Hollow Pumpkin C.S.A.: High Tunnel Finale!

WELCOME TO HOLLOW PUMPKIN C.S.A.

What is a C.S.A.?

Quite simply, it Stands for Community Supported Agriculture and can be the answer to todays industrialization of America's food supply by bringing the community closer to the source of their food supply.

How does it work?

If a person is interested in becoming a member of our C.S.A they would purchase a full or half share per season prior to the season's start. Pre-payment allows a small independent organic grower, like Steve Smith, the finances to invest in the equipment and materials he needs for the upcoming season. For as low as $15.00 per week your share of produce is distributed (each week) over a 24 week growing season (June through November) for your eating pleasure. Distribution may be achieved via delivery or picked up at a designated distribution site on a designated day at a designated time. Hollow Pumpkin C.S.A. will notify it's members as to which method of distribution will be used for that season as the season grows near. We request minimally 24 to 48 hours notice if you will not be available on the distribution day so that we may make other arrangements with you, within reason. If we do not hear from you and your share does not get picked up on the day of distribution within the time slot specified, your share will be donated to a shelter or another community organization.

*Payment plans are available. Call or email and ask us for information about our "Early Turnip Discount."

Why Join a C.S.A.?

1. It Affords you the most healthy and nutritional produce

available.

2. It supports your local farm and economy.

3. It supports the environment.

4. It allows you a relationship with your local farmer.

5. It allows you to have a voice about the produce and food

you eat.

Things to Consider:

1. Do you enjoy cooking with a variety of seasonal vegetables?

2. Are you willing to share the risks along with the benifits. The farmer may occasionally encounter challenges, such as weather related issues, pests and blights? Eating local and seasonal is different than buying whatever you want whenever you want at a grocery store. It will take some getting use to. However, eating local and seasonal is healthier and absolutely more in sync with the environment.

3. Are you adventurous? Do you like trying new and different vegetables and fruits?

Our Distribution Area:

Steve's farm is located in Anna Illinois, 30 miles South of Carbondale Illinois. Hollow Pumpkin C.S.A's distribution area covers Anna/Jonesboro, areas north of Anna such as Cobden and Makanda up to Carbondale, east to Carterville and Marion, west to Murphysboro. We also will distribute to the Lick Creek area and, of course, south, east and west of Anna within a 20 mile (or so) radius. (We are flexible based on the amount of interest we receive in a particular area and distribution issues can be negotiated within reason.)

Who is Hollow Pumpkin C.S.A.?

Steve Smith is the owner and Head Farmer. Steve has various friends who graciously donate their time when they can and we encourage our C.S.A. members to get a little dirty and come out to the farm and volunteer to work in the fields from time to time.

About Steve Smith

Steve Smith came to Anna Illinois from New York and established the farm in 1977, over 30 years ago, with a strong desire to go back to the land and organically grow vegetables. He succeeded, and became the first viable organic farm in Southern Illinois. Steve is truly a pioneer in organic farming in the region. He is dedicated to providing the Southern Illinois community with fresh, local, ecologically sound produce and he is always excited about sharing his knowledge with everyone, especially the next generation.

To contact Hollow Pumpkin C.S.A. you may email: steve.hollowpumpkin@gmail.com or call (618) 614-2233

Friday, April 8, 2011

High Tunnel Finale!

It's been a while since the last posting and I bet you all want to know what we have been up to. We are finally able to tell you that the plastic is up and but for a few minor trims here and there, the new high tunnel is up and shining! Once again this city girl has learned a few things. One is that building a high tunnel is not as easy as it looks. We had to wait for the perfect day... it could not be windier than 10 miles per hour, it had to be warm so the plastic would adjust properly and preferably no rain so we could have help because no one wanted to work in the rain including us. At this time of year, the wind blows the temperatures fluctuate and the rain falls. We had several days where we thought we could get the plastic up and Steve made calls to folks who volunteered to help but alas...wind, rain and cold kept coming. Today, we finally had all of the right ingredients and our angels came out to help. Thanks to Scott Rogers, Phil Mendenhall and a special thanks to our friend at Flyway Farm in Makanda, Mike Hatfield, who is a part of the Foodworks mentoring program and Steve has taken him under his wing to pass on some of his knowledge to Mike. We think Mike has a lot of knowledge to pass along to us as well so it is a great program all the way around. Mike graciously offered to help us get the plastic up on the High Tunnel! We thank Foodworks for having us as a part of their mentoring program. We also want to mention that we have a second budding farmer who will be aboard with Steve through the Foodworks

mentoring program His name is Orlan Mays and Orlan will have a farm located in Murphysboro. We met Orlan at the Seed Swap in Carbondale and we liked him from the start. We are looking forward to sharing knowledge with Orlan soon. We will post a photo of Orlan as soon as we get one so stay tuned. The lettuce mix is growing once again, all the taters are in, spinach abounds, tomatoes are constantly being planted. We had already planted some tomatoes in the old green house and kept them nice and warm with row cover during the cold snaps, summer squash seedlings are popping and the list goes on and on. suffice it to say, we have been busy. We began this post with a photo of the mostly finished high tunnel. the following photos will take you from finish to start. Enjoy.