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Ahavah Community Newsletter

July 17th, 2024 - SUMMER CSA Season Week 6


What's Inside This Week?

👉A special THANK YOU to our sponsors - 719Heroes at Sellstate Alliance Realty

👉Featured Vegetable & Recipe of the Week: "Carrots"

👉 Monthly Giveaway - get $60.00!

👉This Week's Article - ⭐IMPORTANT. PLEASE READ⭐ "Grasshopper Update and Crop Status"

👉Featured Gardening Tip of the Week: "Drip vs. Overhead Irrigation. Exploring the Benefits and Drawdowns of both."

👉 CSA Tip of the Week "The Weekly Adventure Starts with the Purity of YOUR Produce!

👉Upcoming schedule of events for July

👉Must-Read Announcements

👉Featured Vendor of the Week: "Come to the Table"

👉Farmer's Market Update w/ Vendor List and Veggie availability.

👉*NEW* Also: Don't miss our "Around the Farm" this week, our announcements, our "Weekly Harvest List" and more!


Dear FARMILY! 

Week 6 is upon us already and we are almost to the middle of the summer season! Things have been moving along steadily and we finally feel like we are getting a grip on the grasshoppers - albeit a very loose grip...but a grip none-the-less 😁! The bin-runs have most-certainly been the largest impact we have had and for those of you who didn't see the Facebook post on Monday with the 4.6lbs of grasshoppers, here it is...😯😯

This catch was all from running the bins through the greenhouse as fast as we can while brushing the greens, thus capturing the grasshoppers into the bin. Can you imagine!!? In fact, we have been doing this every morning this week and we have been capturing over a pound every day! If you didn't see the video last week about how we did this, here, you can see it now...



We have also been working really hard on tearing out all the decimated crops and re-planting, although this time we are using row-covers on top of all new seedlings in order to secure the new seedlings against the grasshoppers. Once the new seedlings get a little established we will uncover them. We've also been using overhead watering to assist in this process as it tamps down their activity by cooling the grasshoppers which makes them slow and give the plants the opportunity to get a break from the grasshopper pressure.


...So, that's how our week has been going 😏, and it seems like things are looking up. The first half of the season hasn't been so wonderful, but the second half should be much better. We are still in the doldrums for a few more weeks, so don't expect a huge abundant harvest any time soon, but hopefully, G-d willing, we will have the abundance return in a few weeks and things will return to normal as we ride out the rest of the season into fall!

GRASSHOPPER UPDATE

If you didn't see our newsletter last week, I am going to continue to keep the article below in this one. It's important that you all read it so you have an understanding of expectations for the next few harvests. Things are not looking good out there and we are truly struggling to get this major infestation (the worst in over 40 years, so we are told) under control. We are confident that the end of the season will have a big turnaround, especially as we head into the cooler months of Fall, but for now, please check out the article below title "Grasshopper Update."


THIS WEEK'S CSA

Although the grasshoppers are the topic on everyone's mind right now, and truly they have done a number, we are still continuing to produce a "fair" CSA through it all. The preparation that we had going into the summer was so good that we are able to ride it out a little longer as we continue the recovery process. Your share this week is going to be absolutely beautiful despite the craziness of the grasshoppers! Beets will play a big role in this week's CSA, as will carrots, kale, onions and scallions (the onions we actually had to harvest early because they were one of the items getting decimated by the grasshoppers - so it's a nice mid-summer treat!). We also have some turnips and some cabbages coming (though the grasshoppers have decimated the majority of them). Due to the decimation of our cabbage, we decided that although we will offer most to the CSA, we will hold some back for sale to ensure that those that really want them can get them, since they are so limited - ensuring fairness for all (I know, I know, it's disappointing, and I am truly sorry!) If you haven't read our article on CSA Veggie Availability, please do so. It will help you understand how we try to promote fairness in the best way possible.


These items along with the rest of the varieties (all listed below in the "This Week's Harvest" section below) will make up your shares. As always, don't forget to see the "What's in your Bag" sections this week to get all the details.


FARMER'S MARKET

The farmer's market seems to have been a little slow lately, mostly due to the heat. So, this week should be much better! The weather should be cooler with lots of cloud cover. The afternoon will be bring showers, so be sure to get out here early to enjoy the market and support our awesome vendors!

As for the vendors this week, we have a fantastic lineup with many of the same vendors we are all used to seeing every week like our amazing coffee☕, sourdough🥖, grass-fed meat🥩 and many of our craft vendors🧶, pickles🥒 and more too! Don't forget the yummy tamale's 🫔 for lunch and you can wash it down and keep cool with a delicious fresh-squeezed lemonade 🍋🍋from our wonderful: "Double E's Fresh Squeezed Lemonade."


As for the veggies this week - we have plenty available. With a fewer number of varieties then last week, we still will have over 15 varieties of veggies available at the market this week, you can be sure to get what you need for your weekend barbeques and family dinners! 🥕🥬


You can learn more about all of this below, so don't forget to check out our "Upcoming Events" listings below, our "Events - A Look Ahead" section and also for more information on this week's Farmer's Market, the vegetables available at our stand and all the vendors that will be coming this week, please see our "Farmer's Market Update" section below as well!


THIS WEEK'S NEWSLETTER

In this week's newsletter there is a new video update, the harvest list and all the CSA details are updated and the around-the-farm section is also new. However, all of the articles including the Article of the Week, the Weekly Gardening Tip, the Farmer's Market Update, the Featured Vendor of the Week and the Featured Veggie of the Week will all be recycled from last week. I have decided that I will recycle the articles every other week and do a brand-new newsletter bi-weekly and give everyone the opportunity to have a two weeks to read the articles, if you want to, at your leisure. Enjoy the newsletter and the video update, and I hope you have an absolutely blessed week!


