Blog Post

Jumping right into winter without a moment’s notice this week sent us scurrying to get the frost blankets over the winter hardy greens and root veggies! That’s right, snow was falling on Woodside Farms at Chickahominy Falls in the midst of winterizing our beds. Pretty early for Virginia but we were ready.

Even though there is not an abundance of veggies growing during the winter, there is quite a lot to do and a few things growing that keeps the farm hands busy during this time. We recently chatted with Bryan and his team to find out what is in store on the farm this winter. 

After a spectacular first growing season this year with veggies and more enjoyed by our first homeowners and those that visited the Farmstead, the farm is gearing up for next year. As mentioned, the beds that contain winter hardy greens and root veggies like turnips and radishes have been covered with frost blankets so they can continue to grow. These “blankets” will keep them warm, let rain and sun through and keep the harvest going until they are done growing. After picking all the final summer crops of cucumbers, tomatoes, eggplant, and peppers, the beds have been cleared, a cover crop of winter rye will be planted on the fields to keep the soil healthy through the winter and builds bio mass and organic matter for the spring crops. 

Behind the scenes the staff is busy planning for next spring. What crops will be planted, sharpening and upkeep on all the farm tools and machines, and finalizing the details for the spring CSA at Woodside Farms in Chickahominy Falls.  

What is a CSA, you might ask?

Community Supported Agriculture is a mutually beneficial relationship between the farmer and the community member, in which the farmer is able to better plan and budget for the season to come. A CSA “member” will financially invest at the beginning of the season, in a share of the seasons bounty. In return, the farmer will grow a variety of fruits and vegetables that the member will pick up each week. CSA members are always priority and reap the benefits by receiving the greatest variety and first pick of veggies just coming into season.  The members also have a shared risk, as weather and other unforeseen circumstances can result in crop losses.

Farm Stand:

December – We will have Pop Up Markets during the month of December.  Check the Woodside Farms website for dates.

December Classes at the Barn:

Digging up Holiday Treats

Sunday, Dec. 8, 11-12:30pm, $20

Bloody Mary bar + healthy treats, made by the hands that grew them! Plus, learn from Woodside Farms farm hand/Nutritionist Blair Doucette in her first class of the Eat the Rainbow series!

Intro to Home Fermentation

Saturday, Dec. 14, 2-4pm, $35+

Learn about fermentation & why you should be eating ferments daily from Emilie Tweardy of Shirefolk farm + create your own gut-healthy ferment, with veggies from Woodside Farms!

Volunteer Days

Join us every Friday from 9-12 pm for Volunteer Days! Our volunteers are vital to our success, and we strongly believe that time with your hands in the dirt has a plethora of therapeutic benefits.

From all of us at Cornerstone Homes, we hope you continue to join us at Woodside Farms for all of the fun activities we have going on this winter!