Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is expanding its CSA program for 2012 from 9 members to 15. The program runs for 14 weeks from Mid-June through mid-September. The cost of a share, which amounts to a large cooler full of delicious, just-harvested veggies for each of those weeks, is $300. Crop availability varies from week to week throughout the growing season; but shareholders can expect a good range of herbs, vegetables and greens – enough to fill the plates of a family of four weekly – and often a treat of some kind. Information about the crops, cooking tips for any unusual produce, and recipes are also provided at the Kulp Horticulture Building, where shareholders pick up their coolers each week.

CSA members, also called shareholders, are asked to bring a cooler of at least 30-quart capacity, labeled with their name.  Ideally, they have a second cooler so they can take home one full of vegetables and leave an empty one for the following week’s crop. Some members go in with friends, neighbors, or family members to purchase a share and then divide the produce among themselves.

The sign-up for shares is first come, first served. For a pdf of the contract, click here. Or for a copy, contact Administrative Assistant Courtney Locke at 207-633-4333, ext. 101, or via e-mail at clocke@mainegardens.org.

The impetus for the Gardens’ CSA program comes from the notion that growing food either at home or locally has great benefits for the consumer and the natural environment.  To that end, in addition to the CSA program, the Gardens is continuing its popular Growing Your Own Food series with numerous special topics for kitchen gardeners (see the website for details). In addition, a full schedule of other education programs help participants of all ages learn about gardening and nature. The organization is also forging ahead with the fourth season of the Growing Greens Youth Gardening Program.

This year’s food for the CSA members will be grown and harvested through the combined efforts of participants in several Gardens programs, staff, and volunteers.  The Gardens uses a variety of methods to grow vegetables, with the aim of producing healthful food using sustainable and practical approaches.

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is on Barters Island Road in Boothbay and is open daily year-round.