Dear Farm Friends,

As we welcome the start of a new year, all of us here at the Farm want to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude for your unwavering support and commitment to our mission. We continue to strive to make fresh, locally grown produce available to everyone in our community, and we couldn't accomplish this without you.

We are looking forward to 2025 as we work to deepen our bond with our wonderful community through more programs and community engagement. We had a bountiful season, and we are optimistic that we can continue to grow and flourish in the New Year.

Thank you for being an integral part of the Newton Community Farm family. Together we can cultivate a brighter, greener future. Wishing you and your loved ones a prosperous and joyous New Year!

Allyson MacKenna

Director of Administration and Programs

As we welcome in 2025, we wanted to take a moment to reflect on our achievements in 2024.

2024 EDUCATION, OUTREACH, & PARTNERSHIP HIGHLIGHTS



• Engaged with more than 1500 people through programs, tours, activities, volunteering, and service-learning opportunities on- and off-site, including at Newton’s Earth Day, Green Expo, Library Summer Reading Kickoff Program, Community Day at the YMCA, and the Pumpkin Smash festival.
• Piloted our new tour program that will be launched this year. We will be offering the opportunity to learn more about sustainable agriculture and the history of our community's historic farm. A huge thank you to the Bard family for their generous support of this project!
• Hosted a Fall Family Party for approximately 140 people in October. 
• Ran our educational, hands-on Summer Student Internship Program—for our twelfth year—with eight high school student interns led by Farmer Greg. 
• Produced educational newsletters read by about 3,500 people each month.   

SUSTAINABLY-GROWN PRODUCE DISTRIBUTION

• Grew over 50,000 pounds of food on less than two acres of farmable land.
• Distributed over 28,000 seedlings of more than 90 plant varieties to more than 800 customers through our annual seedling sale, tomato plant sale, and seedling donations in spring of 2024.
• Distributed 1,760 shares of produce from June through December 2024 to 180 summer and 40 fall families. Both Summer and Late Fall CSA programs sold out. 
• Increased our produce donations to over $15,000 in value over 26 weeks to the Newton Food Pantry and Freedge and the Boston Area Gleaners in response to increasing food insecurity in our community in 2024. NCF has donated produce to the community since our first growing season in 2006.
• Accepted SNAP, WIC, HIP, and Elder checks so all in the community can benefit from fresh, local produce.
• Sold and distributed 50 bags of nutritious produce from NCF and other local farms through our Thanksgiving Harvest Bag program.
• Sold our produce at the Newton North Farmers’ Market on Saturdays since 2006.
• Ran our on-site farm stand three days a week, June through November.
• Grew over 50 varieties of crops in 2024 including turnips, beets, cutting broccoli, cucumbers, eggplant, peppers, tomatoes, zucchini, zephyr squash, scallions, white onions, red onions, fennel, herbs, garlic, carrots, spinach, arugula, snap peas, beans, chard, lettuce, radishes, mustard greens, leeks, kale, Asian pears, and nasturtiums as well as offering fruit shares and produce from other local farms.

Sign-Up for 2025 Summer CSA Program starts in January!  

2025 Summer CSA Program Overview 

If you enjoy eating fresh, delicious, locally grown produce, then consider signing up for our 2025 Summer CSA program. Traditionally, our CSA sharers receive significantly more value for their money than buying from the grocery store.

At the beginning of each growing season, CSA sharers purchase a “share” of the upcoming produce, which helps the Farm cover a substantial portion of the costs of our agricultural operations. In return, NCF provides sharers with a supply of sustainably grown, fresh vegetables and herbs each week throughout the farm season.

We have the equivalent of 80 weekly shares available. Some of our sharers enroll for an alternate-week share, which means they pick up produce every other week. Other sharers enroll for a weekly share for their family or else they split their share with another friend or family (or two!).

This year we are making changes to the sign-up process for our Summer CSA Program. We will send out a separate email detailing these changes and giving directions to sign up for the 2025 Summer CSA Program.

Other CSA Programs

In addition to our Summer CSA program, we also offer separate Fruit Share, Flower Share, and Late Fall CSA programs. Information, including enrollment forms and deadlines, will be available on our website by midsummer for the Fruit Share Program and mid-fall for the Late Fall CSA.

