Switch Gears Farm's Avatar

Switch Gears Farm

@switchgearsfarm.com.bsky.social

Brett (he/him) & Vanita (she/her) Four-acre vegetable farm in Longmont, CO (Boulder County) CSA | City Park Farmers Market | Lafayette Farmers Market | Wholesale https://www.switchgearsfarm.com/links

46 Followers  |  52 Following  |  22 Posts  |  Joined: 14.01.2025  |  1.8139

Latest posts by switchgearsfarm.com on Bluesky

Half share includes a bag of spinach, spring garlic, broccolini, radishes, chives, and kale.

Half share includes a bag of spinach, spring garlic, broccolini, radishes, chives, and kale.

Full share includes two bags of spinach, bunches of spring garlic, bunches of broccolini, bunches of radishes, chives, and kale.

Full share includes two bags of spinach, bunches of spring garlic, bunches of broccolini, bunches of radishes, chives, and kale.

It’s time for weekly CSA shares again - photos of week one shares are attached.

23.05.2025 13:31 — 👍 0    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0
Pick napping on hardwood floor, tongue out.

Pick napping on hardwood floor, tongue out.

“Shhh, I’m napping over here!”

25.03.2025 21:05 — 👍 2    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0
Several trays of plant starts resting on a table in the greenhouse. These are mostly greens and fennel.

Several trays of plant starts resting on a table in the greenhouse. These are mostly greens and fennel.

Several trays of plant starts resting on a table in the greenhouse. These are mostly peppers, strawberries, and herbs.

Several trays of plant starts resting on a table in the greenhouse. These are mostly peppers, strawberries, and herbs.

Several trays of plant starts resting on a table in the greenhouse. These are mostly onions, shallots, and leeks.

Several trays of plant starts resting on a table in the greenhouse. These are mostly onions, shallots, and leeks.

We had to bring the plant starts indoors for a few days. Started with way too much wind, then it became instantly cold and rainy, then it started to snow (despite temps reading 38°F), then it went back to very windy…all over two and half days. These plant starts have some strong legs!

19.03.2025 22:36 — 👍 3    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0
Looking into the field where garlic leaves are growing strong, two prongs stretched out toward the sun.

Looking into the field where garlic leaves are growing strong, two prongs stretched out toward the sun.

Nothing better tasting than new garlic…waiting oh so patiently as we finish off garlic we saved from last season in next few weeks.

14.03.2025 02:18 — 👍 2    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0
Puck, the farm dog, sneaking in a nap in the shade while we were putting the plastic up on the tunnel. He is the most excited to finally have more shaded spots around the farm.

Puck, the farm dog, sneaking in a nap in the shade while we were putting the plastic up on the tunnel. He is the most excited to finally have more shaded spots around the farm.

This dog is the heart of the farm. Puck, cannot wait to grow you all the cucumbers and carrots your heart desires this year.

12.03.2025 19:47 — 👍 1    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0

Right?! Cozy feel to it, for sure. Then a sauna once you step in, haha.

12.03.2025 14:40 — 👍 1    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0

They are loving the sunlight these days! I’ll have to send updated photos.

12.03.2025 14:40 — 👍 1    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0

You’ve got this! Just make sure you have a way to cover them for hail or frost once Spring officially comes around.

12.03.2025 14:39 — 👍 0    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0
Nighttime photo of a greenhouse in our backyard, illuminated on the inside by a spotlight placed in the ceiling.

Nighttime photo of a greenhouse in our backyard, illuminated on the inside by a spotlight placed in the ceiling.

Realized it was 10:30PM and I haven’t seen Brett in a while. Thought maybe he fell asleep with the plant starts but he’s just putting up onions.

11.03.2025 04:41 — 👍 4    🔁 0    💬 3    📌 0
Thousands of onion and leek starts in different varieties of crates and trays, laid out on the driveway in direct sunlight.

Thousands of onion and leek starts in different varieties of crates and trays, laid out on the driveway in direct sunlight.

Finally have a warm day in the winter with low winds, so it is time to put the leek and onion starts out for fresh air and sunlight.

23.02.2025 17:48 — 👍 3    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0
FAQS - PART 1 What if I am not in town to pick up my CSA? You have options: (1) choose a friend to pick it up on your behalf (2) change the pickup location if another date/time works better for you, or (3) claim a vacation (up to four available) to skip that week and get farm credit instead. Is the produce organically-grown? The farm is not certified organic; however, we are committed to growing organically per the certification guidelines and more. We use organic or untreated seeds, from which we grow our own plant starts. We engage in soil-conserving practices to ensure the soil continues to be healthy and get necessary nutrients. And, we do not use synthetic fertilizers or sprays. While we love to trial different types of seeds and varieties, we will not do it at risk of harming the soil and land on which the produce is grown.