We love you all, our beautiful FaRmily!!!





Farmer Yosef and Family!


WE L❤️VE OUR COMMUNITY!


0:01 - Intro 0:20 - Grasshopper update 3:10 - Flour-Dusting and Celiac / gluten update 7:00 - Recovery efforts and a look ahead. 9:00 - CSA Update and upcoming expectations. 10:20 - Looking ahead to Fall. 11:20 - Newsletter Update. 12:30 - Summer festival recap and...Fall festival!!

🚨🚨ATTENTION COMMUNITY! PLEASE READ!🚨🚨

The Ahavah Community Initiative (501c3) board has met this week and we have approved the Summer CSA FREE membership applications and there were a total of 43 memberships that were approved!!


We are so honored to be able to help out our community in this way, and we simply could not turn down these members!  HOWEVER, the budget for these 43 memberships will be a total of almost $24,000 to go towards fulfilling these struggling families. We approved the memberships on faith that our community will not only come together and support these hurting families, but will also spread the word and work hard to get this food paid for so we can continue to provide for our community in this way!


PLEASE help your neighbors who are struggling! DONATE TODAY AND SPREAD THE WORD! We can't thank you enough and we KNOW you will come through and help!



 

100% of every penny donated to this campaign will go STRAIGHT and only to these local community families.  Please consider a donation today!

📢A VERY SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR AMAZING SPONSORS AND FRIENDS AT 719 HEROES AND SELLSTATE ALLIANCE REALTY

Words cannot express our deep heartfelt gratitude for the incredible support and love that Ahavah Community Initiative (501c3) and our entire community have received from this incredible group! "719 Heroes at Sellstate Alliance Realty is a group of REALTORS® who are Homes for Heroes Affiliates in Colorado Springs and Pueblo with a mission to give back to those who have sacrificed to protect, educate, heal, and serve our local community. From helping heroes buy and sell homes to hosting local events to raise and donate money to local causes, we strive to repay even the smallest debt to those who give their all every single day."


Their generous sponsorship of our recent event has allowed us the opportunity to provide free

food for up to 10 local families for an entire growing season. This support means the world to us and to the families who will benefit from the fresh, nutritious produce. We are profoundly grateful for their commitment to our community and their unwavering support.


Thank you, 719 Heroes at Sellstate Alliance Realty, for your incredible generosity. Your sponsorship not only made our festival possible but also created a ripple of positive impact that will be felt throughout our community. We couldn’t have done it without you, and we look forward to continuing this wonderful partnership to serve and uplift our local heroes.


Please go to 719heroes.com to learn more and support this incredible organization!

PUT IT ON YOUR CALENDARS!!!


YOU ARE INVITED to the 7th Annual Ahavah Community Fall Festival!! It's going to be an evening of family-fun at Ahavah Farm to help raise money to feed local families in need!

If you missed the Summer Fest, or got rained out, now is your second chance to come out, have fun and make a difference in the lives of those in YOUR community who need help!


🎸LIVE MUSIC- 🐴HAY-RIDES - 🔥BONFIRE W/ S'MORES - 🛍️LOCAL VENDORS - 🛝ZIP-LINE - 🏰BOUNCE HOUSES - 🧗GIANT PLAYGROUND - 🐐PETTING ZOO - ⚒️DEMONSTRATIONS - 🤡FACE-PAINTING - 🍔FOOD TRUCKS - AND MORE!


Every penny raised during our festival goes straight, 100%, to feeding LOCAL families in need! Come on out, have fun, watch demonstrations, enjoy live music, cook a s'more by the bonfire, shop at our local vendors and help us raise money for families who need it the most!

Suggested Donation of only $2.00 per person!

👩‍🌾Around the Farm This Week👩‍🌾


👉👇 Farming is the best form of homeschooling (yes, yes, we teach them math too ), but the real life-lessons like work-ethic, teamwork and specialized skills that they develop on the farm are absolutely priceless! This week (and this isn't the first time!), we sprung a leak in one of our main water lines and had to dig it up and replace it. We don't have the  luxury to call someone to fix it for us, so we do it ourselves and learn in the process. Obviously, as you can see, we ALL get involved! #teamworkmakesthedreamwork




















👉The sunsets around here are epic. This is one thing that has never let us down living out here!






👈Those cabbage leaves are amazing! One of our families favorites, as we love to chop up the leaves for salads, stir-fry's or we use them as stuffed cabbages which is always amazing!





👇Compost by the bucket...that's how we do it around here! 15 buckets per bed, every time! I don't know if the golfcart could take any more 😂!



Some of the greenhouses are still looking fairly pretty - REGARDLESS OF THE GRASSHOPPERS!👇


👇Here chicky, chickies! Come get your grasshoppers!

Get in Early - Fall season registration is NOW OPEN!

ONLY 75 SPOTS ARE AVAILABLE!*

(*Auto-renewal members are already registered and your spots are secured)

🍂Fall is the BEST season of them all! Just when all the Summer Farmer's Market's close down for the year is when the best season really gets started! Fall is the only time of the year that we have pretty much every variety available - from summer tomatoes and cucumbers and peppers to cooler crop lettuce, kale and greens to the fall squashes and pumpkins!


If you are looking for the freshest, purest and most nutrient-dense vegetables you can when the local farmer's market's call it quits, then you don't want to miss the Ahavah Farm FALL CSA Veggie-Share! 12 weeks of the best veggies you can find. It's the best season of them all!

Go to www.ahavahfarm.com/csa to register for our Fall season Community Supported Agriculture Veggie-Shares and get weekly bags of the freshest, most nutrient-dense vegetables available!!

🥕The highest quality, 100% local, produce you can find, harvested and delivered fresh every week!

😝Pure, chemical-free, regeneratively grown produce.

💳Flexible payment options.