As we ring in the new year, it’s the perfect time for New England gardeners to reflect on the past growing season and set new resolutions for a flourishing garden in the year ahead. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, these gardening resolutions will help you cultivate a thriving, sustainable garden that enhances both your outdoor space and the environment.

1. Plan Ahead

Effective gardening begins with thoughtful planning. Take time this winter to map out your garden layout. Consider such things as space requirements for each plant and the amount of sunlight available. Don't forget to put our annual May Seedling Sale on your calendar (date to be announced) to ensure you are setting yourself up for success.

2. Embrace Native Plants

Incorporating native plants into your garden supports local biodiversity and reduces the need for extra watering and fertilizers. Native plants are well adapted to New England’s climate and soil conditions, making them resilient and low-maintenance choices. Research native species that thrive in your area and add them to your garden plan.

3. Improve Soil Health

Healthy soil is the foundation of a successful garden. Commit to enhancing your soil by incorporating organic matter such as compost, leaf mold, or aged manure. Conduct a soil test to determine nutrient levels and pH, and amend your soil as needed to create an optimal growing environment for your plants.

4. Conserve Water

Water is a precious resource, and gardeners can play a key role in conserving it. Implement water-saving practices such as mulching, using drip irrigation, and collecting rainwater in barrels. Choose drought-tolerant plants and group them together to minimize water use.

5. Reduce Chemical Use

Resolve to minimize or eliminate the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers in your garden. Opt for organic alternatives and integrated pest management (IPM) techniques to control pests and diseases. Encourage beneficial insects by planting a variety of flowering plants and maintaining healthy soil.

6. Start a Compost Pile

Composting is an excellent way to recycle kitchen scraps and garden waste while enriching your soil. Start a compost pile or bin and regularly add organic materials such as fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, grass clippings, and leaves. Turn the compost periodically to speed up decomposition and produce nutrient-rich compost for your garden.

7. Grow Your Own Food

There’s nothing more rewarding than harvesting fresh produce from your own garden. Plan to grow a variety of fruits, vegetables, and herbs that you and your family enjoy. Experiment with new crops and varieties to diversify your garden and extend your harvest season. Don't forget to buy locally grown produce to round out what you are able to grow yourself.

8. Create Wildlife Habitats

Enhance your garden’s ecosystem by creating habitats for local wildlife. Install bird feeders, birdhouses, and bee hotels to attract birds, bees, and other pollinators. Plant a mix of trees, shrubs, and perennials to provide food and shelter for wildlife throughout the year.

9. Share Your Gardening Knowledge

Gardening is a wonderful way to connect with others and share knowledge. Newton Community Farm offers multiple volunteer opportunities throughout the year with a great group of people. Attend local classes and workshops. Offer to mentor new gardeners to inspire the next generation of gardeners.

10. Enjoy the Journey

Finally, remember to enjoy the process of gardening. It’s a journey filled with learning, experimentation, and growth. Celebrate your successes, learn from your challenges, and take time to appreciate the beauty and tranquility of your garden.

By setting these gardening resolutions, you can create a vibrant, sustainable garden that brings joy and nourishment to both you and your local ecosystem. Here’s to a fruitful and flourishing gardening year in New England!

Roasted Winter Vegetable Soup

Ingredients

• 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 2 cups carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 cups parsnips, peeled and chopped
• 1 cup sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, peeled
• 2 Tbs. olive oil
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tsp. thyme
• 1 tsp. rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: a splash of cream for added richness

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss the butternut squash, carrots, parsnips, sweet potatoes, onion, and garlic with olive oil, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.ated.
3. Spread the vegetables in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes or until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized.
4. Transfer the roasted vegetables to a large pot. Add the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and let simmer for about 10 minutes. 
5. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. If you don't have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer the soup to a regular blender in batches. 
6. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. For a creamier texture, stir in a splash of cream.
7. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. Garnish with fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil if desired. 

This soup is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients from the winter vegetables. Enjoy this warm and nourishing meal!

Newton Community Farm is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, EIN #20-2482452. If you would prefer to donate by mail, please send a check payable to Newton Community Farm at the address below. Please also check with your employer if matching funds are available.

NEWTON COMMUNITY FARM

303 Nahanton Street

Newton, MA 02459

617-916-9655

www.newtoncommunityfarm.org

information@newtoncommunityfarm.org