Fresh from the farm

Not shipped across the country or found sitting in a grocery store, these vegetables are straight from the farm.

There is still time to get signed up for community supported agriculture (CSA) at Pheasant Fields Farm which, for a fee, entitles the subscriber to weekly shares of fresh vegetables.

Operating this year as the sole producer for CSA, Allen and Nikki Johanson, owners of Pheasant Fields Farm — located in Silverdale about two miles north of Kitsap Mall — are well into the growing season for the first share.

“You just can’t get any fresher,” Nikki said.

Often called crop sharing, CSA allows farmers to distribute fresh and pesticide-free produce to local consumers, according to Nikki.

“The community benefits greatly from having access to farm fresh food,” she said. “CSA programs help keep small farms alive and healthy and part of our community, where they belong.”

Although Pheasant Fields Farm is not certified organic, all vegetables are raised organically. Shares are available beginning May 1 through October.

“You get things as they come in season,” Nikki said.

May’s harvest includes vegetables like lettuce, spinach, radish, pea vines and garlic curls. Included in June’s share are herbs, bok choy, sugar snap peas and chard. In August, the harvest includes green beans, summer squash or potatoes, tomatoes, basil, carrots, onions, corn and cucumbers. Subscribers may sign up for a small or large share with payment due at the start of the season.

“It’s expensive getting to this point before getting

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