Anyone tried the farm-to-doorstep delivery services?

[NEED-A-VETTE]

I've been thinking about trying this. We have quite a few services here in Los Angeles. I like the idea of supporting local farmers. Most of it is organic, which I'm not a stickler about, but it doesn't hurt.

The companies I've researched get good reviews (it doesn't hurt that we have a good agriculture base here in CA) and most allow you to choose which fruits/vegetables you would like (or want excluded) from your delivery.

We have an excellent farmer's market in Los Angeles, but it's close to downtown. That's a long drive from SFV, if the traffic is bad.

I'm interested in feedback here. Has anyone tried this out? Pros? Cons?

This is an older article, but it gives you an idea of what I'm taking about:

Local CSA – Best Food Coops In Los Angeles Area 2013 (http://www.refinery29.com/2013/06/48027/csa-food-coops-los-angeles)

[Bill]

Sounds like a good way to eat healthy. If you know you are paying for the stuff, it will make you want to not waste it.

[Black94lt1]

A coworker of mine did a half bushel a month last summer but never got the type of stuff she wanted so she was one and done

[MrPeabody]

Sounds good, but I bet it's expensive. If you can afford it, fine.

Do you have a big enough back yard to grow your own veggies? It's a fun and inexpensive hobby. You would be surprised how much you can grow in a small space. I'm only working with a 50'X70' back yard and I grow so much I give lots away. Also create a network with other gardeners and trade stuff. Yesterday I ate Fava Beans for the first time in my life. Now I'm pissed I lived 60+ years without them.:yesnod:

[Bill]

First in for "nice chianti."

[NEED-A-VETTE]

Sounds like a good way to eat healthy. If you know you are paying for the stuff, it will make you want to not waste it.

Very true.

A coworker of mine did a half bushel a month last summer but never got the type of stuff she wanted so she was one and done

That's why I'm researching all the companies around here. Some have been in business for 10+ years.

Sounds good, but I bet it's expensive. If you can afford it, fine.

Do you have a big enough back yard to grow your own veggies? It's a fun and inexpensive hobby. You would be surprised how much you can grow in a small space. I'm only working with a 50'X70' back yard and I grow so much I give lots away. Also create a network with other gardeners and trade stuff. Yesterday I ate Fava Beans for the first time in my life. Now I'm pissed I lived 60+ years without them.:yesnod:

Backyard is too small. Next year, I may do some tomatoes in pots on the patio, but that's about it. I'll probably get spence's advice on some veggies that will do well in pots, but that will be for next year. Also, it's worth mentioning, I don't have a green thumb. :leaving:

Not too concerned with cost. Some of the companies have small baskets in the $25 range. I'd probably start small and then increase, if needed.

The farmers market downtown really is fabulous, I just wish I was closer. It's about 25 miles away, which can be a two hour commute (one way), if traffic is fouled up. :nonod:

[Admiral Blue]

Yes. It's great. :seasix:

Angel Organics is a company around here, but I know we are a couple miles away from you. :cert:

[MrPeabody]

Very true.



That's why I'm researching all the companies around here. Some have been in business for 10+ years.



Backyard is too small. Next year, I may do some tomatoes in pots on the patio, but that's about it. I'll probably get spence's advice on some veggies that will do well in pots, but that will be for next year. Also, it's worth mentioning, I don't have a green thumb. :leaving:

Not too concerned with cost. Some of the companies have small baskets in the $25 range. I'd probably start small and then increase, if needed.

The farmers market downtown really is fabulous, I just wish I was closer. It's about 25 miles away, which can be a two hour commute (one way), if traffic is fouled up. :nonod:

If you're short on space and working out of pots, consider at least growing herbs. Basil, thyme, cilantro, etc. can really enhance what you are cooking when they are fresh. Many pepper plants don't take up much room, either.:yesnod:

[Grey Ghost]

I wouldn't trust someone else to pick out my items. I want to smell, look, and thump my own melons. We have several little stands around and the big one in Atl. The VERY best is an Amish farm up in TN. You can watch them work teams of horses in the fields. I have never been disappointed with anything from there.