💲Many discounts are available - see website!

📌4 Locations for CSA pickup (Peyton, Co. Springs, Denver and Monument).

🚚Door to Door delivery options available!

🫰Got SNAP!? Get 50% off your CSA share automatically!

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦Every share supports families in need through donations.

💪Flexible CSA options, holds, credits and more.

🧑‍🏫Classes, events, tours and community opportunities.


⭐100% of everything we sell is grown and harvested and delivered by Ahavah Farm and Ahavah Farm ONLY - All produce is grown 100% on our farm in Peyton Colorado, near Colorado Springs without a single chemical, in rich, composted soil. We use biodynamic principles to grow the purest, most nutrient-dense vegetables available and deliver them to you fresh, every week!


EATING HEALTHY SHOULD NOT BE A STRUGGLE!

Our mission at Ahavah Farm is to "provide health to our region, healing to our earth and love to our community by growing the purest and most environmentally responsible food available" and we are proud to say that we have never given up on our mission or compromised our values throughout all of these years.

 

Our mission has never been about making profit, getting wealthy or about anything other than service to you and to our planet. We strive to grow the freshest, purest, most sustainably grown produce that we are able to, without compromises and we want those that need the food the most to be the ones to get it! That's why we have so many options to make your support of our farm to be more convenient and more affordable!

 

Whether you pay with SNAP benefits, make monthly or weekly payments, whether you simply

share the support with your neighbors or you simply are having a difficult time making ends meet, we want to serve you and we want you and our whole community to flourish!

 

We hope you will sign up for our four-season CSA, whether for one season or for them all, and we want to make it easy for you to do so with the following opportunities:

 

Pay What You Can Afford

Times are tough, and getting PURE food is difficult for so many. Support your local farm, eat fresh, pure, chemical-free food with our Pay-What-You-Can-Afford program! All of our prices are suggested prices and if you can’t afford the suggested price, please be blessed by paying what you can! Select “CASH PAYMENT” at checkout and send us an e-mail telling us how much you can afford! No questions asked! It’s that simple!



Refer-A-Friend and Get $25.00

When you tell a friend or neighbor about our CSA program, not only do you get $25.00, but your friend ALSO get’s $25.00 too! After your friend signs up, simply have them send us an e-mail telling us who referred them and you BOTH get $25.00 for free food!

 

Flexible, No-Fee, No-Interest Payment Plans

The lump-sum of paying for your CSA share can be inconvenient! That’s why we allow all of our members to pay us, not only WHAT they can, but WHEN they can! These payment plans are INTEREST-FREE and flexible to YOUR needs! Simply select “CASH PAYMENT” at checkout and send us an e-mail to work out a plan that works for YOU!

 

Got SNAP? Get 50% Off Automatically!

Saving 50% off is a “SNAP” when you pay with your EBT / SNAP benefits! That’s right, when you pay your CSA share with your SNAP benefits you AUTOMATICALLY get 50% off of your CSA membership and all of our veggies at all of our stands! Eating pure has never been more affordable! Simply select “CASH PAYMENT” at checkout and send us an e-mail to let us know you will be paying with your SNAP / EBT benefits!


BECOMING A MEMBER OF ANY OF THESE PROGRAMS IS SUPER-SIMPLE:

 

  1. Go to ahavahfarm.com/csa and scroll down to select the size share you want (all the details are found there).

 

2. When checking out select "CASH PAYMENT"

 

3. Send us a quick e-mail and let us know you will be paying with SNAP or making a payment plan, or let us know how much you are able to afford so we can work with you to make a plan that fits YOUR budget!

 

Please spread the word and let us know if you have any questions!

 

PS. We do not get subsidized for any of our vegetables. Not from any one person or from any organization. Ahavah Farm is a for-profit, family farm, but we simply can't stand to see people struggling to feed their families our nutrient-dense produce, when it's needed. The only two things we ask in return is that you tell others about our family's generosity and that you don't take advantage of our generosity. THANK YOU!!!


REFERAL PROGRAM!

🌞TELL YOUR FRIENDS & FAMILY AND YOU BOTH GET $25🌞


Refer a friend to Ahavah Farm's CSA and you BOTH will receive $25 in credit to use ANYTIME you want! Use to buy extra vegetables, or take $25 off your next CSA purchase - your credit will never expire!


New members simply send an e-mail to contact@ahavahfarm.com to let us know who referred you and you BOTH receive your $25 certificate!  It's that easy!😁




Weekly Farmer's Market Update

Ahavah Community Indoor / Outdoor Farmer's Market

Every Friday from 10am to 1pm!

HOLY MOLEY it is going to be HOT🥵 - HOT♨️ - HOT🔥 on Friday! Thank goodness we have the water-games 💦 out for all this week! From kiddie pools, sprinklers and squirt guns to a nice splash pad and plenty of water toys for the littles to play with, it should be just enough to keep everyone nice and cool!


As for the vendors this week, we have a fantastic lineup with many of the same vendors we are all used to seeing every week like our amazing coffee☕, sourdough🥖, grass-fed meat🥩 and many of our craft vendors🧶, pickles🥒 and more too! Don't forget the yummy tamale's 🫔 for lunch and you can wash it down and keep cool with a delicious fresh-squeezed lemonade 🍋🍋from a new vendor this week: "Double E's Fresh Squeezed Lemonade."


