Dear Farm Friends,

As we venture into the heart of winter, we find ourselves reminiscing about the

cozy warmth and vibrant colors of our Farm during the colder months. February may bring frosty days, but it also kindles a sense of hope and renewal as we prepare for the upcoming planting season. 

The history of our Farm, spanning over 350 years, is a testament to the enduring connection between the land and our community. As we plan for the new growing season, we are excited to welcome you back and share in the beauty and bounty of our Farm.

Registration for our Summer CSA opens to the public Monday, February 10. You can read more about our CSA program here. We will send out an email reminder when enrollment opens, or you can sign up on our website. Our Summer CSA is open to both Newton residents and nonresidents alike on a first-come, first-served basis. Sign up quickly to ensure your spot.

Stay warm and enjoy the winter season with your loved ones. We look forward to another productive year together, and we thank you for being a cherished member of our Farm community.

Allyson MacKenna

Director of Administration and Programs

2025 Summer CSA Program Overview 

If you enjoy eating fresh, delicious, locally-grown produce, then consider signing up for our 2025 Summer CSA program. Traditionally, our CSA sharers receive significantly more value for their money than buying from the grocery store.

At the beginning of each growing season, CSA sharers purchase a “share” of the upcoming produce, which helps the Farm cover a substantial portion of the costs of our agricultural operations. In return, NCF provides sharers with a supply of sustainably grown, fresh vegetables and herbs each week throughout the farm season.

We have the equivalent of 80 weekly shares available. Some of our sharers enroll for an alternate-week share, which means they pick up produce every other week. Other sharers enroll for a weekly share for their family or else they split their share with another friend or family (or two!).

You can read more about our Summer CSA here. We will be sending out an email on February 10 with the link to enroll, or you can enroll right from our website starting February 10. You do not have to be a resident of Newton to join.

Other CSA Programs

In addition to our Summer CSA program, we also offer separate Fruit Share and Late Fall CSA programs. Information, including enrollment forms and deadlines, will be available on our website by midsummer for the Fruit Share Program and mid-fall for the Late Fall CSA.

Dreaming about summer already? NCF is partnering with Duck Hollow Farm once again to bring you fresh, local flowers all summer. Sign up for 15 weeks of floral bouquets, organically grown in Sherborn, MA. Runs from June 19th through September 25th.

Pickup weekly at NCF on Thursdays between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Price is $330, plus optional add-on posy each week for $75!

Click here to sign up. Please email laurel@al-freshco.com with any questions.

Annual Seedling Sale!

Saturday, May 17, and Sunday, May 18

Composting is nature's way of recycling. It's a process that converts organic waste into nutrient-rich soil, perfect for gardening and farming. By composting, you're not only reducing waste but also enriching your soil and supporting sustainable gardening practices. Here's how you can get started with composting.

Why Compost?

1. Reduces Waste: Composting helps reduce the amount of organic waste that ends up in landfills. This waste can be as much as 30% of what we throw away, and composting can significantly lower that figure.

2. Enriches Soil: Compost improves soil structure, texture, and aeration. It also increases the soil's water-holding capacity.

3. Encourages Healthy Plant Growth: The nutrients in compost promote the growth of healthy plants by providing essential nourishment and beneficial microorganisms.

4. It's Eco-Friendly: Composting reduces greenhouse gases by diverting organic waste from landfills, where it would otherwise decompose and produce methane, a potent greenhouse gas.

Getting Started with Composting

1. Choose a Composting Method:

• Backyard Composting: Ideal for those with garden space. Use a compost bin or pile to collect organic waste.
• Worm Composting (Vermicomposting): Great for small spaces. Redworms break down food scraps in a controlled environment.
• Indoor Composting: Perfect for apartment dwellers. Use a small bin with proper ventilation and a mix of organic waste.

2. What to Compost:

• Green Materials: Fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, tea bags, grass clippings, and green leaves. These are rich in nitrogen.
• Brown Materials: Dry leaves, straw, sawdust, cardboard, and paper. These provide carbon.
• Avoid: Fish, meat, dairy, oils, and diseased plants, as they can attract pests and create odors.

3. Layering:

• Start with a layer of coarse materials like twigs and straw to ensure proper drainage and aeration.
• Alternate layers of green and brown materials. Aim for a ratio of three parts brown to one part green.

4. Maintaining Your Compost:

• Aeration: Turn the compost pile regularly to provide oxygen and speed up the decomposition process.
• Moisture: Keep the compost moist, like a damp sponge. Add water if it's too dry. Add dry materials if it's too wet.
• Temperature: A properly maintained compost pile should generate heat, indicating that decomposition is occurring. 

5. Harvesting Compost:

• After a few months, your compost will turn into dark, crumbly soil with an earthy smell. This indicates it's ready to use.
• Use the finished compost to enrich garden beds, potting soil, or as a natural fertilizer for your plants.

Final Tips for Successful Composting

• Balance: Maintain a balance between green and brown materials to ensure efficient decomposition.
• Shred Materials: Smaller pieces decompose faster, so shred larger items like cardboard and branches.
• Avoid Chemicals: Don't add chemically treated wood or plants to your compost.
• Compost Bin Location: Place your compost bin in a shady spot to prevent it from drying out too quickly.

Composting is a simple, effective way to contribute to a healthier planet while benefiting your garden. With these tips, you'll be well on your way to turning waste into wealth! Happy composting!

Roasted Winter Vegetables with Quinoa and Feta

This dish is full of flavor and packed with nutritious seasonal ingredients.

Ingredients

- 1 cup quinoa

- 2 cups water or vegetable broth

- 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed

- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced

- 1 parsnip, peeled and cubed

- 1 red onion, sliced

- 2 Tbs. olive oil

- 1 tsp. dried thyme

- 1 tsp. dried rosemary

- Salt and pepper to taste

- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

- Optional: a handful of pomegranate seeds for a burst of color and flavor

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.

2. Rinse the quinoa under cold water, then combine with water or vegetable broth in a pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is cooked and fluffy.

3. Place the sweet potato, carrots, parsnip, and red onion on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.

4. Roast the vegetables in the oven for about 2530 minutes, or until they are tender and golden brown, stirring halfway through.

5. Combine the cooked quinoa and roasted vegetables in a large bowl. Mix well.

6. Top with crumbled feta cheese and fresh parsley. If you're using pomegranate seeds, sprinkle them on top as well.

7. Serve warm and enjoy!

Newton Community Farm is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, EIN #20-2482452. If you would prefer to donate by mail, please send a check payable to Newton Community Farm at the address below. Please also check with your employer if matching funds are available.

NEWTON COMMUNITY FARM

303 Nahanton Street

Newton, MA 02459

617-916-9655

www.newtoncommunityfarm.org

information@newtoncommunityfarm.org