The Farm employs environmentally sustainable practices in its operations.

In 2005, a corn-heated, solar-powered hoophouse was constructed, funded in part by an Energy Harvest grant from the PA DEP. Corn provides a locally produced and renewable energy source. The hoophouse is used for season extension and winter vegetable production.

The sloping topography at the Farm makes it vulnerable to erosion and loss of topsoil. With help from the NRCS, we have created permanent waterways and implemented contour planting to preserve precious topsoil.

The Farm uses sustainable methods to improve soil fertility. Our goal is to make our land better through our farming practices. Soil is a complex combination of sand, clay, humus, and microorganisms. Healthy soil grows healthy plants. Whenever a field is not in production, we plant cover crops to act as green manures that help add nitrogen and organic matter to the soil.

Insects can present a major problem to vegetable growers. We have developed a crop rotation plan to minimize pest pressure and allow recovery time between plant families. Some crops are particularly susceptible to specific pests. We cover these plants with a thin translucent fabric as a barrier to prevent the pests from attacking the plants. No chemical insecticides or herbicides are used on the farm.

There is much controversy about using genetically modified seed. We question the wisdom of this practice. The balance of nature, upon which the whole earth depends, is delicate and vulnerable. We do not use any genetically modified seed at the farm. In fact, we grow many heirloom varieties, which have been preserved through generations.

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