As for the veggies this week - we have plenty available. With a fewer number of varieties then last week, we still will have over 15 varieties of veggies available at the market this week, you can be sure to get what you need for your weekend barbeques and family dinners! 🥕🥬

Here are the list of Vendors you can expect to see this week:

✅Ahavah Farm-Beyond Organic Veggies🥕

✅The Sourdough Boulangerie🥖

✅J Jr's Freeze Dried Treats🍭

✅Good Shephard Coffee Roasters☕

✅Double E's Fresh Squeezed Lemonade🍋

✅Simply Blessed Boutique-Crafts & More🏺

✅CC's Tamales🫔

✅Scent Together - Candles🕯️

✅Minions Ranch - Grassfed and Pastured Meats and Eggs🥩

✅What's Your Bag?🛍️

✅Come to the Table.💐

✅Garza Farm - Pickles and More🥒

✅Ahavah Farm Nursery🪴

✅The Chicken Math Professor - Hatching eggs and chicks🐣






(ATTENTION LOCAL VENDORS: DID YOU KNOW OUR MARKET IS FREE!? WE ARE ALWAYS LOOKING FOR MORE VENDORS FOR OUR WEEKLY FARMER'S MARKET. CONTACT BETH AT MANAGER@AHAVAHFARM.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION!)




🥕🥬🌱Vegetables (and fruit*) at the Farmer's Market this week

(JULY 17th)


Cherries, Carrots, Scallions, Kale, Beets, Turnips, Squash, Living Herbs, Cabbage, Fennel, Swiss Chard, Daikon Radishes, Plants, Sunflower Shoots, Pea Shoots, Broccoli Microgreens, Radish Microgreens, Wheat Grass


(For CSA location "extras", please see below in the "Extra Vegetables" section below)

*Fruit is certified organic from Austin Family Farms, a farm we trust and have known for many years and have partnered with to provide the purest fruit around.

📢FEATURED VENDOR OF THE WEEK!📢

Come to the Table Flowers

Our market has been blessed to have some of the most amazing flowers available and you can get their amazing bouquets at our local market, here, on Friday!


Owner and grower Angi is as sweet as they come. Faith-based and strong to her convictions, her bouquets are a representation of her love for life, her customers and for G-d.


Angi does more than just sell at markets. She offers a Community Supported Agriculture program (similar to Ahavah Farm veggies) for weekly bouquets. She also offers services to provide for special events, like weddings and more.


Her website is beautiful, and her Facebook page is active and well-managed. Angi's future is bright and we want you to support this wonderful new grower with outstanding standards of providing the most beautiful flowers available!


Check Angi and "Come To the Table" at https://www.cometothetableco.com/ and follow her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/cometothetableco

ATTENTION LOCAL BUSINESSES!

We are so excited about our current line-up of vendors, but we are still seeking more!  


✅FREE MARKET for all vendors!

✅100% of raised funds goes to feeding LOCAL FAMILIES IN NEED!

✅PERMANENT tents! No need to bring a tent - just come and set up under ours!

✅Indoors and heated on COLD days!

✅GUARANTEED traffic of 200-350 people+ per market!

✅FRIDAY's from 10am to 1pm  


👉If you are a local vendor and are interested in attending our farmer's market, please reach out directly at manager@ahavahfarm.com and we will send you information and the vendor agreement.

July Monthly Give-Away!

Every month we will be having a monthly give-away for our members and non-members. Here is this week's MONTHLY GIVE-AWAY!


Recommend Ahavah Farm on Facebook and get $5.00!


If you have a Facebook account and want to support our farm by "recommending" us, we will give you $5.00 to use at any of our CSA locations or at our Farmer's Market.


To recommend a business on Facebook, you can do the following:

  1. Go to the business's Facebook page.

  2. Click the Reviews tab.

  3. Click Yes or No to recommend the page.

  4. Write a review that's at least 25 characters long.

  5. In the Sharing section, select who can see your review.

  6. Click "Post"

Grasshopper Update

The last twelve to twenty-four months have been the best 12-24 months of Ahavah Farm. The crops, the consistency, the value, the abundance, the management and so much more. However, it can't be perfect all of the time, and right now we are having a terrible season. Let's just call it as it is...this summer stinks! The battle against the grasshoppers continues and is not letting up. Though, the flour has been "slightly" successful, it may have been too little too late. Not only did we learn that washing off the flour is not as easy as we thought (so the labor aspect is insane), but it's not really knocking down the grasshoppers as we had anticipated, so we have decided to stop this method (see our notice above).


So far we have tried pepper spray, garlic spray, collecting in bins, using vacuum's, spreading flour, rotating ducks through our gardens and none of it has worked - and some actually destroyed the crops (i.e. the ducks). Things like diatomaceous earth and neem oil only work a little bit, are expensive, and they go against our purity standards - so those are out. Chemicals are an obvious no-no, and things like nolo bait are only for the springtime nymphs. In truth, the only things that seem to have been working is the bin-running (where we take a bin and run through the greenhouse brushing the grasshoppers into the bins and capturing them - see video below). We have tried everything we can think of and again, barely anything is working. The grasshoppers are destroying our farm and we are crushed.


The truth is that the CSA shares WILL suffer in variety and availability until we get past this and I wanted to give everyone an update on the current state of our crops. Below you will see a list of decimated or partially decimated crops. This list means that either you will NOT be receiving any of these in your shares ( Completely Decimated), you may receive some, but the amount will be severely limited compared to what was planned (Mostly Decimated), you may receive these in your shares but with damaged leaves etc. (Major Damage) and of course, the rest follow a similar pattern.


We are doing the absolute best that we can to mitigate this incredible infestation of grasshoppers and making every possible change that we are able to in order to ensure that your value continues to be our highest priority. We are thankful for everyone's patience and understanding and we are confident that although your crops may be affected in the short-term (next 4 weeks or so), we believe we will turn this around quickly and the end of the season should return to normal, particularly as we head into Fall. Thank you!


