CSA FAQ

What is a CSA/How does it work?

Community supported agriculture, or CSA, is a term for a program where individuals pledge support to a farm before the growing season begins. Throughout the year, the members then receive produce weekly according to what is in season. Farmers and members each take part on the harvest that year. The CSA model offers benefits to both farmers and share holders. Farmers receive funding early in the season, members receive fresh local produce weekly, and both farmers and members are able to develop relationships.

 

 How long is a CSA season?

We offer two season types:

17 week full season (June 6-Sept 29)

5 week extended seasons (May 1-June 2 [spring], Oct. 2-Nov. 3 [fall], and Nov. 6-Dec 8 [winter])

 

How much food can I expect? 

We offer two share sizes; the Robust, which is intended to feed 4-5 people per week with mixed diets, or the Regular, intended to feed 2-3 people per week. We try to include 6 – 10 different vegetables with 4 servings of each vegetable for robust shares and 2-3 servings of each vegetable for regular shares.

 

What vegetables can I expect? 

We are unable to tell you EXACTLY what will be included in each box, but we aim to offer 6-10 vegetables or herbs per box.This is what we expect to be available:

 

How do I pay?

You can send us a check through the mail, or you can go to our website and click the link under CSA to sign up.

 

Do you offer more than vegetables?

Yes, we offer eggs from free range chickens, and fruit. We grow our own raspberries, blackberries and blueberries. We also represent two local orchards, selling apples, peaches, strawberries, pears, and whatever else the farmer has in season. The fruit from the orchard we represent is NOT grown organically. You can read more about our eggs and meat on our website.

Eggs (½ dozen/week)-$55 dollars/season

Fruit-$330/season

 

What are your growing methods?

All of our vegetables and herbs are grown on-site, without the use of harmful pesticides. We follow organic methods and do not use synthetics on the land. Our number one aim is building a healthy soil for our plants, adding nutrients to the soil by using all organic components such as: compost, leaves, grass clippings, our own aged manures, green manures (cover crops), etc. We do not have organic certification, nor are we seeking it.  Feel free to come out on a Saturday for a tour and see for yourself.  

 

How do I receive my share?

We are offering three pickup options over three days. The best way to pick up your share is at the farm, where you can meet your farmer and see where your food comes from. If this is inconvenient for you, we do offer central drop-off locations where you can pick up your share. We also have a door delivery option, however there is a fee for the driving time and gas.

 

 Tuesday:

  1. Farm Pick-up: 1pm – 7pm
  2. Bethesda Drop-off 1pm – 2pm, Location TBD
  3. Gaithersburg/Rockville Drop-off 1pm – 2pm, Location TBD
  4. Door Delivery (additional $20/week) **Montgomery County or NW DC residents only  

 

Thursday:

  1. Farm Pick-up: 1pm – 7pm
  2. Potomac Village Farmer’s Market: 2pm – 6pm (Falls Rd. and Democracy Blvd)

 

Saturday:

  1. Farm Pick-up: 10am – 3pm

 

*Note: Extended CSA (Spring, Fall or Winter) pick-up options are on-farm or drop-off site only on Tuesday & Saturday.

 

Do you deliver to everyone? 

We deliver only to Montgomery County Locations and NW DC.

 

What if I miss my share?

We cannot pick you multiple shares in one week because our produce and time is limited.  If for any reason you miss your pick-up, we will hold your share at the farm for 24 hours. After that, it will be given to the pigs or composted and we will not be able to replace it. If you cannot pick up your share, feel free to have a friend pick it up for you and use it in your absence. When you sign up for a particular pick-up time, you are committing to that for the entire season.

 

Do you offer refunds?

No. Please contact us if you have any problems or requests, as we will try to work with you.

 

If you have any other questions, please contact us.

Rocklands Farm 14525 Montevideo Rd. Poolesville, MD 20837

www.rocklandsfarmMD.com 301 – 825 – 8075 rocklandsfarm@gmail.com

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