Greenhouse Plantings

It may still be cold outside, but inside the Thomas greenhouse the temperature is just right to get our spring started at the UC Organic Farm. We began planting as early as March 10th starting out with broccoli and cauliflower. Since then, our farmers Axel and Grace have been hard at work every week planting a variety of tomatoes, peppers, leeks, celery,and swiss chard. Each week, Axel and Grace follow the planting schedule (sample below) to help guide the planting and harvesting throughout the year. We are excited to get the field tilled, rows shaped, and plants in the ground!

History, Principle, and Purpose

Welcome to The Ursinus College Organic Farm blog! This will be space where you can see what is happening at the College's 2.5 acre farm located just off main campus (see Google Image shot below). 

History and Principle: 

The college farm is a permanent, interdisciplinary project of the College, part of our ongoing sustainability programming. It is located on 2.5 acres of agricultural fields on 9th Avenue, adjacent to Hunsberger Woods in Collegeville, PA. The farm was conceived and planned by Ursinus students and faculty in 2003, and has experienced remarkable growth since its inception a decade ago, producing fruits (including berries and tree fruits in our orchard), vegetables, herbs and spices, eggs from our chickens, and honey from our active beehives. In 2013, the Organic Farm began selling produce at the Collegeville Farmers Market every Saturday afternoon. Additionally, the farm has been recognized with a statewide award from the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) and is a vibrant member of the Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture (PASA).  

As a program of the Office of Sustainability, the farm operates on principles of minimal resource use and sustainable agricultural practices. As a Sustainability program the Farm operates as a living laboratory for campus and the community. It is space that is for more than just growing, it also provides a physical sanctuary for members of the Ursinus community, including a sculpture garden and space for social functions, study, or reflection. In this multifaceted way, the farm provides hands-on experience in agricultural and social food systems, service learning, and civic engagement for its students and members of the community. Additional partners are the Ursinus Center for Advocacy, Responsibility, and Engagement (UCARE), the Environmental Studies Department, the Collegeville Economic Development Corporation, and PASA. 

Purpose: 

The farm exists to provide opportunities for members of the campus community to work together in a community-oriented agricultural setting, while supporting applied and academic goals. Among its chief purposes is to engage the Ursinus students, faculty, and staff, as well as the Collegeville community, in sustainable farming practices, food systems planning, and civic engagement. Involvement can range from participating in the onsite community garden to visiting us at the Collegeville Farmers Market. We continue to work towards the goal of better integrating farm programming into the College’s academic and student life as well as becoming a vibrant part of the Collegeville community. 

The College Farm is located at 324 9th Ave
behind the Ursinus College baseball field