FAQ Sheet

A: The name came from a deep respect for water and a love of partnership.  In 2008, when Bob and Flip met, they knew they wanted to work together towards food related awesome-ness.  At the time, Bob lived on the Little River and Flip lived on the Grasse River.  The site of the farm is very near where the two rivers come together, so the name captures both unions. The Foodworks part signifies the central role of sustenance in our lives and using farm products to spark a larger conversation about food and community.

A: mid-May through October which is 25+ weeks.

A: We have everything you need for a successful harvest: handwashing station, whiteboard listing current items available, signs marking each crop in the field, harvest containers, knives and scissors, potable water and salad spinners.

A: Bring the bags or containers that you plan to bring home your produce in. Also, select a time where you don't feel rushed, and can enjoy the fields.

A: You have the flexibility to come any day of the week, during the daylight, during the share you signed up for. Greens & Beyond You Pick shareholders can come as often as they like to harvest, including multiple times a week. In the heat of summer, mornings and evenings are an ideal harvest time.

A: The shares includes over 20 types of vegetables, 15+ varieties of herbs and 25+ varieties of flowers. We plant more of what we have found to be popular in past seasons. With that said, some items, such as spinach, usually grow well in June, but not in the heat of August. Other items, such as basil and kale, will continue to grow and be even more abundant in August than in June. In this way, there is some natural variability, combined with our own planting choices. See link on share description page for more information.

A: Your household is welcome to come more often when here, if planning to be away. Also, if you'd like to send a substitute to harvest during your absence, that is welcome. Simply give them an overview of how the share works and email the farm a heads up that you will have a substitute harvesting while you are away.

A: Unfortunately, there's no guarantees in farming! We will do our best to plant and maintain all crops, but unexpected things happen. It's uncommon to have a total crop failure, it's more likely that there is reduced yield. The farmers minimize risk is every way possible.

A: There's a learning curve to all new activities, take it easy, ask questions and try to carve out an hour each week to enjoy the farm and its harvest.

A: littleGrasse uses NO synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides or fungicides at any time. We rely on building healthier soil to in turn grow healthier plants. This entails adding organic matter through compost, cover cropping, mulching, green manure and other regenerative agricultural practices.

Since all our produce is picked up on the farm by shareholders (rather than sold to a middleman), we have not found any reason to go through the official organic certification process. That said, we believe in the these values and follow the underlying principles. The majority of the seed we purchase is certified organic, with a few exceptions when we are not able to find a desired variety in organic seed. We use zero GMO or treated seed.

A: Beyond simply growing food, littleGrasse exists to provide a unique, healthy diversified outlet for understanding seasonal eating in the North Country. That's why our fields are open to all, and we encourage deeper engagement with the process beyond the financial transaction. We are committed to fostering an environment that encourages resilience and trust through increased interactions among each other and the land that sustains us. It is also a great way to meet other members.

A: Any Saturday morning April-October, 9am-noon. Also, we'll send out emails of specific tasks (ex. transplanting tomatoes or harvesting garlic). Additionally, Garden Mornings are a specific event held on the last Saturday from June and September. All community members are welcome to join us for 3 hours in the garden from 9am-noon, followed by a potluck lunch. No farming experience required. There are a variety of tasks for all abilities.

A: Definitely! We welcome all. You can bring friends or family to any you pick harvest or the group Garden mornings.

A: Pull into the barnyard and park on the very edge of the driveway at the split between gravel and grass. On-street parking may be used as a last resort if there is not space in the farm lot.

A: Of course! There is an active compost pile near the the wash stand. Cover all deposits with the hay or leaves provided on the outside of the compost bin.

A: littleGrasse Lending is the collection of books kept in the share barn for community members to utilize. They include an array of topics such as cooking, food preservation, organic practices, herbal remedies and CSA handbooks. All books must be signed out on the clipboard on the lending shelf and returned within two weeks for other members to enjoy.