So this is the story... of how we're evolving =)

Hi everyone,

Well, we've heard back from all the share members on the survey that I sent out a while ago -- so I thought I'd share with everyone a summary of the input received, as well as definite changes that we are making next year.

Firstly, everyone was pretty happy about the quality of the food -- hooray! We are going to make some improvements here -- like protective, resuable plastic containers for smaller fruits and tomatoes; and reusable cotton towels to keep greens fresher than they otherwise could have been (had we kept them in a fridge for 100% of their journey).

In terms of variety, you all were very kind with your comments... too kind, I fear! :) We want to give you the very best, most CSA-like experience possible on a small urban plot, so we will be pushing for a larger variety of edible goodness next year. Think definitely more greens, root veggies and probably a larger herb patch (for herbs all season long!). I'm excited about the challenge!

We also are going to set up a garden "wiki," whereby all share members will be able to share recipes, preserving tips and other ideas. The wiki will also have a calendar that I will keep updated with days and times that I and the students will be at the garden, as well as current ongoing tasks and special events (like pinics, cookouts or pickling sessions). Since it is a wiki, you (as a share member) will be able to sign up to volunteer to help during the week, to join in on one of the special events, or help us with larger ongoing tasks (like weeding, burying potatoes, etc.) at a time of your convenience.

I was also happy for the critique about cucumber harvesting... such a simple solution to preventing wasted food, and all it took was your quick and honest comment for me to realize it! If we're only going to pick them once in a week (which I always knew was quite not ideal), then we d&%m well better pick medium-sized ones too -- otherwise, too many will have begun to yellow and go to seed by the following Sunday! :)

I would like to again recruit one or two students to be THE people who keep you all updated on the club's doings, and I will certainly try to get them on a regular schedule and putting some serious effort into it. But this is one of the aspects of the garden that I wanted to be the most hands-off with, as this keeps it natural and gives you true perspective. Thus, I'm also the least in control of the final quality. =) Wish us luck setting up a strong 'media' team next spring!!! ;)

There were a couple of other good suggestions made, but we definitely want to focus on the changes that we thought would be the most doable and the most powerful for year two. Thanks again for your precious thoughts, opinions and ideas!

Finally, I wanted to talk about how the model of the Wendell Phillips veggie plot as a sustainable and socially engaged enterprise will evolve. Probably the most excited change we're planning for next year is that we're expanding share offerings to people in the immediate community, as well as to teachers and staff at Wendell Phillips. Initially, each of the three groups will have the option to buy into up to eight shares, for a total of 24 shares. We may later expand to a total of thirty, if we find that students do not take home as much produce as we encourage them to.

The cost per share will will either be $200 or $250 (I still have to run the numbers on what we'll need in terms of supplies + the paid student internships that we will need to have for the EXTRA work that is to be done in the spring and fall + the little bit leftover that I will have in place of a paycheck over the summer months =). Also, instead of an optional additional monetary donation to the club, both first-year members as well as teachers will have the option to make an additional charitable donation of $25, $50 or $100 that will be applied towards reducing the price of a share for someone in the immediate community.

I invite you to reply to the email that delivers this post to you, if you have additional important comments that you feel are worth making. I will be able to read them... though I may not necessarily reply, as that part is unfortunately a bit convoluted!

All the best from a very excited urban "farmer" =)
Mr. Mikulski