Out here, most things take time — trees grow slowly, soil builds year by year, and there’s no shortcut to good tomatoes. But every once in a while, a crop comes along that reminds us that not everything in farming has to be a long haul. Enter: microgreens.

Let’s pull back the curtain on one of the hardest-working crops at Blue Heron Farm: arugula. It’s fast, it’s spicy, and it’s got a mind of its own. While it may just look like a humble bag of greens in your CSA box, behind the scenes, it runs on a tightly scheduled weekly cycle.

Not the accidental ones that pop up in the compost pile. Not just the sunflowers your kiddo insisted on planting. I’m talking about the intentional, built-into-the-plan flowers. The ones planted not just because they’re pretty (though they are), but because they play a vital role in the health of your whole garden system.

Think of soil like a roommate. One who does all the cooking, cleans up after your plants, handles water distribution, and manages the household nutrient budget — silently. Until, of course, they don’t.

It always starts the same: the zucchini plants are thriving, leaves wide and green, flowers blooming, your heart full of hope. You think, This is the year I finally win squash season.

Wrong.

At Blue Heron Farm, we started freeze drying because we wanted a way to capture the flavor at its peak and keep it around long after the season ends. And unlike traditional drying, which uses heat, freeze drying is like bottling the essence of the fruit. The fruit holds its shape, its color, and—most importantly—its taste.

Carrots are liars.

They lure you in with their feathery green tops, whispering sweet promises of long, straight roots just below the surface. "Plant us," they say. "We’re easy." And you, poor fool, believe them.

Let’s be honest: chard has a bit of a PR problem.

It’s not glamorous like tomatoes. It’s not trendy like kale. It doesn’t have the lovable, do-no-wrong energy of carrots or the marketing budget of avocados. In the grand hierarchy of produce, chard is somewhere between “forgotten vegetable” and “what’s that in the back of the crisper?”

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about storing CSA produce.

Hardier greens are robust and packed with nutrients, making them a staple for hearty dishes. Here’s how to store them properly to maintain their quality.

Herbs are versatile ingredients that add a burst of flavor to any dish. However, they are delicate and need proper storage to stay fresh and usable.

Cruciferous vegetables are hearty and nutrient-packed, but they need the right storage conditions to stay fresh and crisp. Here’s how to handle and store these staples from your CSA box.

Berries and grapes are delicious but delicate fruits that require gentle handling and proper storage to maintain their freshness and juiciness. Here are the best ways to care for these treats.

Garlic and onions are essential staples in any kitchen and can last for weeks or even months with proper storage. Here’s how to keep them fresh and flavorful for as long as possible.

Tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants are summer favorites that bring vibrant flavors to your meals. Proper storage can help preserve their freshness and texture until you're ready to use them.

Squash and pumpkins are versatile and nutritious, and with proper storage, they can last from a few weeks to several months. Here's how to store both summer and winter varieties effectively.

Fruits can be some of the most exciting items in your CSA box, but they often require careful handling to keep them fresh and flavorful. Here’s how to store your CSA fruits for maximum sweetness and shelf life.

Root vegetables are the unsung heroes of the CSA box. Hardy and versatile, they can last for weeks or even months when stored properly. Here’s how to make the most of these staples.

Leafy greens are among the most delicate and perishable items in your CSA box. With the right care, however, you can keep them fresh and crisp for a week or longer.

Understanding how to store your CSA produce effectively can help extend its shelf life, retain its nutritional value, and maximize its deliciousness.