FAQs
Are you organic?
We do use organic methods, although we have not found a need to get certified. We do not use pesticides, herbicides or inorganic fertilizers. To minimize pest and disease pressure we rotate our crops and continue to build up the soil organic matter with cover crops, compost and mulch. We welcome people to come and visit our farm to learn more about our methods. Just call ahead.
Why do people join the Bloomfield Farm CSA?
Our members and friends have many reasons for joining our CSA:
Eat fresh food and expand the types of food eaten
Connect with the land, farmers and other members
Introduce kids to the source of food
Support local farmers and small family farms
Support healthy working landscapes and healthy animals
Ensure a safe food supply for the family
Offset the high cost of food found in the grocery store
Learn more about agriculture
It's more fun!
See our testimonials for more reasons to join!
How does the pick-up work?
Crops will be bunched, bagged, or boxed into “units”. Units will be grouped according to their value. Every week, honeybees and bumblebees are entitled to a certain number of units. Members can choose which crops they want to make up their total units. We strive to provide a good quantity and selection of crops to last a week.
The value we assign to our crops reflects a discount in prices for vegetables found at local retail outlets including farmers' market. Honeybees receive a 20% discount from our prices at the farmers' market, while Bumblebees receive a 30% discount from our prices at the farmers' market.
Additionally, CSA members are welcome to pick from the you-pick garden including basil and other fresh herbs, hot peppers, and ground cherries. We ask that members take what they need for the week.
You-pick flowers (aside from sunflowers ) are available to those who purchase a Field of Blooms share.
How much food will I receive?
We strive to provide enough produce each week to feed 1-2 adults for a Honeybee share and 3-4 adults for a Bumblebee share.
What crops are available in a share?
We grow over 40 different vegetables, herbs and flowers over the course of the season. Joining a CSA and eating locally means eating with what the season provides. Spring offers a variety of greens, radish and peas, while early summer brings in potatoes, carrots and beets, summer squash and cucumbers- to name a few. During mid to late summer you can expect to see tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, and onions. Fall tapers off again with fewer warm season crops and offers more hearty roots, broccoli, garlic, and winter squash. Please see our crop availability page for a more detailed calender.
What is in a Field of Blooms flower share?
Field of Blooms members will pick their own weekly bouquet starting sometime in July. Early, mid, and late varieties are planted to offer a full season of color and variety such as: cosmos, dianthus, calendula, marigold, larkspur, lavatera, phlox, ageratum, rudbeckia, verbena, dahlia, zinnia, celosia, strawflower, agrostemma, sweet william, foxglove, and snapdragon. Deep purples, reds, oranges, blues, pinks and yellow make for a gorgeous bouquet to liven up your week and dinner table.
What additional products are available at the Bloomfield CSA?
We will continue to offer other locally produced items available for purchase each week. Some of these items may include: Bloomfield Farm eggs and lamb, local bread, Charlotte Berry Farm raspberries and blueberries, and Honey Garden Apiaries honey.
Is financial assistance available to purchase a Bloomfield Farm CSA share?
Our farm participates in the Vermont Farm Share Program, offering a subsidized share for people who otherwise could not afford to join our CSA. Please contact us if you would like us to send you an application for the Vermont Share Program.
Can I pick up my share before or after the pick-up time?
CSA members may only pick up their share on Thursdays from 3:30-6 pm. We will not have anything available before or after this time. Most days during our season, particularly the days of the CSA, we are extremely busy with harvest, washing and set-up. We cannot afford the time to accommodate members outside of our designated pick-up time. Please respect our schedule, and do not call or email us to ask us if this is possible. Thanks for your understanding.
What happens if I can't make the pick-up day?
If you cannot make a pick-up, please ask a friend, neighbor or family member to pick it up in your place. We cannot bag or put aside shares for members.
Can I barter for a Bloomfield share?
Yes, we welcome barters for a share. While we cannot barter for field work, we will consider a barter for a marketable skill or product. If you have experience in a trade, craft, or service that you are willing to exchange, please speak with us about details.
How can I help or get more involved with Bloomfield Farm?
There are many ways in which members can help.
- Attend our monthly field work days. Please look for these dates on our website calendar and in our weekly newsletters. We also welcome help with field work outside of these scheduled times.
- Help with projects or tasks such as shed construction, tool sharpening, sign making, mowing and egg washing.
- Help organize farm events such as work days, potlucks and parties
- Contribute specific skills such as grant writing, marketing, carpentry, plumbing and cooking.
- Help with the CSA day from early morning harvest to distribution.
Please contact us anytime if you would like to participate.