This Week's Vegetable Harvest: Oak Leaf Lettuce Overwintered Scallions Wild Ramps - from Harmony Valley Farm, Viroqua, Wisconsin - Cut off the roots and use the whole stalk and leaves. The flavor is outstanding! Chives Arugula Baby Bok Choy Asparagus - from Mick Klug Farm, St. Joseph, MI Red Radishes Russet Potatoes  - from Igl Farm, Antigo, Wisconsin

Farm Journal

Good afternoon from the farm!

The old Chicago adage, "If you don't like the weather, wait a minute," has never felt more true! As a result of the very quick turn to warmer weather, crops are growing extremely quickly. We're taking advantage of this "weather window" and as a result, our planting and seeding teams were in the field from sunrise until dinner time today.

Even while the team is being trained and learning together, they still planted 30,000 plants and 216,000 seeds in the ground today. Spring and early summer veggies are growing for you in the field! The beehive (pictured above) started a couple of weeks ago by our boys, Owen and Gavin, was bursting with activity due to the warm, sunny weather and plenty of dandelions.

We know these busy times will be balanced with rainy days, so we're keeping the bigger seasonal picture in mind. That said, it is still tiring! Luckily, Gavin and Jeff installed a new hammock for some end-of-day rest and relaxation. We'll keep this week's newsletter short and sweet as there's more planting and seeding planned to start first thing tomorrow morning. Enjoy the beautiful weather and the spring harvest! Warmly, ~ Jen, Jeff, Tyler, Arlet, Manuel, David, Cleto, Tracy and Riley

Spring Open House This Saturday We invite you to the farm on Saturday, May 14th from 10am-2pm for a Spring Open House and Farmstand Sale. Our farm stand will be stocked with spring plants and the last of our pre-chopped frozen produce will be on sale. We'll host two farm tours, welcome you to meet and name our chicks, and you're welcomed to BYOP (bring your own picnic) to the farm. Friends and family are also welcome to enjoy this casual spring day on the farm.

Notes from the Farm Kitchen

Until now, the cooler spring temperatures caused the first green asparagus to slowly emerge from its winter slumber. Our partner farmers and friends, Mick Klug Farm, are sharing their bountiful asparagus harvest with us this week while we give our asparagus time to grow.

CSA members will again receive the trifecta of spring alliums -- ramps (grown in the forest), chives (grown in the field and hoophouse), and overwintered scallions (grown in the field). Each has a distinct flavor profile, however, they are also wonderfully combined on a white allium pizza. Check out the recipe below.

Tips for Packaging and Storage Even during challenging times, we try to minimize our plastic packaging for members. To do this, we oftentimes combine produce (e.g., greens), which might be normally packaged separately, into one bag. Since most spring vegetables must be refrigerated in a plastic bag, please reuse these plastic packages. Keeping greens items in plastic helps prevent wilting. If ramp tops or another tender vegetable appears droopy, you can soak it in cold water for a few minutes, gently shake off the excess water, and refrigerate in a plastic bag until it perks up. Also, we rinse all the vegetables here at the farm, but you should always wash them thoroughly prior to eating.

Seasonal Recipes in the Farm Kitchen White Allium Pizza Lemony Bulgar with Asparagus and Spinach Ramp Potatoes Crispy Polenta Bites with Arugula Tapenade

Organic Plant Sale Continues! - The Liberty Prairie Foundation Plant Sale takes place online again this year. Each year, the Foundation sells a wide variety of certified organic plants to local gardeners as a fundraiser for the experiential education on the farm. The ordering platform went live yesterday with pick-up dates in May. When you pick up plants, we welcome you to visit the Prairie Wind Farm Stand. We'll offer supplemental plants (grown by us), meats, cheeses, jarred goods, early produce, soaps and more. We look forward to having you back at the farm this spring!

• Tags: Asparagus, Chives, Ramps, Scallions

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