Hint of Green: Bell Organic Gardens
By Lisa Van Orman Hadley
The changing leaves and snowcapped mountains mean we must bid a sad farewell to many of our favorite local fruits and veggies until next year. But before you hunker down for winter and start in on canned salsa and jam, we want to give you something to look forward to next spring: your local CSA.
Bell Organic Gardens is an organic farm in Draper, Utah. They’ve been growing and distributing organic food to local restaurants and produce purveyors for a decade. More recently, they’ve begun to offer CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) shares to individuals like yourself.
Here’s how CSA works: Before the growing season begins, members of the community buy shares of the upcoming season’s crops. The upfront payment allows the farm to predict what to grow. Then, when the crops are ready, boxes of seasonal fruits and vegetables are distributed weekly to shareholders. They can be picked up in Draper or downtown Salt Lake City.
When you join, you not only get fresh, organic produce, you also help support local farms, contribute to sustainable agriculture and get a little more up-close-and-personal with your food and farmer. Organic gardening is gentler on the earth because it utilizes natural farming methods instead of harmful pesticides.
Bell Organics will begin accepting online applications for the 2009 season on October 20—even sooner if you happen to be a returning customer. Hurry, because shares go fast! There are several share plans to choose from, depending on your family size. And there’s more than just fruits and veggies. You can also pick up organic free-range eggs, and cheeses made by local artisans.
{The Real Dirt}
Bell Organic Gardens
975 Canyon Breeze Lane
Draper, Utah
(801) 571-7288
www.bellorganic.com
Images courtesy of Bell Organic website
October 13th, 2008 at 1:51 pm
I’ve been looking for a local CSA after hearing about them from a friend in New York City. Thanks, Lisa!
October 14th, 2008 at 2:09 pm
Ahhh, I’ve been looking for something like this too! I think we will be signing up for next season. :)