FAQS - PART 1 What if I am not in town to pick up my CSA? You have options: (1) choose a friend to pick it up on your behalf (2) change the pickup location if another date/time works better for you, or (3) claim a vacation (up to four available) to skip that week and get farm credit instead. Is the produce organically-grown? The farm is not certified organic; however, we are committed to growing organically per the certification guidelines and more. We use organic or untreated seeds, from which we grow our own plant starts. We engage in soil-conserving practices to ensure the soil continues to be healthy and get necessary nutrients. And, we do not use synthetic fertilizers or sprays. While we love to trial different types of seeds and varieties, we will not do it at risk of harming the soil and land on which the produce is grown.

FAQS - PART 2 How many items are in each weekly share? Generally, there are about 5-7 different types of produce in the half share and about 7-10 different types of produce in the large share. In the early season, the shares tend to be lighter in weight and heavier on greens. Mid-season to end of season, shares start to get heavier as the roots grow more consistently and storage produce is being harvested. What kinds of produce is included in the weekly shares? We balance each week's share with at least one type of loose greens (salad, arugula, spinach), one type of roots (carrots, potatoes, radishes, beets, etc.), one type of alliums (garlic, onions, leeks, etc.), and one type of bunched greens (kale, Swiss chard, collards, etc.). Other produce items included are those that may be in season short-term, like tomatoes, peppers, peas, eggplant, broccolini, herbs, etc.

FAQS - PART 2 How many items are in each weekly share? Generally, there are about 5-7 different types of produce in the half share and about 7-10 different types of produce in the large share. In the early season, the shares tend to be lighter in weight and heavier on greens. Mid-season to end of season, shares start to get heavier as the roots grow more consistently and storage produce is being harvested. What kinds of produce is included in the weekly shares? We balance each week's share with at least one type of loose greens (salad, arugula, spinach), one type of roots (carrots, potatoes, radishes, beets, etc.), one type of alliums (garlic, onions, leeks, etc.), and one type of bunched greens (kale, Swiss chard, collards, etc.). Other produce items included are those that may be in season short-term, like tomatoes, peppers, peas, eggplant, broccolini, herbs, etc.

FAQS - PART 3 Which farmers markets will Switch Gears Farm attend? We will be located at two farmers markets this year - City Park Farmers Market (Saturdays) and Lafayette Farmers Market (Sundays). Both these markets are also CSA pick-up locations. If a CSA is not for you, you can find a lot of the same produce at both of these markets. But, if we only have limited amounts, CSA members get priority for "hot items". When you arrive at either farmers market, look for the booth with strings of marigolds hanging from the tent poles. What makes Switch Gears Farm CSA unique? Our CSA shares tends to be described as heavy on alliums and roots because we try to make sure those two are in rotation as much as possible. And, we try to cycle through different types so you have different options week-to-week, in case you haven't gotten through the prior week's CSA.

FAQS - PART 3 Which farmers markets will Switch Gears Farm attend? We will be located at two farmers markets this year - City Park Farmers Market (Saturdays) and Lafayette Farmers Market (Sundays). Both these markets are also CSA pick-up locations. If a CSA is not for you, you can find a lot of the same produce at both of these markets. But, if we only have limited amounts, CSA members get priority for "hot items". When you arrive at either farmers market, look for the booth with strings of marigolds hanging from the tent poles. What makes Switch Gears Farm CSA unique? Our CSA shares tends to be described as heavy on alliums and roots because we try to make sure those two are in rotation as much as possible. And, we try to cycle through different types so you have different options week-to-week, in case you haven't gotten through the prior week's CSA.

These questions commonly get asked year after year, so we figured we’d share them more directly. Got any other questions? Ask away.

19.02.2025 21:11 — 👍 2    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0
2025 CSA shares are now available. Two photos attached, one showing a share from week 1, another showing a share from week 6. To sign, find the farm shop link in profile or visit https://www.switchgearsfarm.com/food.

2025 CSA shares are now available. Two photos attached, one showing a share from week 1, another showing a share from week 6. To sign, find the farm shop link in profile or visit https://www.switchgearsfarm.com/food.

