This week, we moved our chickens to greener pastures and tossed them our jack-o-lanterns as we entered November. We also harvested our first small test run of microgreens and ordered 20 more trays to ramp up production and include them in all the CSA boxes through winter. Out in the garden, several sections were fertilized and composted, and the first round of starts from our new vacuum seeder went in the ground — more than 800 heads of lettuce plus romanesco, broccoli, cauliflower, red cabbage, and a variety of salad greens.
We also placed a new seed order, (insert farmer happy dance) and we’re especially excited about a few additions: white romanesco, Salanova lettuce, and new lupine flowers. The flowers will be a regular part of our garden rotation — good for pollinators, beautiful for harvest, and a small nod to Lompoc’s roots as the City of Arts and Flowers.
Seasonal Superfoods: Microgreens
Microgreens might be tiny, but they pack a serious punch. Grown for just 10–14 days, they’re up to 40 times more nutrient-dense than their mature versions, loaded with antioxidants, vitamins A, C, E, and K, and trace minerals.
- Sunflower Shoots – mild, nutty, and full of protein.
- Pea Shoots – crisp, slightly sweet, and rich in folate.
- Radish Micros – peppery, colorful, and a natural immune booster.
- Spicy Mix – a blend of mustard, arugula, and radish for extra flavor.
- Mild Mix – tender brassicas that add freshness without heat.
Add them to sandwiches, top off eggs, or stir them into soups for a fresh hit of nutrients during the colder months.
Sustainability in Action: Willow Water & Pollinator Habitat
We’ve also been running a willow water experiment with the kids — part science lesson, part sustainability project. Willows naturally contain rooting hormones, so we’re testing whether steeping willow branches in water can replace commercial rooting hormone for lavender and rose cuttings. We set up three groups — one tea of 100 cuttings, one of 50, and a control group with plain water — and we’ll be watching closely over the next few weeks to see which roots best.
This project ties into our pollinator habitat program, a CDFA grant to establish wildlife-friendly and pollinator zones around the farm. Between the new flowers, the experiments, and the changing season, it feels good to start something that will grow far beyond this fall.
What’s Inside?
Check out what’s inside this week’s box, discover the value of the items and how to keep them fresh, and see our curated recipe using items in this week’s harvest!
Essentials Box
Cost: $18 | Retail Value: $25 | You Save: $7.00
- Salanova Lettuce (1ct) $3
- Honey-nut Squash (2lb) $3
- Red Bell Pepper (1lb) $5
- Kohlrabi (1lb) $3
- Yellow Onion (1lb) $3
- Persimmons (1lb) $8
Original Box
Cost: $30 | Retail Value: $40.00 | You Save: $10.00
- Essentials Box, plus:
- Bunching Onion (1bu) $4
- Spaghetti Squash (1ct) $5
- Cilantro (3oz) $3
Hearty Box
Cost: $42 | Retail Value: $52.00 | You Save: $10.00
- Original Box, plus:
- Mild Microgreens (2-3oz) $5
- Eggplant (1lb) $4
- Basil (3oz) $3
Values are based on farm stand and regional farmers market pricing for comparable produce.
For full details on this week’s harvest list, including a recipe for Roasted Pepper Salad with Feta, Pine Nuts & Basil, storage tips, most popular FAQs, and partner farms, you can view the complete newsletter at the link below.
