New heated greenhouse paves way for cold-sensitive crops all year

Green Edge Organic Gardens is finishing construction of a new heated greenhouse that will allow them to grow more cold-sensitive crops year-round.

The certified organic farm in Amesville, which is also the home of the Athens Hills Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program, now has seven greenhouses, two of which are heated from a natural gas well on site. Heated water lines placed in the soil where crops will be grown maximize the efficiency and reduce overall energy needs, according to a news release. The heated houses allow the farm to grow crops such as salad greens and spinach, which are hardy, but need warmer soil temperatures to thrive in the winter.

These crops and others are grown for members of the Athens Hills CSA, who invest in a "farm share" and then receive a weekly harvest from the farm.

"The CSA program is ideal for those who want to continue eating delicious and nutritious local produce through the winter, but who might not be able to routinely visit the Farmers Market in the winter months," said Rob Kaminski, the CSA coordinator, in the news release.

The Athens Hills CSA is currently accepting open enrollment for their Winter 2010 program, which runs from the beginning of December through the end of April. More than 15 different vegetables will be available to members throughout the winter and spring months.

In addition to their organically produced vegetables, herbs and mushrooms, the Athens Hills CSA offers "combination shares" that include fruit from Cherry Orchards, specialty breads made by The Village Bakery, and Snowville Creamery milk. Members choose whether they would like to receive their share on a weekly or bi-weekly basis, and pick them up at one of several locations in the area. Those interested can go the to the Green Edge Organic Gardens Web site (www.GreenEdgeGardens.com).

Community Supported Agriculture programs are a growing trend in sustainable farming. In addition to the relationship that it fosters between producer and consumer, it also benefits small, family farms, like Green Edge Organic Gardens, according to the release.

Green Edge Organic Gardens is a family-owned, certified organic farm in Amesville. The Athens Hills CSA program is in its seventh season of offering organic vegetables and mushrooms to its members in the Athens and greater Columbus areas. The Athens Hills CSA will be accepting enrollment in the winter program until the limited number of shares are filled.