Basil - Completely Decimated

Mint - Completely Decimated

Chives - Completely Decimated

Peas - Completely Decimated

New seedlings (Carrots, turnips, radishes, scallions etc.) - Completely Decimated

Potatoes - Mostly Decimated (may recover...but not sure)

Lettuce - Mostly Decimated

Cabbage - Mostly Decimated

Green Beans - Mostly Decimated

Radishes - Mostly Decimated

Turnip Tops - Mostly Decimated

Onions - Major Damage

Scallions - Major Damage

Leeks  - Major Damage

Swiss chard - Major Damage

Mustard - Major Damage

Dill - Major Damage

Kale  - Some Damage

Beets - Some Damage

Arugula - Some Damage

Fennel - Some Damage

Squash - Minor Damage

Tomatoes - Minor Damage

Cucumbers - Minor Damage

Cilantro - Minor Damage

Established Carrots - Minor Damage

Winter Squash - Minor Damage

Pumpkins - Minor Damage

Parsley - Minor Damage


We haven't stopped doing everything in our power to eradicate these guys, but it feels like a never-ending battle!! here's a fun option (though when done in the morning, when they are less-active, we caught literally thousands! This was a re-do in the afternoon and we caught way less.)👇👇


Ahavah Community Upcoming Schedule

UPCOMING EVENTS

👉July 5th @ 10am - 1pm:  FAMILY FRIENDLY! Ahavah Community INDOOR / OUTDOOR Spring Market

👉July 7th @ 4pm - 8pm:  FAMILY FRIENDLY! 10th Annual Summer Festival! Join over 2,000 people for an annual fundraising event, bonfire, shopping, activities and more!

👉July 12th @ 10am - 1pm:  FAMILY FRIENDLY! Ahavah Community INDOOR / OUTDOOR Spring Market

👉July 19th @ 10am - 1pm:  FAMILY FRIENDLY! Ahavah Community INDOOR / OUTDOOR Spring Market

👉July 19th @ 10am:  ADULT EDUCATION! Grow Your Own Microgreens with Lorin! - Register for this class by e-mailing manager@ahavahfarm.com

👉July 26th @ 10am:  FOR KIDS! The Wonderful World of BEES! - Register for this class by e-mailing manager@ahavahfarm.com

👉July 29th:  FREE FOOD APPLICATION! Applications for our Fall CSA membership application opens today! Go to www.ahavahcommunity.org for more information and to apply.

🥕EXTRA VEGGIES and PLANTS FOR SALE🌻


Can't make it to the Farm for the Friday Farmer's Market? THAT'S OK! Please be sure to check out the extras table at all of our CSA pickup locations: available for all members and even NON-MEMBERS!  

Simply come to any of the CSA locations on Thursday and Friday and pick up some of our beyond-organic veggies for sale!


(IMPORTANT: Keep in mind that selection is limited and the more requests and participation we receive, the more vegetables and varieties we will provide)


Food bearing plants also qualify for SNAP !!!


For Payment:  Cash or Check at the drops or the balance can be sent via PayPal to contact@ahavahfarm.com or via Venmo to 719-233-7828


Availability for "EXTRA's at the CSA pickup locations this week (Summer Week 5):

(see Farmer's Market Section, above, for market selection this week)


Carrots, Scallions, Radishes, Turnips, Squash, Cabbage, Squash, Fennel, Swiss Chard, Kale, Beets, Living Herbs, Plants, Sunflower Shoots, Pea Shoots, Broccoli Microgreens, Radish Microgreens, Wheat Grass

Microgreen CSA Shares Are Available! Sign Up Today and SAVE 💲💲💲!


Microgreen CSA Share: 3 Servings of Microgreens EVERY WEEK! Save 17%!!!

Love our microgreens but haven't signed up for a Microgreen CSA?  


All Packaging is Compostable and Green!👉


We pride ourselves on our microgreen quality as being not only absolutely pure - grown without chemicals, fertilizers or inefficient energy (we grow with 100% solar, renewable energy!), but they are absolutely beautiful, long-lasting and delicious!  We really can't rave enough!



WHAT'S IN A SHARE?  In your Microgreen CSA you will receive a combination of 3 microgreens every week with the option to purchase add-ons and extras when available.

Pickup locations and times are the same as Ahavah Farm Veggie Share CSA but you do not have to be a veggie-share member to be a microgreen CSA member - these are two independent programs combined into one.






🚨Updated Member Benefits🚨


🚨Easy & Flexible Payment Plans!🚨

🥕Paypal  "Pay Later" options on the website! These are no-credit check, interest-free online payment plans so you can make 4 smaller payments directly through Paypal. Ahavah Farm benefits as well by paid immediately, thereby providing the farm liquidity, while giving our members flexibility and ease of mind!


🥕We also still have FLEXIBLE and CUSTOMIZABLE offline pay plans in place if you would prefer to make payments via check. Please email us at contact@ahavahfarm.com if you would like more information on offline payment plan and to set up your payment schedule.



Founded in April of 2018, our mission is to connect people who are facing food insecurity due to financial struggles to locally-farmed, regeneratively-grown produce, and to provide education centered around healthy living and environmental consciousness. We do this by offering donated memberships to a local CSA program. Memberships include a weekly bag of produce along with discounted (often free) farm tours, classes, and events.


We want to help participate in the creation of a local food-system-economy, build on a diversity of local and regenerative food education and provide activities and children's events centered around environmentally responsible agriculture and pure, beyond-organic, local food.



"HI! Did you BRING-A-BUCK Today?!"


Oh the amazing power of community and crowdfunding!


Every week, at all of the CSA locations, we have a bin or jar that looks similar to this.  As being a part of Ahavah Farm is also about being a part of a community, we ask all of our members to bring one - five dollars with them every week to help us provide a CSA membership to a family in need next season.

Don't say your dollar isn't important! The only way crowdfunding works is if we all participate.  Your $1-$5 is vitally important and it is directly through this program that we raise the majority of ACI's food donation funds than any other fundraising program, and yet it is the absolute easiest for all of our members to participate!


