Rich Harvest In First Year For CSI Community Organic Farm

From Congregation Sons Of Israel

On the grounds of Congregation Sons Of Israel, 1666 Pleasantville Road, Briarcliff Manor, New York, there are two mini farms. One of the farms is more commercial (produce being sold to Aesop's Fable in Chappaqua and the farm stand at Holbrook Cottage) and one is more communal. Vegetables, fruit, and flowers are grown, and there are chickens. The Congregation Sons Of Israel Hebrew school has also added two rabbits!

Grapes are also being grown, which will make the congregation's own wine. A mini vineyard of grape vines has been staked and is being trained to climb a newly-installed support structure.

There have been lectures. classes, and activities on the farm for children, adults, and seniors. The farm has a program with ENGAGE and the UJA Federation for seniors and will be doing a program with The Ossining Children's School soon. There will also be a "sing-along and S'mores" with the CSI Social Committee and the Organic Farm on October 22nd from 3-5PM. Brian Gelfand will lead everyone in songs for all ages. Fall treats will be served.

The CSI Community Organic Farm had a successful first summer! Thanks to the hard work of volunteers, about 90 pounds of produce were harvested in July, while a whopping 200 pounds of produce was picked in August.

As the weather turns cool, the fall crops have been planted, including radishes, kale, lettuce, and swiss chard. The potatoes are almost ready to harvest. The herbs are still producing, as are the tomatoes, eggplants, and peppers.

Finally, the farm is getting ready to plant its fall cover crop of oats and peas. These greens will be allowed to flower and fruit but will not be harvested. Instead, they will be turned under and will add nutrients to enrich the soil for next year. The CSI Community Organic Farm is looking forward to an even more productive 2018 growing season.

PHOTOS/ CSI