Laurelbank Farm CSA: How it all works
Thank you for joining Laurelbank Farm’s CSA. This page explains all the things you might want to know!
i) Where to go
Our weekly veg picks are from the farm from midday every Wednesday.
The address is Laurelbank Farm, 121 Middle Road, BT247LS.
We’re 2 miles out of Saintfield, on the corner of Laurelbank Road and Middle Road. Head to the car park (off Laurelbank Road) and then follow signs to the farm shop to head to the courtyard. Your veg is in the Cow Byre laid out on tables. (One table for Half Shares and another table for Full Shares).
There is no particular time closing time to pick up your veg on a Wednesday. The door to the Cow Byre should be open and the lights should be on until everyone has picked up.
If it’s dark, late or you’re in a big rush or less mobile, feel free to save yourself the walk from the car park and pull into the courtyard instead.
ii) How to collect your veg
a) For the first week only, grab a complimentary recycled cotton Laurelbank Bag. You can bring it back each week to carry your veg home.
b) Head along the table, following the instructions to pick up your veg.
c) If there is something you know you don’t like. Pick it up and swap it with an item in the “swap box”.
d) Pick up your eggs (if you’re signed up to weekly eggs!)
e) You can also buy extra stuff at the farm shop if you feel so inclined.
f) Tick your name off on the chalk board and then head home…
g) Or head out into the farm and do a wee bit of “pick your own” (see below).
iii) “Pick your own”
During the peak season (generally May to November), in your weekly harvest email we will suggest a pick your own option at the farm. This isn’t to save us the job of harvesting! This is to allow you to get to know the farm - find your way around and feel connected to the place where we grow your food. Bring your family, bring a friend. Find a spot in the sun to have a little sit down - and harvest a little extra something… Often something unusual, always something seasonal.
During the winter months we might bring something into the Cow Byre for you to pick from. Or some times there won’t be anything at all - That is the nature of seasonal eating!
iv) Who will you see at Laurelbank Farm?
I’m Jo (pink shirt, braces). Laurelbank Farm is my home and my livelihood. I look forward to bumping into you… You will also see Cat here (amazing curly hair - self-made knitwear). She works here four days a week and is in charge of all the vegetable growing - sowing, weeding, mulching, planting and harvesting. She does it all.
You may also bump into Pumpkin (ginger tom cat), Rosa (little tabby) and Caramel (the white, black, orange blotchy cat!). Pumpkin love hugs and is probably the friendliest..
At some point you may be approached by Frida or Forrest, my 8-year-old twin girls. And of course, I hope you will also meet some other CSA members when you’re picking up your veg…
v) WhatsApp Group
Yes, indeed. There is a Laurelbank CSA Whatsapp group. You can join here.
Cat will send out the anticipated harvest list to the WhatsApp group every Friday. It’s also a good place for members to share and recommend recipes. You also get messages every Wednesday, telling you what is in the veg box that week, providing some recipe suggestions, letting you know about Pick Your Own and any other farm news…
If you have a friend, partner or anyone who is sharing your veg box with you please invite them to join the Whatsapp group too.
vi) Collection Groups
Want to know where other members are based?
Perhaps you can find someone close and take it in turns to collect your veg from the farm. Have a look at the map - you can zoom it, click on another member and find their contact info…
You will need a password to see the map. The password is “Laurelbank-CSA”
Not all members are on the map (only ones who have given me permission to share their location and contact info). If you want to be added, or what to be taken off, please just let me know. (This map contains people’s personal info so please don’t share the link with anyone)
vii) Reusable boxes!
We use reusable plastic boxes for salad, herbs and other perishable fruit & veg each week. It would be great if you could give these a rinse and return them to us each week - and help us to continue to minimise single-use plastic on the farm.