During the Fall season, your Bring-A-Buck dollars will allow us to donate Fall CSA shares to families facing food insecurity and to offer subsidized shares to struggling families as well.


PLEASE REMEMBER YOUR BUCKS!🙏

Gardening Tip of the Week

"Drip vs. Overhead Irrigation. Exploring the Benefits and Drawdowns of both."

- By Yosef Camire

Watering your garden effectively is crucial for the health and productivity of your plants. While there are many irrigation methods available, two of the most commonly used, and the ones we use here at Ahavah Farm, are overhead irrigation and drip irrigation. Each method has its own set of advantages and specific applications where it excels. In this week's gardening tip, we'll explore the benefits of drip irrigation over overhead irrigation, highlighting the situations where each method shines. By understanding these differences, you can make informed decisions to maximize your garden's water usage and overall health.


Overhead irrigation involves watering plants from above, simulating natural rainfall. This method is excellent for direct-seeded crops, cooling down plants during hot weather, and managing certain pest pressures. However, it comes with its own set of challenges. Water loss due to evaporation and runoff can be significant, particularly in hot and windy conditions. Additionally, overhead watering can lead to the spread of diseases, as wet foliage provides an ideal environment for fungal and bacterial growth. Though this isn't much of an issue in Colorado, it can certainly be an issue in greenhouses. Despite these drawbacks, overhead irrigation remains a valuable tool for specific applications in the garden and on the farm.


On the other hand, drip irrigation delivers water directly to the base of plants through a network of tubes and emitters. This targeted approach offers numerous advantages, particularly for rooted plants and larger crops. One of the primary benefits of drip irrigation is its efficiency. By delivering water directly to the root zone, it minimizes evaporation and runoff, ensuring that more water reaches the plants. This method can save up to 50% more water compared to traditional overhead irrigation. In a state like Colorado, where water conservation is essential, this efficiency can make a significant difference.


Drip irrigation also promotes healthier plants by maintaining consistent soil moisture levels. Fluctuating soil moisture, often caused by overhead irrigation, can stress plants and affect their growth. With drip irrigation, the soil remains evenly moist, providing an optimal environment for root development. This consistent moisture can lead to higher yields and better-quality produce. Furthermore, by keeping the foliage dry, drip irrigation reduces the risk of diseases, contributing to the overall health of the garden.


One of the significant challenges with overhead irrigation is water wastage due to evaporation. In hot climates, like many parts of Colorado, a substantial amount of water can evaporate before it even reaches the soil. Drip irrigation addresses this issue by applying water directly to the root zone, significantly reducing evaporation. Studies have shown that drip irrigation can be up to 90% efficient in water usage, compared to 65-75% for overhead systems. This efficiency not only conserves water but also reduces the gardener's water bill, making it a cost-effective choice in the long run.


Additionally, drip irrigation systems can be easily automated, providing consistent watering without the need for constant supervision. This automation is particularly beneficial for busy gardeners and farmers, as it ensures that plants receive the right amount of water even when you're not around. By installing a timer, you can set your system to water during the early morning or late evening when evaporation rates are lowest, further enhancing water efficiency.


Another crucial aspect to consider is the impact on soil health. Overhead irrigation can lead to soil erosion, especially on slopes or loose soil, as the force of water hitting the ground can displace soil particles. Drip irrigation, with its gentle and targeted application, minimizes soil erosion, preserving the soil structure and health. This preservation is vital for maintaining long-term soil fertility and preventing nutrient runoff.


Drip irrigation also offers the advantage of precision. Different plants have varying water needs, and drip systems allow you to tailor the amount of water each plant receives. By adjusting the emitters or using different types of emitters, you can ensure that each plant gets exactly what it needs, avoiding both overwatering and underwatering. This precision can lead to healthier plants and more efficient use of water resources.


While drip irrigation has numerous benefits, it's essential to acknowledge the situations where overhead irrigation excels. For direct-seeded crops, overhead irrigation is often the best choice. The water droplets from overhead irrigation tends to settle seeds into the soil and ensures they have adequate moisture to germinate. Additionally, during extremely hot weather, overhead irrigation can help cool down crops, preventing heat stress and potential damage. Overhead systems can also help manage certain pests, such as aphids, by washing them off the plants. This is why we choose to utilize both forms of irrigation in all of our gardens and we rotate them depending on the season and what we are trying to accomplish at any given time.


In conclusion, both drip and overhead irrigation have their place in the garden. Drip irrigation stands out for its water efficiency, precision, and ability to promote healthy plants by maintaining consistent soil moisture and reducing disease risk. It's particularly advantageous for rooted plants and larger crops. However, overhead irrigation remains valuable for direct-seeded crops, cooling plants in hot weather, and managing pest pressure. By understanding the strengths and limitations of each method, you can optimize your garden's irrigation system to meet the specific needs of your plants, conserving water and promoting a healthy, productive garden.

VOLUNTEERING

Our volunteers are the backbone of our organization and we couldn't do it without you...but we need more help!



We need help with so many things:

  • Construction Projects

  • Landscaping Projects

  • Composting Projects

  • Harvesting, washing and prep.

  • Weeding

  • Bag Packing

  • Teaching Classes

  • General farm cleanup

  • and more...got a skill you want to share? Let us know!


Volunteering is Monday through Friday 9AM to 4PM.



Please let Beth know you are interested, she will send more information and necessary paperwork, and we will welcome you with open arms!




What's in your bags this week?

