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Reyna, the FoxDog FoxDog CSA Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions:



Is Your Produce Organic?

FoxDog Farm is not certified organic at this time. However, we have always followed organic principles. Our main fertilizer is compost that is made on the farm from weeds and clippings and bedding and goat manure from the farm's goats. When we need other fertilizers we use those that are organic, with the one exception that at times we use a non-organic water soluble fertlizer in the greenhouse. We are actively testing new, organic, water-soluble brands to find a suitable replacement.

We use no pesticides that are not labeled for organic use. In fact, we seldom even use those. Our soil is amended with basic elements such as lime, greensand and phosphate as well as the compost and manure produced on the farm.

Following organic methods is labor and time consuming. We use no herbicides and weeding can be a huge chore. However, it's well worth it to know that our produce is healthy and wholesome and tasty!

How Much Food Can I Expect?

The amount of food varies with the season. Generally we try to provide enough food to make salads, provide side dishes, and make a stew or soup throughout the week.

At the beginning of the Summer CSA (in the spring) the amount of food is low, because the season is just starting. We strive to have a good amount in each share by mid-June. By mid-July each regular share is quite large, and usually enough to feed 3 or 4 people. The heat of summer can reduce the variety, but not the amount of food in August. The variety picks up again in the Fall.

As measured in 'grocery bags', the start of the season might bring half a grocery bag of produce. Mid season will bring over one grocery bag, often two. Late season will bring a grocery bag and heavy items, like potatoes.

The Fall CSA starts out in September with large amounts. These trail off by mid-November when the CSA finishes and the farm shuts down for the winter. In 'grocery bags' this is about one grocery bag at the start of the season, to perhaps 3/4 of a bag at the end of the season.

The lists below give an example of how the amount and variety of vegetables in the shares can change over the season. Please note that the 2009 CSA season was longer than the 2010 and so gives an example of what is available in the Fall. We have planned for more variety of vegetables for 2010 and are adding new items like leeks, broccoli raab, kohlrabi, collards and more. Therefore, we expect the 2010 CSAs to offer slightly more than the 2009 CSA.

How Are the Shares Packaged?

We have found it most convenient, at this stage in the development of our farm, to package shares in strong paper bags, such as one receives at the grocery store. The packed bags are stored in coolers. Eventually we hope to have a refrigeration unit, but that will be as the farm grows larger.

If you wish to reduce the amount of grocery bags used, as we do, we ask that you bring your own cloth bags to pick up your share, or return the paper bags to us, if they are in good shape. If you bring cloth bags, you can then transfer the share into your cloth bags and we can reuse the paper bag, or if you like, you can leave a cloth bag with us and we will use that. You'll need two cloth bags in that case: one to leave with us for the coming week, and one to carry away the current week's share.

We also offer for sale cloth bags made by one of our members. If you'd like these, please let us know!

When Is the Produce Harvested?

We try to harvest the morning of your pick-up day, so that your produce is as fresh as can be. Sometimes, because of the amounts involved, we harvest the evening before as well. We strive to produce the freshest food possible, and that is, in part, why we ask that you pick a particular day to collect your share. That way we can have it ready for you without wasting time, effort, and potentially, produce.

What's the Procedure at Pick-Up?

For the first several weeks we are going to want to meet you, make friends and, of course, show you around the farm if you so desire. So we'll be around when you pick up your share. After that, we might be in the house, or out in the field, or doing chores. Your share will be in the coolers set up in the shade of either the farm stand or the farm garage (if it's really raining). We publish weekly a short list of produce, tips and recipes. Those lists will be in a basket near the coolers.

One (or more) of the bags in the coolers will have your name on it, along with markings to tell us if you get a greenhouse addition, a large share, etc. Pick up your bag, transfer it to your cloth bag if you have one, and off you go. If you have previously provided us with a cloth bag, just look for that.

What If I Miss My Pick-Up Day?

If you know you are going to miss a pick-up day, for whatever reason, please make prior arrangements with us. We need at least 24 hours notice to be able to switch your pick-up day to another. The new day does not necessarily have to be a scheduled pick-up day. We do try to accomodate special requests for unusual days and times when possible.

If you do not make prior arrangements for a missed pick-up our general rule is as follows: If you contact us before 8 pm on the missed day of pick up we'll hold your share for another day. If we are not contacted by 8 pm of the missed day, your share will be either donated to charity the next day, or absorbed into the farm food for the animals or the farmers. We can NOT guarantee that your share will be available if you have not contacted us by 8 pm of the missed day or made prior arrangements.

Can I Have a Substitute Pick-Up My Share For Me?

Yes! We are happy to have substitutes pick-up for you, and love meeting them. If you can give us notice so we know to change the name on the bag, so much the better. If not, just have them introduce themselves and we'll show them the ropes.

Do you sell extra vegetables if I need them?

We do occasionally have extra vegetables and are willing to sell them. If you are planning a special event, please give us notice of what you might need, so we can harvest it accordingly. We also sell extra vegetables and herbs from the farm stand, as they come available.

Why does your summer season end with the end of August?

We have noticed that when the school seasons starts participation in the CSA can get more difficult for some. Therefore we have tailored our CSA seasons to accomodate those with children in school. The Summer CSA ends with the starting of school and allows parents some leeway in deciding if they want to continue with the Fall CSA or not.


If you are interested in supporting local agriculture and receiving farm fresh, tasty, healthful and pesticide clean produce, please email us or contact us via phone at 360 297 7135 or mail at PO Box 1330 Kingston WA 98346.

Copyright 2010, Rikke D. Giles