We are participating and
are very excited about this Summer!
Sol Flower Farm is a diverse market garden and CSA that specializes in growing high quality and sustainable produce and cut flowers. Located 2 hours north of NYC in Ancramdale, NY, the farm serves the greater Hudson Valley and Berkshires. Sol Flower has found its loving home on land leased from Jerry and Iva Peele of Herondale Farm. The farm setting is one of pure beauty with the river and hills surrounding our fields. With the meats of Herondale and amazing produce from Sol Flower, they have created a healthy, beautiful and sustainable farm for our families and community.
Meet the Farmer!Sol Flower Farm is managed by Andy Szymanowicz, who has been farming organically for 10 years. After spending time farming in Northern California Andy is happy to be back in his native state of NY. The farm land, culture and rain are a few of his favorite things about growing on the East Coast. Andy’s love of working with the land and celebrating beauty is a driving force in the creation of his sustainable farm.
Growing Practices
Sol Flower Farm is deeply dedicated to sustainable agriculture. It is most important for us grow safe, healthy, nutritious food and flowers for your families and ours. The health of our soil, plants and water are equally beneficial for building our systems.
Our soil is amended each year with Biodynamic compost made on the farm from Herondale's animals. With the compost we are building organic matter and adding fertility. We covercrop our fields with legumes and grains to protect against winter erosion, add nitrogen and organic matter. With crop rotation we are preventing unwanted pest, breaking up weed cycles and fostering nutrients.
It takes a team of strong, motivated and passionate people to grow our food and flowers. At Sol Flower we are tending to our crops and community in cooperation with nature.
Are we Organic?
Some history……
Organic farming is a holistic, ecologically-balanced approach to agriculture. The word Organic was coined by Lord Northbourne in 1940 when the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides and mechanical advances where changing the way food was grown. Chemicals were introduced to farming as early as the late 1800s and their use escalated drastically in the post WWll era. Chemicals that had once been used for warfare were reissued for agricultural purposes. When people became aware of the harmful effects of industrialized agriculture they turned to indigenous cultures for their knowledge of natural farming. Emphasis was placed on the famer’s role to guide and balance the interaction of animals, plants and soil. The rise of Organic farming was driven by small, independent producers and supported by educated consumers. In the 1970s the organic movement encouraged consumption of locally grown food using the slogan “know your farmer, know your food” and gained momentum in the market place. In recent years the explosive growth of the organic market has seen the participation of large, wealthy agricultural businesses that have greatly lowered its standards. As the volume of “Organic” products increases, the viability of the small farm is at risk and the meaning of organic farming as an agricultural method is diluted.
Sol Flower Farm has decided not to participate in the organic certification program. We believe our methods of farming go beyond USDA standards. We are proud to call our products “beyond organic” or “sustainably grown”. We take the farmers pledge offered by NOFA www.nofany.org (Northeast Organic Farming Association) to ensure our customers of our commitment to growing safe, delicious, healthy food.
We believe a direct connection with our customers is the road to a long and bountiful relationship.
“Know the hand that feeds you.”, Michael Pollan
www.Truefoodnow.org
CSA ProgramDownload the 2010 CSA Agreement Form
What is CSA? Community supported agriculture.
Community Supported Agriculture is a partnership between a farmer and his community. The CSA concept was brought to the US in the mid 80’s and started on a farm right here in the Berkshires. From there the idea has spread and is now connecting communities to over 1,800 farms in the country. The idea of becoming a member and sharing in the realities and rewards that come with farming is a new vision for agriculture. The concept is easy – supporters of the farm buy a share of the harvest by becoming a member. Then each week of the growing season the members come to the farm or to a drop of site and pick up their share of the harvest. The money members pay up front gives us the needed cash to get the farm up and running. The farmer is then dedicated to growing the highest quality vegetables and flowers for the members. It is a great way to become connected to the farm and eat the freshest produce available.
Optional Flower Share: We offer shares of our gorgeous flower harvest. From the end of June to the beginning of October a bouquet will be ready for you to take home with your vegetables. We grow over 50 varieties of flowers and the bouquets are beautifully designed with a generous number of stems.
PYO pick your own vegetables We plant crops for you to pick too! Beans, Peas, Herbs and Cherry tomatoes are available in our fields close to the farm shop. A great way for the whole family to get involved!
Where and when do I pickup my share? Pick up is at the Herondale Farm shop at 90 Wiltsie Bridge Road in Ancramdale, NY on Tuesdays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1p.m.
How much does it cost? The cost for a 22 week share is $550. (Delivered share is $590.) The 14 week flower share is $140. Payment in full is preferred, but we will accept payment in two installments; the first half at the time of sign up and the balance by May 1st. We offer a 5% discount to those who sign up for both produce and flower shares and who pay in full in advance.
How do I sign up? Click here to complete the CSA Agreement Form. Mail your completed form, and payment made to Sol Flower Farm, to 90 Wiltsie Bridge Road, Ancramdale, NY 12503.
How about Volunteering? Tuesday is volunteer day. We encourage all of our members to come to the farm and dig in with us! Jobs we might need help with are weeding, harvesting, washing and packing. Just give us a call to let us know you'll be coming.
What else is in the Farm shop? Herondale farm shop is stocked with fresh meats, eggs, cheese and other local products. It’s a one stop shop for your local needs.
Visit www.herondalefarm.com for more information.
What's in a Share?
Each week we harvest a mix of vegetables fresh from our fields. We think the share feeds 2-4 people depending upon diet. The share contains 5 to 18 pounds of food (14 lbs. on average).
Optional: Flower share We offer shares of our gorgeous flower harvest. From the end of June to the beginning of October a bouquet will be ready for you to take home with your vegetables. We grow over 50 varieties of flowers and the bouquets are beautifully designed with a generous number of stems.PYO pick your own vegetables We plant crops for you to pick too! Beans, Peas, Herbs and Cherry tomatoes are available in our fields close to the farm shop. A great way for the whole family to get involved!
Crops you might find in your share:
Check out our wedding and events photos, which will be added soon.
Contact Us
Farmers markets You can find us at the Millbrook farmers markets on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Our booth is piled high with our bountiful harvest.
Farm Store Come on by the Herondale Farm store at 90 Wiltsie Bridge Road in Ancramdale, NY. The store is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10a.m. to 5p.m. You will find our products along with Herondale's meats and poultry. Local products such as cheese, honey, and fruit are also available.
eMail: Solflowerfarm@gmail.com
phone: Andy (518) 567-1951
90 Wiltsie Bridge Road
Ancramdale, NY 12503
Let's Grow!!!
Wow! I am very impressed. Keep up the good work. It looks like I will be taking a trip up this summer
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