GUIDED GARDENING: A LEARNING COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AGRICULTURE PROGRAM
frequently asked questions
With sensitivity to current COVID concerns, we will likely be unable to have you side-by-side with us in the garden this season. Through seasonally relevant educational content, we will look at what's happening in the garden and work our way through the entire growing process: soil preparations, monitoring for pests, harvest considerations, and preserving the bounty are some of the topics we’ll highlight. Our CSA members will also have access to ABG horticulture staff and an educational library of gardening tutorials to set you up for success in your home garden.
Cost: $600 per share
Timeline: Harvest runs June through early September, educational content available starting in April.
Guided Gardening CSA Benefits:
• 12 weeks of produce beginning mid/late June, running into early September; shares are enough to supplement a family of 2-4, depending on household consumption. Shares include a variety of vegetables, herbs, berries, and accompanying recipes.
• 1-yr Alaska Botanical Garden Family Membership ($75 value; up to 4 people)
• Curated educational content throughout the season
• 4 interactive workshops to be conducted via Zoom
• One-on-one garden consultations with ABG horticulture staff
• Exclusive member access to video tutorials on gardening topics (eg: seed starting, transplanting, weed and pest ID, soil fertility, harvesting and preserving)
• Seeds and plant starts to grow at home
How does it work?
Once harvest season begins in June, CSA members collect their weekly share from ABG at a designated day and time. Harvest selection will vary as we move through the season – this is the fun of a CSA! We grow a wide variety of food and think you’ll enjoy the assortment of freshly harvested produce. We’ll include recipes, so if there’s something unfamiliar to you, you’ll have an idea what to do with it!
Why is ABG doing a CSA?
We are horticulturists who love plants and growing food – the Guided Gardening CSA allows us to share not only the food we grow but also our expertise and enthusiasm. Access to fresh, healthy food is a large concern in Alaska, and we want to do our part to increase our community’s food security by helping you become a successful home gardener. Additionally, your participation supports the Alaska Botanical Garden’s mission and operations.
Is it organic?
ABG uses sustainable, organic growing practices and techniques. All produce is fresh and free of chemicals or toxins.
What is ABG doing to address Covid-19 concerns?
The safety and health of our staff, members, volunteers, and extended community is our highest priority. We take our production operation very seriously and follow closely the guidelines and
mandates put forth by the CDC and local government. Appropriate PPE will be used by staff while handling produce and interacting with participants.
How do I collect my produce?
Members are given a day and timeframe each week to collect their share from ABG. If you are unable to make a pickup one week, let us know if someone else may be picking up your share for you or if you would like to have it donated. Any no-call no-shows will be automatically donated after the pick-up window closes.
What if I can't make a Zoom meeting?
Summer in Alaska is a busy time! With this in mind, the majority of the educational content is available in recorded format so participants can view it whenever best suits them. The 4 longer-form workshops are intended to be interactive and will be held via Zoom – these will be recorded; if you’re unable to attend, we can send you a link to watch the recording at a time that works better for you.
Cost: $600 per share
Timeline: Harvest runs June through early September, educational content available starting in April.
Guided Gardening CSA Benefits:
• 12 weeks of produce beginning mid/late June, running into early September; shares are enough to supplement a family of 2-4, depending on household consumption. Shares include a variety of vegetables, herbs, berries, and accompanying recipes.
• 1-yr Alaska Botanical Garden Family Membership ($75 value; up to 4 people)
• Curated educational content throughout the season
• 4 interactive workshops to be conducted via Zoom
• One-on-one garden consultations with ABG horticulture staff
• Exclusive member access to video tutorials on gardening topics (eg: seed starting, transplanting, weed and pest ID, soil fertility, harvesting and preserving)
• Seeds and plant starts to grow at home
How does it work?
Once harvest season begins in June, CSA members collect their weekly share from ABG at a designated day and time. Harvest selection will vary as we move through the season – this is the fun of a CSA! We grow a wide variety of food and think you’ll enjoy the assortment of freshly harvested produce. We’ll include recipes, so if there’s something unfamiliar to you, you’ll have an idea what to do with it!
Why is ABG doing a CSA?
We are horticulturists who love plants and growing food – the Guided Gardening CSA allows us to share not only the food we grow but also our expertise and enthusiasm. Access to fresh, healthy food is a large concern in Alaska, and we want to do our part to increase our community’s food security by helping you become a successful home gardener. Additionally, your participation supports the Alaska Botanical Garden’s mission and operations.
Is it organic?
ABG uses sustainable, organic growing practices and techniques. All produce is fresh and free of chemicals or toxins.
What is ABG doing to address Covid-19 concerns?
The safety and health of our staff, members, volunteers, and extended community is our highest priority. We take our production operation very seriously and follow closely the guidelines and
mandates put forth by the CDC and local government. Appropriate PPE will be used by staff while handling produce and interacting with participants.
How do I collect my produce?
Members are given a day and timeframe each week to collect their share from ABG. If you are unable to make a pickup one week, let us know if someone else may be picking up your share for you or if you would like to have it donated. Any no-call no-shows will be automatically donated after the pick-up window closes.
What if I can't make a Zoom meeting?
Summer in Alaska is a busy time! With this in mind, the majority of the educational content is available in recorded format so participants can view it whenever best suits them. The 4 longer-form workshops are intended to be interactive and will be held via Zoom – these will be recorded; if you’re unable to attend, we can send you a link to watch the recording at a time that works better for you.