First Seedings for Phoebe Organic Farm Now Underway!

Residents of Chestnut Ridge at Rodale received their first opportunity to lend Phoebe Organic Farm a helping hand on Friday, March 7. The event took place at the Rodale Institute’s Kutztown location, where a small group of residents were transported via bus to the greenhouse supplying Phoebe Organic Farm’s first crops.

Farm Manager Jennifer Smith, affectionately known as Farmer Jenni, and a handful of other Rodale staff members guided residents through an informational class on seeding plants. She explained the process step-by-step and answered questions along the way.

Residents were tasked with planting onion seeds in trays. They filled the trays with organic soil, created divots in each slot for the seeds, and planted them before getting the trays prepped for watering. Every resident in attendance said it was their first time seeding in this manner.

Under the warmth of the greenhouse, Smith fostered relationships with our residents while providing them with valuable educational opportunities. The event allowed residents to get involved in the growth of their food while learning about the processes that Phoebe Organic Farm will undergo.

“I’ve learned a lot already,” said resident Ruth Powers. “It’s fun being in a greenhouse. The air smells clean. Everybody is having a good time.”

Currently, these events are offered exclusively to Chestnut Ridge residents with more opportunities for education and involvement in the future. With Phoebe Organic Farm’s greenhouse still under construction, seeding will continue at Rodale’s Kutztown location in the coming months. A second session has already taken place on March 21.