Consumer-supported agriculture (CSA) partners growers with members of the community who want to invest in the many benefits of locally grown food.  In a CSA model, community members purchase a “share” of the farm’s upcoming harvest during the off-season. By purchasing a share before growers start their first seedlings of the season, share-holders provide the up-front cash needed purchase seed stock, equipment, and other supplies that will be used throughout the growing season. In return, share holders get a weekly portion of the harvest — fresh, locally grown food that’s full of flavor and grown by farmers who know you personally.

In seasons where there is a bumper crop, you’ll see bigger weekly selections. For example, 2020 was a great year for squash. CSA share holders reaped the benefits with half a dozen different varieties beginning in midsummer and running through our last share of the season. Shares can also come with some risk: last year was tough for sweet peppers and we harvested very few. But whether you get a lot or a little, the big payoff in being a CSA share-holder is enjoying the experience of fresh produce that comes from the community where you live (instead of trucked across the country).

Is a CSA with Coleman Gardens right for my family?

We want you to be happy with your share, and we’ve come up with a few questions to help you decide whether being a CSA member is right for your family.

Do you want a relationship with your farmer?

We’re friendly, talkative farmers and we’re passionate about what we grow.  We genuinely want to answer your questions about our produce and we look forward to building a relationship with you. As a CSA member, you’ll enjoy the benefits of being a part of our CSA family and being a part of everything we grow.

Do you like to try new and exciting vegetables?

We’ll always grow the familiar favorites like greens, tomatoes, and peppers. But a big part of being a CSA member is the opportunity to try new things you might not have experienced before. If you have requests, we’ll do our best to honor them, but we encourage you to look at CSA membership with a sense of adventure that allows you to experience the variety local agriculture has to offer.

Are you willing to eat with the seasons?

Nothing tastes better and is more nutritious than fresh, local produce. But, that also means what’s in your CSA is reflective of what’s currently available to harvest on the farm. Your first and last few shares will contain quite a few leafy greens, cold tolerant root vegetables, and maybe some sweet sugar snap peas. During the warmer months of summer, you’ll see tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers. Being a part of a CSA means that you’ll experience the best of the season – while it’s in season, but that can take some patience as well.

Are you just looking for a deal?

We believe in farming a certain way… the local, small, organic way. We use sustainable practices, take care of the soil, and work cooperatively with nature. All of that adds untold value to your weekly CSA. You can’t buy that at the grocery store.