Spring is officially in full swing on the farm, and there’s no better time to reflect on the deep connections between the land, our food, and our community. This week, we’re out in the fields continuing spring planting—sweet corn, peas, onions, and everyone’s favorite early spring treat, strawberries, are all in the ground and growing. We’re also hard at work pruning our fruit trees—including peaches, apples, apricots, and plums—as well as our brambles, like raspberries and blackberries, to ensure a healthy and productive season ahead.
Honoring Earth Day and Arbor Day
As we nurture the soil and prepare for the season, we’re also looking ahead to two special dates that perfectly align with our values: Earth Day on April 22 and Arbor Day on April 25.
At its heart, Earth Day represents everything our regenerative farm stands for—caring for the soil, planting with purpose, and growing food in ways that sustain the land for future generations. We believe in working with nature, not against it, and that belief drives every choice we make—from cover cropping and composting to rotating crops and conserving water.
Arbor Day is another meaningful marker on our calendar. It’s a celebration of trees, and if you’ve visited our farm, you know how seriously we take our role as stewards of the land. Each year, we replenish our Cut-Your-Own Christmas Tree orchards and plant new fruit trees to keep our groves thriving. Trees don’t just provide food—they help clean the air, support biodiversity, and create beautiful spaces for families to enjoy year after year.
CSA Season Is Almost Here – And We’re Celebrating 15 Years!
We’re thrilled to announce the opening of our Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program—our 15th season of sharing the harvest with our members. Just like baseball has its Opening Day, CSA Day marks the official start of a fresh season filled with flavor, community, and connection.
This year, we’re pulling out all the stops to make our 15th anniversary extra special:
- Golden Ticket Giveaway: 15 lucky members will find a golden ticket in their CSA box for a surprise farm-themed prize.
- Facebook Recipe Contest: We’ll be asking members to share their favorite farm-fresh recipe and win bragging rights (and a tasty treat!).
- Member Spotlights: We’ll be celebrating and highlighting our longest-standing CSA members throughout the season.
- Special Recipe from Miss Jenn: Our beloved culinary and education specialist, Jenn Borealo, is creating a commemorative 15-minute recipe for all to enjoy.
- 15th Anniversary CSA Celebration (Coming Later This Summer): Members for a festive day on the farm with tractor-drawn wagon rides, pick-your-own adventures, a delicious farm lunch, raffles, giveaways, and a meet-and-greet with the amazing team that grows your food.
Farm Stands Reopen April 25
We’re also excited to reopen two of our Alstede Fresh Farm Stand locations on Friday, April 25—a fitting way to celebrate Arbor Day! You’ll find us once again in Bridgewater and Chester, and both stands serve as convenient pick-up points for CSA members. Our Jefferson (Alstede Fresh at Lindeken Farms) farm market is open year-round and ready to welcome you. It’s a convenient pick-up location for your weekly box of produce or to shop farm fresh all through the seasons.
Farmers Markets Return in May
With warmer weather comes the return of our farmers markets, beginning May 3! We participate in over 15 farmers’ markets in season, there is bound to be one in your neighborhood area. We’ll be updating our full market schedule on our website soon, so stay tuned and get ready to shop fresh and local every week.
15-Minute Recipe Series with Miss Jenn
To celebrate our CSA’s 15th year, Miss Jenn is back (out of semi-retirement!) with a special recipe series: “15 in 15”—delicious dishes that can be prepared in 15 minutes or less, perfect for busy families who still want to eat well. These seasonal recipes are designed to help you make the most of your weekly produce box. Watch for new additions all season long!
What’s Happening in the Farm Store
Our flagship farm store is open year-round and buzzing with springtime energy! Step inside and enjoy:
- Fun tastings and seasonal sampling
- Spring sales and future Throwback Thursday specials
- A delicious array of baked goods in our expanded bakery—from cookies and donuts to quiches and pies.
Sip the Season with Ironbound Cider
While you’re here, don’t miss a chance to explore our Ironbound Hard Cider collection, available in our farm store and at our outdoor cider garden during select events. Crafted with the same regenerative values we hold dear, Ironbound Ciders are made with 100% fresh-pressed apples—no sugar, sulfites, or preservatives added—and infused with foraged native plants like spicebush, gooseberries, and ginger.
Try their craft cocktails, hard seltzers, or Pét-Nats—sparkling natural wines made with the ancestral method, known for their light bubbles, wild fermentation, and no-fuss appeal. Whether you’re sipping at the cider garden or taking a 4-pack home, you’ll find something refreshingly different to toast the season with.