IMPORTANT DETAILS DATES: Starts week of May 19 through week of Oct 13, skipping week of June 30, for a total of 21 weeks. SHARE OPTIONS & COSTS: Two options, both are farmer's choice, meaning no week-to-week customization. The half share (2-3 people) is $28/week ($588 total) and full share (3-4 people) is $39/week ($819 total). ADD-ON OPTIONS & COSTS: Two options, weekly egg share and 12-week fruit share. Egg share (from Bluebird Sky Farmstead) is $8/week ($168 total) and fruit share (from Ela Family Farms) is $28.75/week ($345 total). A veggie share is required to purchase an add-on option. PICKUP LOCATIONS: Ten locations: one in Aurora, two in Boulder, two in Denver, two in Lafayette, one in Longmont, one in Niwot, one on Sugarloaf Road (Boulder Canyon). All non-market day deliveries occur Wednesdays or Thursdays.

IMPORTANT DETAILS DATES: Starts week of May 19 through week of Oct 13, skipping week of June 30, for a total of 21 weeks. SHARE OPTIONS & COSTS: Two options, both are farmer's choice, meaning no week-to-week customization. The half share (2-3 people) is $28/week ($588 total) and full share (3-4 people) is $39/week ($819 total). ADD-ON OPTIONS & COSTS: Two options, weekly egg share and 12-week fruit share. Egg share (from Bluebird Sky Farmstead) is $8/week ($168 total) and fruit share (from Ela Family Farms) is $28.75/week ($345 total). A veggie share is required to purchase an add-on option. PICKUP LOCATIONS: Ten locations: one in Aurora, two in Boulder, two in Denver, two in Lafayette, one in Longmont, one in Niwot, one on Sugarloaf Road (Boulder Canyon). All non-market day deliveries occur Wednesdays or Thursdays.

WHY YES TO CSA? 1. Members know where their food is coming from, how it was grown, and how it was handled from moment of harvest through delivery because members have direct access to the farmer to ask any questions. Yes, questions are encouraged. 2. By choosing to shop with local small businesses, we keep our collective money in our local communities. 3. There are thousands of varieties of produce we can eat but we only see a few while shopping at big corporations. As a member, you get access to many more varieties. 4. Most important: quality of produce is significantly higher than what you may be used to from big corporations because produce is often harvested at near or peak ripeness and delivered to you within a few hours to 48 hours (except for some storage crops harvested later in the season).

WHY YES TO CSA? 1. Members know where their food is coming from, how it was grown, and how it was handled from moment of harvest through delivery because members have direct access to the farmer to ask any questions. Yes, questions are encouraged. 2. By choosing to shop with local small businesses, we keep our collective money in our local communities. 3. There are thousands of varieties of produce we can eat but we only see a few while shopping at big corporations. As a member, you get access to many more varieties. 4. Most important: quality of produce is significantly higher than what you may be used to from big corporations because produce is often harvested at near or peak ripeness and delivered to you within a few hours to 48 hours (except for some storage crops harvested later in the season).

WHY NOT A CSA? Let's be clear - we know a CSA membership is not for everyone. It requires some comfort with the unknown as there is no set list of produce you will receive before you sign up. And, it can feel like a big commitment when there is so much uncertainty in our communities these days with daily disruptions from the government and big corporations. Plus, by being a CSA member, you are sharing both risks and benefits. As we have seen over past few seasons, our growing zone feels increasing unpredictable for weather-related patterns and pest management. Finally, you may receive produce that is new to you. For our members, we try not to throw in too many new-to-you produce but some things are just too good for the soil and the human body, so we have to share some new things, right? Anyway, if any of this feels true for you, we encourage you to think about other ways to support local agriculture - shop at a farmers market, buy plant starts from local farmers, volunteer at community gardens, tell a friend, etc.

WHY NOT A CSA? Let's be clear - we know a CSA membership is not for everyone. It requires some comfort with the unknown as there is no set list of produce you will receive before you sign up. And, it can feel like a big commitment when there is so much uncertainty in our communities these days with daily disruptions from the government and big corporations. Plus, by being a CSA member, you are sharing both risks and benefits. As we have seen over past few seasons, our growing zone feels increasing unpredictable for weather-related patterns and pest management. Finally, you may receive produce that is new to you. For our members, we try not to throw in too many new-to-you produce but some things are just too good for the soil and the human body, so we have to share some new things, right? Anyway, if any of this feels true for you, we encourage you to think about other ways to support local agriculture - shop at a farmers market, buy plant starts from local farmers, volunteer at community gardens, tell a friend, etc.

Considering being a CSA member? Check out the details on our website or in the images attached to learn more. Next post will include frequently asked questions.

19.02.2025 21:07 — 👍 2    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0
Two cats sunbathing on a bench inside their home.

Two cats sunbathing on a bench inside their home.

Both greenhouse supervisors are taking an afternoon nap.