Are there no small stands closer to you?

[NEED-A-VETTE]

Yes. It's great. :seasix:

Angel Organics is a company around here, but I know we are a couple miles away from you. :cert:

Thanks!!

If you're short on space and working out of pots, consider at least growing herbs. Basil, thyme, cilantro, etc. can really enhance what you are cooking when they are fresh. Many pepper plants don't take up much room, either.:yesnod:

My daughter and I were just talking about that the other day. :yesnod:

We had a rosemary bush when we lived in AZ. It was awesome.

I try and cook with as little sodium as possibly. Fresh herbs would definitely be helpful. I'll just have to get some that are hardy (it can get very hot for a few weeks in the summer here in the valley) or grow them inside. Then move them outside once they're established and it has cooled down.

I have flowers that are annuals that have been planted for two years, since it doesn't get too cold in the winter. The herbs would probably do fine.

[NEED-A-VETTE]

I wouldn't trust someone else to pick out my items. I want to smell, look, and thump my own melons. We have several little stands around and the big one in Atl. The VERY best is an Amish farm up in TN. You can watch them work teams of horses in the fields. I have never been disappointed with anything from there.

Are there no small stands closer to you?

I've been looking at reviews at several different places, including Yelp, where companies can't take down negative reviews. I've seen very few where people have said that they received bad product. I'm not worried about someone else picking them out for me. They're reputation is based on quality.

There used to be a small farmers market here in the valley, but I haven't seen it at all this year.

[NEED-A-VETTE]

Also, following along the thought process of growing fresh herbs...

I've always wanted to create my own herb-infused olive oils. Anyone had luck doing this? Is it better to use fresh or dry herbs for this? It wouldn't be a big deal to dry some out to make it, I'm just not familiar with the process.

[MrPeabody]

Also, following along the thought process of growing fresh herbs...

I've always wanted to create my own herb-infused olive oils. Anyone had luck doing this? Is it better to use fresh or dry herbs for this? It wouldn't be a big deal to dry some out to make it, I'm just not familiar with the process.

We've done it with some peppers of various types and Rosemary. We always used fresh and got pretty good results. The combinations and possibilities are endless.:yesnod:

[Admiral Blue]

Also, NAV, my wife and I constructed a garden for the first time this year. I don't know how much room you have when you say the yard is too small but our garden sits in a space that is about 9x18. I can send you some pics if you want.

We have 8 raised beds at 42" square separated by pea gravel walkways about 20" wide. We have ZERO gardening experience until now but with a little research, things seem to be doing very well. We have enjoyed some salads already and chopped some red onion. We also had freezing temperatures about a month ago in Chicgoland so we are pleased thus far.

[NEED-A-VETTE]

We've done it with some peppers of various types and Rosemary. We always used fresh and got pretty good results. The combinations and possibilities are endless.:yesnod:

I'll definitely have to try it out. It'd be nice to brush stuff that I'm going to grill with infused olive oils. I know you can buy them already infused, but there's something satisfying in making them myself. :cheers:

Also, NAV, my wife and I constructed a garden for the first time this year. I don't know how much room you have when you say the yard is too small but our garden sits in a space that is about 9x18. I can send you some pics if you want.

We have 8 raised beds at 42" square separated by pea gravel walkways about 20" wide. We have ZERO gardening experience until now but with a little research, things seem to be doing very well. We have enjoyed some salads already and chopped some red onion. We also had freezing temperatures about a month ago in Chicgoland so we are pleased thus far.

Thanks for the ideas. I'd have to tear out some grass, in order to do that. And there's not much of it to begin with. :funny:

My neighborhood is packed pretty tight. We're at the bottom of the slopes of the Santa Susana Mountains. Beautiful views of the mountains and the San Fernando Valley below, but very small lots.

I'll have to settle for potted plants, which will also allow me to put them in areas that are less harsh (partial shade) during the few weeks that we see 100+ temps. We don't get rain...ever...so, partial shade will help with retaining moisture. I have potted flowers around the patio, so I can arrange them in a way that it will look ornamental. :D