At New Leaf Farm, I grow a wide variety of vegetables, cut flowers, and fruit. I am committed to growing healthy produce while minimizing the natural resources used in their production and transportation. Towards this end, I avoid the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides. Instead, I use compost and grow cover crops to provide the fertility that my crops need. I also sell my produce and flowers at local farmers markets and through a CSA to minimize food miles.
Many of the vegetables that I am growing are traditional open-pollinated heirloom varieties that have been selected for their excellent flavor and beauty. The flowers that I grow are my personal favorites- sunflowers, zinnias, and dahlias.
I guarantee the quality and freshness of all of the vegetables and flowers that I sell. I have also signed the Northeast Organic Farmers’ Association’s “Farmers’ Pledge” which is a written promise to grow crops in a way that is both sustainable and socially responsible.
Pictures of the Farm
About the Farmer
My name is Mike
Libsch. I grew up in South Florida, graduated from Colby College in Maine, and completed a masters degree in Ecology at the University of Illinois. I have long been interested in natural history and conservation. I moved to New York in 2008 to work as a naturalist in the Adirondacks.
Libsch. I grew up in South Florida, graduated from Colby College in Maine, and completed a masters degree in Ecology at the University of Illinois. I have long been interested in natural history and conservation. I moved to New York in 2008 to work as a naturalist in the Adirondacks.
I began gardening seriously 7 years ago and have gained farming experience while working on farms in New York, Florida, and California during the last 5 years. I also took an intensive course in Sustainable Agriculture at the University of California Santa Cruz.
My favorite things to grow include heirloom tomatoes, garlic, carrots, pumpkins, sunflowers, and giant zucchinis. When I am not farming, I am fishing in the Catskills, hiking in the Berkshires, or paddling in the Everglades.
Early Spring- Getting Growing! (2/17/2013) After a few weeks of vacation in January with family in Florida, I returned to New York to start the 2013 season. I just finished ordering seeds and equipment and have started started planting. We had some unseasonably warm weather last week which allowed me to open up the low tunnels and begin to plant carrots, peas, spinach, and salad mix. I am really looking forward to this growing season and to catching up with all of the kind people who have supported the farm.
Growing! (3/14/2013) This time of year, some days feel like winter and some days feel like spring. Today, it snowed again, but that isn't stopping the seeds from germinating in the unheated low tunnels. During the last week most of the seeds that I planted in February sprouted. I am still waiting on the carrots, though. I also have many small seedlings in trays in the greenhouse. It feels good to have plants in the ground again.
New leaf Farm- SoMa Catering CSA During the spring and summer of 2013, I will again be collaborating with the folks at SoMA Catering in Richmond, MA to run a CSA. The CSA will run from June 5th- October 16th. CSA boxes will contain fresh produce from New Leaf Farm and prepared dishes made by SoMa Catering. For more information about the CSA, please see below.
Flowers that I grow: Sunflowers, Zinnias, Dahlias
Markets and CSA: This summer I will be attending a Saturday farmers market in Delmar, NY . I will also be collaborating with SoMa Catering in Richmond, Ma to start a CSA.
My phone number is (518) 965-1499
My e-mail address is nynewleaffarm@gmail.com
An Invitation to Join our CSA - Spring and Summer Shares
2013 Update: During the summer of 2013, New Leaf Farm and SoMa Catering will offer spring and summer CSA shares. These shares will contain a wide variety of fresh, local vegetables harvested at New Leaf Farm.
Shares will also contain a prepared food item from SoMa Catering using local ingredients from New Leaf Farm and other local farms.
How does it work? A CSA, which stands for Community Supported Agriculture, is in essence a partnership between the farm and a community of supporting members. CSA members make a commitment up front to support the farm throughout the season. Their fees help pay for the costs of running the farm and growing the food. In return, the farm provides a direct supply of fresh produce throughout the growing season.
Information about New Leaf Farm: New Leaf Farm is located in Hillsdale, NY and is operated by Mike Libsch. At New Leaf Farm, Mike grows more than 40 varieties of vegetables (see list at end of brochure), all without pesticides or herbicides. New Leaf Farm has taken the NOFA Farmer’s Pledge which is a promise to use sustainable farming practices.
Information about SoMa Catering: Located at 2089 State Road in Richmond, MA. We provide full-service catering - from large, elegant weddings, to business functions, to intimate dinners and holiday gatherings. Our retail store provides seasonally inspired dishes, locally made products, craft beers and wine. About the Summer CSA share (June 5th - Oct 16th): The summer CSA share is designed to provide the majority of the vegetables that would be needed to feed a small family. Each summer share will also contain a dish prepared by Chef Tom with local fruits and vegetables.
About the Spring CSA share (May 8th - May 29th): The spring share will be slightly smaller than the summer share. It will contain a variety of cooking greens (spinach, bok choi, kale, Swiss chard), salad greens (lettuce, salad mix, arugula), root crops (turnips, radishes, scallions, carrots), and herbs (mint, cilantro, and green garlic). Additionally, the spring share will also include food prepared by Chef Tom using the farm's produce.
Farm visit: New Leaf Farm will host a farm visit and lunch provided by SoMa’s chef utilizing farm produce during the summer. Date TBA.
Farm visit: New Leaf Farm will host a farm visit and lunch provided by SoMa’s chef utilizing farm produce during the summer. Date TBA.
CSA Pickup: CSA boxes will be available for pick up on Wednesday afternoons from 3:00 to 5:00 at SoMa Catering.
CSA Cost: The cost of a summer CSA share is $600 for twenty weeks. Spring CSA shares cost $100 for 4 weeks. Members who sign up for both the Spring and Summer CSA shares will receive one free box during the season.
Thank you for your interest in our CSA: Your participation in the CSA will allow you to prepare healthy and tasty meals for your family and to support local agriculture. We hope that you will join us this summer!
Thank you for your interest in our CSA: Your participation in the CSA will allow you to prepare healthy and tasty meals for your family and to support local agriculture. We hope that you will join us this summer!
Signing Up for the CSA:
For more information or to sign up for the CSA, please visit SoMa Catering in Richmond, MA or contact Farmer Mike at (518) 965-1499 nynewleaffarm@gmail.com. Also, check out our websites:
http://www.somacatering.com
Vegetables grown at New Leaf Farm:
Arugula, Basil, Broccoli, Broccoli Raab, Cantaloupe, Cabbage, Cantaloupe, Carrots, Cherry Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Eggplant, Fennel, Garlic, Hot Peppers, Kale, Kohl Rabi, Lettuce, Mint, Onions, Parsley, Peas, Peppers, Pok Choi, Potatoes, Pumpkins, Spinach, String beans, Summer Squash, Sweet Potatoes, Swiss Chard, Tomatillos, Tomatoes, Turnips,Winter Squash
Some of the dishes that SoMa Catering hopes to prepare for the CSA:
Tomatillo salsa, Fried green tomatoes, Spaghetti sauce, Jam, Pesto, Zucchini bread, Zucchini relish, Pastries, Lasagna, and Quiche.
