Note:  The Veggie Share is full for 2009.  If you'd like to join us in 2010, email us and let us know.  We'll then email you in winter if we have shares available for 2010.

There is a link to the Membership Application at the bottom or this page.  

The Veggie Share runs for 22 weeks, starting the week of June 1st , and includes many favorites, such as salad greens and tomatoes, as well as some vegetable specialties such as kohlrabi, and romanesco.

Background Info:  Farmer Ike's experience growing veggies dates back to childhood when he used his mother's garden plot to grow for a local tailgate market. Since then he has kept a garden and was a Section Gardener at the Longwood Gardens 'Idea Garden' where he grew all sorts of new and heritage vegetable varieties.  Farmer Dan, who's been growing veggies with us for 2 full seasons, is in the veggie garden everyday (and probably in his sleep as well!), managing other garden helpers and making sure everything runs smoothly. Our vegetables are grown using organic practices, although they are not certified organic.

"I loved this.  I wish I could measure how healthy I was at the start of the season vs. now when I've been eating so many veggies!"

-2008 Member

1.  When will the share run?  The share will start during the week of June 1st, and run for 22 weeks ... to finish at the end of October.  If we have a nice warm fall, members may be given the opportunity to extend their shares for a few more weeks after that.

2.  Where are the pickup locations? We have only three pickup locations in 2009.  Specific directions to the locations will be provided prior to the start of the share. You will need to choose the location that is most convenient for you:

a. Eagle on Tuesdays from 2 to 6 PM.  In the Eagleview development located just around the corner from the Downingtown Exit of the Pennsylvania Turnpike at the Chester County Economic Development Council Building.

b. Oakmont on Wednesdays. Time will mirror market times (3PM to 7PM June through August, 2PM to 6PM from September on) . Located at the Oakmont Farmers' Market, just near the corner of Darby and Eagle Rds.  For more information about the market, including parking details, visit oakmontfarmersmarket.org

c. Cochranville on Thursdays from 4 to 6:30 PM.  Located at our farm near the intersection of Rte. 10 and Rte. 41. (Veggie and Fruit Shares still available)

3.  What is the size of a share?

The LARGE share is a good amount for a family of 3 or 4(or more) that eats at home frequently, or for two people who really like their veggies!  The share will include a wide variety of veggies each week, which will provide opportunities for great variety in the meals that are prepared and served.

The SMALL share will suit a very small family, a family wtih members who aren't veggie-crazy, a couple who eats out frequently, or a single who really likes his/her veggies!  The share will have a smaller variety of items included than the large share each week, but you'll still receive some of the more interesting 'specialty' vegetables.

"We are very happy we joined.  We ate better.  Five a day!"

-2008 Member

4.  What will be in a share? What is in a share will vary over the season.  Very early and very late shares may have less in them than the couple of 'main season' months.

(A more complete list of the veggies we grow can be found here.)

Here are some pictures and details from last year's share (from the Cochranville pickup location).  Please note that the photos are of the LARGE SHARE.

Week 1 included:

Swiss chard, Arugula, Lettuces, Pac Choi, Greens Mix, Broccoli, Lettuces, Scallions, Radishes, Mustard greens, Broccoli Rabe

Week 11 included:

Lettuce Mix, Cucumbers, Carrots, Basil, Parsley, Edamame, Sweet peppers, Summer Squash, Hot peppers, Cooking onions, Shallots, Cherry tomatoes, Heirloom tomatoes, and Gold Rush potatoes

Week 17 included:

Spicy greens mix, Yukon Gold potatoes, Fennel, Leeks, Broccoli, Collard greens, Kohlrabi, Sweet peppers, Carrots, Heirloom tomatoes, Lettuce, Celery, Parsley, Miszpoona (Asian green)

Week 20 included:

Lettuce, Spinach, Romanesco, Eggplant, Celery, Kale, Parsnips, Fennel, Cauliflower (purple), Sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, Buttercup squash, Sweet peppers, Parsley

Additional things to know about the shares:

a.  We will not be growing sweet corn or melons.  Both of those crops take up too much space, which we just do not have available at our small farm.  Please visit your local farmers' market if you need a supply of sweet corn or melons.

b.  There may be special opportunities in November, particularly if we have a warm fall, to get several more weeks of veggies, and perhaps a one-week 'Thanksgiving' share opportunity.  These are weather-dependent options that we'll let you know about as the season progresses.

5.  What is the price of a share?  Each shareholder will receive more veggies in their share for the money than if they bought the same produce at the farmers' market.  In these troubled economic times, we have decided to keep the cost of the shares the same as last year.  By signing on and paying for your share early, you'll lock-in your price for veggies for the season, regardless what happens to prices at the grocery store or farmers' market.

A LARGE Share in 2009 is $700.

A SMALL Share in 2009 is $450.

For the fees above, we accept personal checks or you can use online bill pay with your financial institution . We also will accept payment online with a credit card, via Paypal.  A 2.9% convenience fee will be added to the total if using the online option.  Details about submitting your payment will be provided after you fill in the membership application.

"I was amazed at how much difference there was in the edamame, broccoli and spinach versus store bought."

-2008 Member

Read our CSA FAQs • Get a Membership Application

Review Payment Options

If you have additional questions about the CSA, please email us.

North Star Orchard • Ike & Lisa Kerschner
Email: Lisa@northstarorchard.com
3226 Limestone Rd. • Cochranville, PA 19330
© Copyright 2009• North Star Orchard