SUMMER Week 6 - July 17th and 18th


CSA MEMBERSHIP SAVINGS (so-far) THIS SEASON*:

AUTO-RENEWAL MEMBERS:

👏SMALL +8.25% 👏MEDIUM +15.12%👏17.38%

NON-AUTO-RENEWAL MEMBERS:

👏SMALL +3.25% 👏MEDIUM +10.12%👏12.38%


*MARKET-STYLE MEMBER SAVINGS MAY BE GREATER OR LESSER DEPENDING ON SELECTION MADE BY INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS. THE ABOVE SAVINGS ARE CALCULATED VIA BAGGED TRADITIONAL-SHARE MEMBERSHIPS ONLY.


Market-Style Members Selection - Summer Week 6

Carrots, Scallions, Kale, Beets, Turnips, Squash, Living Herbs, Cabbage, Fennel, Swiss Chard, Daikon Radishes, Plants, Sunflower Shoots, Pea Shoots, Broccoli Microgreens, Radish Microgreens, Wheat Grass

CSA Tip of the Week!

The Weekly Adventure Starts with the Purity of YOUR Produce!

-By Yosef Camire


One of the greatest advantages of being a member of a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program is the assurance of the purity of the produce you receive. At Ahavah Farm, we take this commitment to purity to an unparalleled level, ensuring that the vegetables you bring to your table are not only fresher and tastier but also healthier for you and your family.


Our farm stands out because we go beyond-organic with our standards. Unlike typical farming practices that often rely heavily on synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides, we at Ahavah Farm prioritize natural methods for pest control and soil fertility. This means that your CSA produce is grown in a way that maintains the integrity of the food, preserving its nutritional content and keeping it free from potentially harmful residues. We use crop rotation, cover cropping, and beneficial insects to manage pests and maintain soil health, ensuring that our vegetables are as pure and natural as possible.



Another significant aspect of food purity at Ahavah Farm is our commitment to transparency. As a member of our CSA, you have a direct connection to the source of your food. You know exactly how and where your vegetables are grown, and you can trust that they are cultivated with a deep commitment to sustainability and health. This level of transparency is often missing in conventional food systems, where long supply chains can obscure the origins and growing practices of your food.


Purity also extends to the environmental impact of your food. By supporting Ahavah Farm's CSA, you are contributing to agricultural practices that protect and preserve the environment. Our sustainable farming methods minimize pollution, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and conserve water and soil resources. This means that the pure, fresh vegetables you enjoy are grown in a way that supports a healthier planet, contributing to the overall well-being of our ecosystem.


Moreover, the purity of Ahavah Farm's produce enhances its flavor and nutritional value. Vegetables grown without synthetic chemicals often have a richer, more robust taste because they are allowed to develop naturally. Additionally, studies have shown that organic produce can contain higher levels of certain nutrients, including antioxidants, which are beneficial for your health.


As a member of Ahavah Farm's CSA, you can take pride in knowing that your commitment to Local - Sustainable - Pure (TM) agriculture is not only providing you with the purest, most nutritious food possible but also supporting farming practices that are better for the environment and future generations. Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your food is grown with care, dedication, and a deep respect for nature. At Ahavah Farm, we hold ourselves to the highest standards, ensuring that our produce is beyond anyone else's in terms of purity and quality. Thank you for being a part of our community and for supporting our mission to provide the best possible food for you and your loved ones.

This Week's Harvest

As always, nothing is guaranteed. These are the items that are "in season" and are anticipated to be ready this week (which may or may not be available at the CSA).


  • Small = 4-6 items per week ($23.50/wk)

  • Medium = 7-9 items per week ($33.50/wk)

  • Large = 10-12 items per week ($43.50/wk)

  • Carrots - ⭐Our featured vegetable of the week (SEE BELOW).

  • Swiss Chard - Swiss chard is one of our absolute favorite items to saute. We love to put this into a cast-iron skillet with loads of garlic, salt and perhaps a little oil and cook it well. It's to die for! Want some more ideas? Check out this article HERE.

  • Beets - Beets are to die for! They are, hands-down our favorite vegetable in our family (with Turnips being the closest second!). If you want to learn about our beets and get an awesome recipe check out the veggie of the week section from THIS NEWSLETTER HERE.

  • Cabbage Leaf Rolls - The best stuffed cabbage comes from the large outer leaves of the cabbages and they are delectable! Don't want to stuff them? That's ok, just chop them up and use them raw or sautéed in your favorite salad or dish. The cabbage flavor is sweet and abundant!

  • Cabbage Heads - There really isn't much different between the leaves and the cabbage head themselves except the heads are typically stronger in flavor and more tender in texture. Best for cabbage salad and sauerkraut.

  • Squash - The trusty summer squash (trusty except in Colorado where hail is a real threat!). Some like it raw, but most like it baked, grilled, saute'd or even fried! Our favorite way? Grilled! Hands down, we love our squash grilled with a little bit of seasoning (or not!).

  • Onions - Red onions, fresh from the soil are amazing! Not normally available this time of year, we had to harvest them because they were getting destroyed by grasshoppers and we needed an item to fill the CSA's up this week too. So, they are a wonderful treat!

  • Sweet Turnips  - By far, these are the most beloved vegetable we grow - I know, I know, it's a turnip...but is it really🤔!? No way is this a normal turnip! I'm telling you, if you have eaten them than you know, but if you haven't you will find out! Taste this amazingness raw - then, if you don't eat them all by the time you get home, then roasting them is our favorite way to eat them. We love to roast these turnips with garlic, or honey, or salt and pepper..but the truth? Raw...I'm telling you, the sweetness of these turnips is to die for! Our kids call them "Ground Ice Cream!"

  • Fennel - The fennel is one of our fan-favorites! Absolutely one of my most favorite raw veggies to chew on, I love just taking the greens and snacking on them for a fresh and clean feeling! DID YOU KNOW? Did you know that when you cook the fennel it changes flavor!? That's right, try it. Add some garlic and onions and whatever else and saute these beautiful bulbs for a delightful treat - or, better yet - DRY THEM! Hang those greens upside down and dry them and use them when you want to to add a wonderful flavor to pasta or salad! Need some help with creativity? TRY THESE RECIPES!