19.02.2025 20:42 — 👍 3    🔁 0    💬 1    📌 0
A photo of a very young strawberry seedling in soil, one that is just starting to grow its first true leaf.

A photo of a very young strawberry seedling in soil, one that is just starting to grow its first true leaf.

First half of the greenhouse, showing seedling trays placed closely to one another in multiple tiers. Mostly alliums on this side.

First half of the greenhouse, showing seedling trays placed closely to one another in multiple tiers. Mostly alliums on this side.

Second half of the greenhouse, showing seedling trays placed closely to one another in multiple tiers. Got a mix of alliums, herbs, and strawberries on this side.

Second half of the greenhouse, showing seedling trays placed closely to one another in multiple tiers. Got a mix of alliums, herbs, and strawberries on this side.

Current outside temps are 35°F, with 53% humidity. In the greenhouse, temps are 79.2°F, with 72.1% humidity. Had to quickly shed layers while checking on these cuties.

16.02.2025 21:52 — 👍 0    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0
An image of the NRCS EQIP Advance Payment Readiness Fact Sheet, can be found at https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/resources/guides-and-instructions/eqip-advance-payment-option

An image of the NRCS EQIP Advance Payment Readiness Fact Sheet, can be found at https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/resources/guides-and-instructions/eqip-advance-payment-option

Farmers currently considering an
EQIP contract with NRCS - ask if you are eligible for an advance payment. It’s better to have half the payment upfront, given the uncertainty in federal funding.

16.02.2025 02:32 — 👍 0    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0

We had one goal for this snowy day, organize all business documents. We deep cleaned every other room in the house instead…

16.02.2025 02:18 — 👍 2    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0

Same, hoping more businesses feel comfortable moving over. And, sad day for carrot lovers! We’ve got a small stash of imperfects still but Puck insists they are all his.

05.02.2025 17:41 — 👍 1    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0
Using a tweezer to carefully pick up a strawberry seed that has germed.

Using a tweezer to carefully pick up a strawberry seed that has germed.

Placing a germed strawberry seed into soil so it can grow some more.

Placing a germed strawberry seed into soil so it can grow some more.

Carefully covering up the seed placed on soil using a finger.

Carefully covering up the seed placed on soil using a finger.

Well, I guess it’s about time for us to plant some strawberries! Good news is that the seeds have germed! Now, we place them in soil and wait some more…

05.02.2025 04:09 — 👍 4    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0

Appreciate you so much!

02.02.2025 04:42 — 👍 1    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0
A poster regarding an event titled "Community CSA Fair", occuring Feb 2 from 12PM - 4PM at Fritz Family Brewers in Niwot, CO. "Join to learn more about CSAs and find the perfect share for your family."

A poster regarding an event titled "Community CSA Fair", occuring Feb 2 from 12PM - 4PM at Fritz Family Brewers in Niwot, CO. "Join to learn more about CSAs and find the perfect share for your family."

I can't believe it is already time to think about CSAs for the season. Updates to our website and communication to last year’s CSA members will be done by this evening. If you are able to, please come see us and other local farmers tomorrow to learn more about locally-grown food.

01.02.2025 21:33 — 👍 4    🔁 1    💬 0    📌 0
Dried flowers, placed in a sieve being used to separate the seeds from the flower pods.

Dried flowers, placed in a sieve being used to separate the seeds from the flower pods.

Seeds, seeds, and more seeds - it is helping to keep our minds focused these days. Time to get these cleaned up and ready for planting.

28.01.2025 19:55 — 👍 3    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0
Brett (he/him), happily holding a bundle of grex radishes that he grew.

Brett (he/him), happily holding a bundle of grex radishes that he grew.

Vanita (she/her), happily holding a large harvest of radishes and turnips in the greenhouse.

Vanita (she/her), happily holding a large harvest of radishes and turnips in the greenhouse.

Puck, the official farm dog and initial taster of most vegetables, covered in dry flower flakes from seeds being cleaned nearby.

Puck, the official farm dog and initial taster of most vegetables, covered in dry flower flakes from seeds being cleaned nearby.

A partial display of Switch Gears Farm vegetables at a local farmers market. Vegetables include radishes, beets, pole beans, peppers, eggplants, and potatoes.

A partial display of Switch Gears Farm vegetables at a local farmers market. Vegetables include radishes, beets, pole beans, peppers, eggplants, and potatoes.

Switch Gears Farm was started by Brett (he/him) and Vanita (she/her) in Longmont, CO. This upcoming season will be our fifth growing season. Check the link in bio to see where you can find us or our food!

28.01.2025 19:47 — 👍 6    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 1

@switchgearsfarm.com is following 20 prominent accounts