill has been slashed in half since most of our produce is pickable this time of the year. Basil, lettuce, bok choy and kale (oh, the gorgeous kale!), grow back almost instantly after being plucked, which is awesome. The peppers, broccoli, cucumbers and tomatoes are slowly rolling out one at a time, by the patience you have to have to wait for the bounty makes the reward that much more delicious 🙂

And our decision to split a farm share with Arikka and Derek make have been our most brilliant plan. Mainstone Farm is Wayland was a great discovery, and since early July have had ample amounts of organically grown veggies available for a dirt-cheap prices. 75 cent cukes, 40 cent non-GMO ears of corn, $1 per pound potatoes and a case (yes, I said a case!) of tomatoes for just ten bucks.

The insanely low price of great quality food is not the point though. Even if it were expensive, it would be worth it. To have a local and organic hard-working farm-base near our home is outstanding. To be able to speak to the people who grow the produce from start to finish and build a relationship with them, is just another element of why eating locally is so important. It brings shopping, eating and cooking to a different level. It makes me prouder of what goes into and comes out of our kitchen.