The Community Supported
Garden
at Genesis Farm

Chronology of the CSG

The first 1/2-acre garden was established. Ground was broken on an additional 1/2-acre. A small greenhouse was built and the vegetables sold through local markets.

The CGS was founded as a not-for-profit ( not charitable). The growing area was expanded by 1 acre and a second greenhouse was constructed.

Another acre was added to the growing area. 2- acres were set up for drip irrigation. Garden staff was increased by one and shareholder size increased by 30 shares. One garden area was fenced from deer.

A mechanical spader and a Yeoman plow were purchased, appropriate tools for careful tillage. Another 1/2-acre was added and the second deer fence was built.

The community raised funds for the Garden house with rootcellars and began construction. Further ground was broken and improved with cover crops for the planned orchard. In autumn 1 1/4-acres across the road were worked for the first time.

The tools were moved into the new Gardenhouse and the CSG purchased its own tractor. Two-hundred- twenty various fruit trees were planted, mostly apple and peach. Potatoes were planted across the road. In autumn the frame of a new greenhouse went up.

108 table grape vines and a few paw paw trees were planted. 2 1/2-acres were fenced in across the road. Tillage started for another 1 1/4-acres. Corn, winter squash, onions and garlic were planted and cultivated across the road.

A rock picker was purchased for the fields across the road and an additional 1 1/4-acres were put under a cover crop for healthy rotation of the potato plots. A new berry patch was planted by the Gardenhouse. A small grinding mill was purchased for the distribution of freshly ground cornmeal.

A skid steer loader was acquired to aid in the handling of manure and compost. Irrigation lines were laid in the orchard in the fall. Office construction began on the upper floor of the Gardenhouse.

In an effort to increase effeciency and lessen the labor load a precision seeder was bought. A small cultivating tractor was also obtained toward the end of the year. The CSG adopted "Rover", the wonderdog, in an effort to keep deer from munching on the field crops. A pension plan was adopted for gardeners with 2 or more years of service to the CSG.

The first substantial peach harvest occurred and shareholders agreed to include all fruits as part of the garden share. A refrigeration unit was installed in one of the root cellars to better maintain storage quality. A new grain meal was obtained to handle corn meal for winter distribution. Two cats made their home in the Gardenhouse.

The CSG's lease with the Sisters of St. Dominic was expanded to include the 36 acre field on the west side of Silver Lake Road. This allowed for healthier crop rotation and permanent improvements such as irrigation and fencing.

A new well was dug and an irrigation system put in place to provide water for the big fields on the west side of Silver Lake Road. Blueberries were established and fenced in near the playground.

One mile of deer fencing goes up around all fields on west side of Deer Lake Road. Increased time and energy in the orchard helps produce first harvest of apples. Health insurance in provided for long-term gardeners. .

Our effort to raise awareness of "local food" production and consumption expanded as members were introduced to other products from neighboring farms. Rover got a friend in the field. A greenhouse was moved to a more convenient spot near the Gardenhouse.

The core group reorganized and members formed committees to carry out vital CSG work. A new "bi-weekly" newsletter enhanced gardener/shareholder communications and our community. An old grain bin was converted for storing winter squash and sweet potatoes.

After one of the wettest years on record, fields are surveyed and oriented to more closely follow the contour. Solar panels are mounted on the Gardenhouse to generate electricity and work begins on a headed workshop.

The farm has another wet year. Two diversions are put in to lessen erosion and the first hedgerow is planted in the big field. Workshop is completed while workshare and volunteer help in the garden increase to new levels.

We plant 5 acres of winter grains and acquire fencing for 10+ acres on Chan Moore's land. We purchase a used combine and a structure to protect machines from the elements.

A larger tractor is purchased to help with grain and bean crops. We have our first grain harvest at the Moore farm, and our first distribution of paw paw fruit. A hoop storage building is built at the Moore farm.