Crop planning is one of the most important parts of farming. It shapes not only what we grow but also how we care for the soil and serve our community. At Caney Fork Farms, we take a regenerative approach to farming that prioritizes soil health, crop diversity, and nutrient-dense food. Our vegetable team plays a key role in this process, working year-round to ensure every seed we plant contributes to a thriving ecosystem and a dependable source of fresh, local food.
Unlike mono-cropping systems, where every plant follows the same timeline, our diversified vegetable operation requires a unique plan for each crop. Each variety has its own rhythm, growing conditions, and temperament. That makes crop planning a dynamic and thoughtful process that requires careful coordination and a deep connection to the land.
This year, we’ve welcomed our new Head of Vegetables and Crops, Jorge Michael. Jorge brings experience, energy, and a strategic vision that has had a noticeable impact on our farm. Under his leadership, the veggie team has thrived. His commitment to soil health and sustainable agriculture is helping us build on what we’ve established while reaching new and exciting goals.
We are already seeing success with several crops planted last fall. Bright Easter Egg radishes, flavorful scallions, tender endive, and other cooler-season favorites can soon be enjoyed by our CSA members and, hopefully our farmers market customers too. These developments are a testament to the importance of thoughtful planning and the team’s hard work behind the scenes.
Looking ahead, we’re expanding our crop offerings to keep your Middle Tennessee CSA shares exciting and diverse. This season, we’re trialing new crops and growing programs that reflect our commitment to regenerative agriculture and a vibrant local food system. These include:
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Blackberries and Raspberries
We’re adding more perennial fruit to the landscape, giving our members a sweet and seasonal addition to their CSA boxes. -
Tulips and Sunflowers
As part of our new floral program, these blooms are beautiful to behold and essential for supporting pollinators across the farm. -
Fresh Culinary and Medicinal Herbs
We’re growing favorites such as lemon balm and introducing herbs like thyme, peppermint, rosemary, and basil to enhance your cooking and support holistic wellness. -
Chestnut Orchards
Our ongoing agroforestry work includes nurturing hybrid chestnut trees as part of our long-term vision for ecological resilience and perennial food production.
In addition to these new trials, we recently received a highly anticipated shipment of seeds. Inside are beloved heirloom varieties and staple crops that our CSA members look forward to each season. From vibrant salad greens to colorful root vegetables, our selection is designed to balance flavor, nutrition, and biodiversity. We aim to provide CSA produce that is both exciting and reliable, week after week.
Right now, our team is focused on the foundational work that happens long before harvest. We are actively pruning chestnut trees to encourage flowering and viable nut production. Our high tunnel systems are being adjusted to accommodate the unpredictable spring weather in Middle Tennessee, helping us protect young plants and extend the growing season. We’re also monitoring soil conditions closely to ensure that our regenerative practices continue to build long-term fertility and climate resilience.
Crop planning is more than a spreadsheet or a calendar. It is an ongoing conversation with the land, rooted in flexibility, intention, and care. Every small decision, from seed selection to bed preparation, lays the foundation for a successful harvest.
At Caney Fork Farms, farming is about feeding people well, caring for the earth, and building a lasting local food system. Each season, we learn, adapt, and grow stronger as a team and community.
Thank you for being part of that journey.