Blackbird's Petals & Produce is Preparing for Our Winter CSA: Planting Kale, Spinach, and More for a Bountiful Harvest
- Lisa Spruill
- Oct 19
- 3 min read
As the days shorten and the air turns chilly, winter gardening offers a unique opportunity for growth. Preparing for the Winter Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program is not just about planting; it's about the promise of fresh, wholesome produce during the cold months. This year, we’re excited to highlight a mix of nutrient-rich greens and root vegetables that will thrive despite the frost. From the sturdy Winterbor and Lacinato kale to vibrant Swiss chard and crunchy carrots, a bountiful winter garden awaits.
Winter may seem dormant for gardeners in the Northern and Midwestern regions of the U.S., but in Central Florida's unique climate, growing can emerge as a season of abundance. Our Winter CSA will offer crops that are packed with flavor and nutrition. Let’s explore the crops available to you from our garden to your table.
The Star Players: Kale Varieties
Kale is one of the key players in our winter garden. This vibrant leafy green is perfect for everything from hearty soups to refreshing smoothies. This year, we will plant two well-loved varieties: Winterbor and Lacinato.
Winterbor kale boasts curly leaves and a robust flavor, making it a top choice among both chefs and home cooks. This variety can endure frost, which enhances its taste and sweetness. For instance, after a frost, Winterbor kale’s sugar content can increase by about 25%. Meanwhile, Lacinato kale, often dubbed dinosaur kale, features a smooth texture and a milder flavor. Both are rich in vitamins A, C, and K; a single cup can provide over 300% of your daily vitamin K needs, a crucial nutrient for bone health.
Leafy Greens Galore
Alongside kale, we will offer other leafy greens well-suited for winter. Mizuna, a zesty Japanese mustard green, adds a peppery kick to salads and stir-fries, enhancing your meals with just a handful. Green spinach is another versatile staple that can be incorporated in a range of dishes, from quiches to smoothies.
We will also have Bok choy, a quick-maturing green ideal for soups and stir-frying, and mustard greens for a spicy zest. Additionally, Swiss chard will be featured for its brilliance, thanks to its colorful stems and nutrient density, offering nearly 50% of your daily magnesium needs in just one cup!
Root Vegetables for the Win
No winter garden is complete without root vegetables. We're integrating radishes, celebrated for their rapid growth and sharp flavor. These crunchy roots can reach maturity in around three weeks, making them perfect for quick harvests. Beets are a wonderful addition, known for their earthy taste and vibrant hue. They can be prepared in many ways: roasted, pickled, or shredded into salads, offering versatility in the kitchen.
Moreover, onions and garlic are indispensable staples known for their culinary applications. Let’s not overlook carrots, either! These sweet, crunchy delights are great for snacking and can improve their sugar content through exposure to frost by up to 30%.
Harvesting and Enjoying the Bounty
Unique Feature of Our CSA
One of the standout features of our Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program is the opportunity for members to select their own produce each week. This allows for:
Personalization: Choose fruits and vegetables based on your preferences and cooking habits.
Freshness: Enjoy the freshest produce available, tailored to your tastes.
Variety: Experiment with different seasonal produce each week.
Engagement: Foster a deeper connection with local farming and seasonal eating.
This feature enhances your CSA experience, making it more enjoyable and suited to your dietary needs.
Join Our Winter Season CSA!
We are excited to invite you to be a part of our Winter Season Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program! This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy fresh, locally grown produce while supporting our farm and the community.
What is a CSA?
A Community Supported Agriculture program allows you to buy a share of our harvest in advance. In return, you receive a weekly box of fresh, seasonal produce directly from our farm throughout the winter months.
Benefits of Joining Our Winter CSA
Fresh, high-quality produce delivered to you weekly.
Support local agriculture and sustainable farming practices.
Enjoy a variety of seasonal vegetables and fruits.
Build a connection with your local farmers and community.
How to Sign Up
Joining is easy! Simply visit our website www.blackbirdspetalsproduce.com to reserve your share. Hurry, as spots are limited!
Important Dates
Sign-Up Deadline: November 15, 2025
First Pickup: December 6, 2026
Don’t miss out on this chance to nourish yourself and support local farming this winter. We look forward to sharing our harvest with you!
Contact Us
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out at (386) 275-0593.
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