  • Living Herbs - We have tons of these beautiful herbs available - from mint, to basil, to chives, to marjoram...and more! - See our article on living herbs HERE.

  • Scallions -The whole scallion, from the root to the tip of the greens are not only edible, but DELICIOUS! Did you know that if you save those roots (about an inch above the bulb or so) and stick them in a glass of water you can grow new greens? It's true. Try it!

  • Red and Green Kales - The best tasting kale in the world! Great for soups and saute's, sure, but as a raw kale salad, massaged with tihini, nutz, cranberries and shredded carrots? It doesn't get any better. Then again, get creative...to help, click here are 30 ideas.

  • Dried Herbs - We have a mixture of dried herbs for you this week. We have dill, basil, mint and fennel.

  • Wheat Grass - Many of our members absolutely love our wheat grass and use it religiously. We hope you take the time to learn and enjoy this most amazingly nutritious green! Wheat grass is used mostly for juicing. However, I, Yosef (and many of our team members) love to use ian energy and nutrition

  • Radish Microgreens - Next to the barley grass and the sunshoots, radish microgreens are some of the most nutritiously-dense items we grow on the farm and not only that, but during our annual survey last year, they ranked as the #1 most requested and love item we grow! They have a fantastic bite to them, last considerably long in the refrigerator and are beautiful in appearance.

  • Kohlrabi - To us, the best part of the kohlrabi plant is not the bulb, but the leaves themselves. That's why it is one of our favorite greens to grow. The best way to eat them is either saute'd or as dehydrated chips with oil and salt. OH MY!

  • Pea Shoots - One of the most desired and sought after items we provide are these pea shoots! Quite literally the best you added to any dish or salad. Our favorite way is to add them to stews and soups. A perfect topper too! Here are four fun ways to use Pea Shoots: http://blog.bostonorganics.com/4-fun-ways-to-use-pea-shootst

  • Broccoli Microgreens - Last week we told you that Radish Microgreens were the #1 most loved item we grow, well, these microgreens weren't on the list then! I have a sneaking suspicion that these microgreens are the real winners!

  • Sunshoots - Our sunshoots are certainly some of the nicest, most high-quality sunshoots you will ever find (that actually goes for all our microgreens). They are one of the most beloved items we grow as well and a regular staple to our CSA. Here are some ideas to use your sunnies this week: https://www.martinsgardenacf.com/sunflower-shoots-recipes

Veggie of the week!

CARROTS🥕🥕🥕

Carrots are not just a staple in the kitchen; they're a delight for the taste buds, especially when they come from Ahavah Farm 😁. Our carrots, lovingly nicknamed "candy-carrots," are renowned for their exceptional sweetness. This distinctive flavor comes from our nutrient-dense soil and the freshness of our produce, ensuring each bite is bursting with natural goodness.


Enjoyed both raw and cooked, carrots are incredibly versatile and offer a range of culinary possibilities. Raw, they provide a satisfying crunch and a naturally sweet flavor that adds vibrancy to salads and vegetable platters. Cooked, they become tender and even sweeter, making them a perfect addition to soups, stews, and roasted dishes.


To truly savor the sweetness of our candy-carrots, consider trying this simple yet delicious recipe:


Roasted Carrots with Honey and Thyme


Ingredients:

  • 1 bunch of Ahavah Farm candy-carrots, peeled and trimmed

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 2 tablespoons honey

  • 1-2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves

  • Salt and pepper to taste


Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. In a bowl, toss the peeled and trimmed carrots with olive oil, honey, fresh thyme leaves, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.

3. Arrange the carrots in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

4. Roast the carrots in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are tender and caramelized, turning them halfway through to ensure even cooking.

5. Remove from the oven and serve hot as a delightful side dish or allow them to cool slightly and enjoy them as a tasty snack.


Our candy-carrots are not only a treat for your taste buds but also packed with nutrients like beta-carotene, which is essential for eye health and immune function. Their vibrant color and sweet flavor make them a favorite among both children and adults alike.


At Ahavah Farm, we take pride in growing carrots that are not only delicious but also nourishing. Our commitment to nutrient-dense soil and freshness ensures that each carrot you receive is of the highest quality, straight from our fields to your table. Enjoy the natural sweetness and goodness of our candy-carrots, and let them inspire your culinary creations this week.


Happy cooking!❤️

ENJOY!


⚠ ⚠ ⚠ BAGS! We need your bags (PLEASE🙏) !!⚠ ⚠ ⚠

Thank you everyone for recycling your LARGE bags with us!  When we receive your bags we immediately quarantine them for 2 weeks before reusing them to ensure they are safe of any yuckies. Thank you for bringing them and any others you may have (we need any large PAPER-ONLY grocery bags you may have) THANK YOU!



CSA PICKUP LOCATIONS AND TIMES**

Times are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances. 

**Please be aware that it is your responsibility to check the weekly packing list for updated information and changes at www.ahavahfarm.com/blog 


North Colorado Springs @ The Dabler Residence

THURSDAYS

11:30 AM to 12:30 PM

726 Airman LN,

Colorado Springs, 80921

 

Denver @ The Jewish Experience 

THURSDAYS
2:30 PM to 3:30 PM
399 S. Monaco St. Denver CO 80246

 

Peyton @ Ahavah farm

During the Ahavah Community Market

FRIDAYS

10am to 1:00pm

7545 N. Log Rd., Peyton, CO 80831 

 

Central Colorado Springs @ Ranch Foods Direct

FRIDAYS

 11:30am to 12:30pm (All)

12:30pm to 6:00pm (Traditional ONLY)

4635 Town Center Dr., Colorado Springs, CO 80916



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