Agriculture
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Founded During Pandemic, Philadelphia Apiary Puts Focus on Mental Health, Mindfulness
Founded by Amelia Mraz and Natasha Pham during the pandemic, Half Mad Honey, a Navy Yard-based apiary, puts focus on mental health and mindfulness, writes Laura Swartz for the Philadelphia Magazine. The name they chose for their business is a deliberate nod to Mad Pride, a movement that advocates for the de-stigmatization of mental illness…
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Couple Runs a Successful Farm—In An Upper Darby Cemetery
Upper Darby’s not the first place you’d think of for farming. Sean and Stacey McNicholl decided to give it a try, though, leasing a greenhouse at Arlington Cemetery to create their cemetery farm, writes Katie Park for The Philadelphia Inquirer. The couple saw an opportunity to create an urban farm, so they crammed as many…
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Natural Predators Might Lead to Lanternfly Demise
As the spotted lanternfly continues to hold dominion over Pennsylvania and surrounding states, Anne Johnson, a graduate student in Penn State’s Department of Entomology, is attempting to find ways to better use the invasive insect’s natural predators against them, writes Michael Tanenbaum for the Philly Voice. Johnson is conducting research on predatory behavior among native…
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Pa. Farmers: What Profits Do Their Fields Yield?
While farming represents the backbone of Pennsylvania’s economy, some crops are more valuable and provide higher returns for farmers, according to a recently released report from Stacker. To determine which are the most valuable crops grown in the state, Stacker ranked them based on their total annual value of production as of July 16, 2022.…
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This Sunflower Farm in Delco Will Brighten Your Summer Day
Sunflower farms are the ideal places to snap perfect family photos and enjoy a beautiful day while frolicking among the gorgeous flowers, writes Laura Swartz for the Philadelphia Magazine. Philadelphia region is home to seven such farms, and one of them is just a short drive away right here in Delaware County. Linvilla Orchards in…
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When Phoenixville Couple Left Free Flowers on Their Front Porch, They Didn’t Expect Such Poppy-ular Results
After Rob and Jen Jones placed extra flowers on the porch of their Phoenixville home for anyone to take in the summer of 2017, a few kind neighbors left payments in exchange for the otherwise-free bouquets. The husband and wife soon realized the potential that sat before them, and it quickly manifested in what is…
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Dazzling Garden in Norristown is Product of Love, Dedication
Marilyn Sifford and Bob Butera have created a dazzling garden on their Norristown property that features lovely themed “rooms” and still has flowers planted by the previous owner, Butera’s mother, writes Sally A. Downey for The Philadelphia Inquirer. In 2002, the couple bought the stone house built by Butera’s father after Butera’s mother died. They…
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As More Consumers Turn to Mushrooms as a Part of Healthy Living, Kennett Square Farm Poised to Profit
Phillips Mushroom Farms in Kennett Square enjoyed a strong 2021 with heavy demand, and although growth has slowed recently due to rising grocery costs, production is still high, writes Keith Loria for Produce News. Growing mushrooms since 1927, Phillips Mushroom Farms has taken produce to the next level with quality, consistency, and sustainability. “Mushrooms are…
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From Pizza Boxes to Food Scraps, Chris Pieretti Makes Gardens Grow
Chris Pieretti wanted to start a business to help people grow vegetables. With Kitchen Harvest, Inc. he’s doing the next best thing, turning moldy food scraps and pizza boxes into gardening gold, writes Pete Bannan for the Daily Times. Pieretti, a composting expert, has his business on the Linvilla Orchards farm in Media. He turned…
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On-Site Creamery and Underground Aging Facility the Key to Chester Springs Dairy Farm’s Award-Winning Cheeses
Tucked away in Chester Springs is Birchrun Hills Farm, a family-owned farm that has been producing award-winning cheese and other goods since 2006, writes Ed Williams for Main Line Today. Owned and operated by Ken and Sue Miller, and their two sons Randy and Jesse, the property boasts an underground aging facility and on-site creamery.…
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2 Delco CSAs Provide Opportunity to Support Local Farmers While Getting Farm-Fresh Produce
Community-supported agriculture, or CSA, offers an effective way to support local farmers while putting farm-fresh produce on your table, writes Lillian Gerczyk for the Philadelphia Magazine. Out of the 19 Philadelphia-area farms and farmers who are offering CSA programs for this spring and summer season, two are in Delaware County. Red Hill Farm in Aston…
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Get Out That Green Thumb. Delco’s Nurseries Are Ready to Get You Gardening
Gardening is ranked the second most meaningful activity among 15 enjoyable activities, according to research from the Princeton Environmental Institute, writes Steven White for The Philadelphia Inquirer and Grace Dickinson. There’s several top-notch Delaware County nurseries that will help you get that enjoyable activity going. Here’s a list. Terrain Besides the usual nursery inventory, Terrain…
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SIW Vegetables Farm in Chadds Ford Gets Neighbor Help After Ida
Hurricane Ida took its toll on the Hill Girt Farm and market, home of SIW Vegetables, but the community rallied and helped get the market back on its feet, writes Ed Williams for Main Line Today. The farm is located near the Brandywine River in Chadds Ford. “Thirty-six years of buildings, coolers, and wagons were…
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Business Insider: Labor Shortages Hamper Kennett Square Mushroom Industry
The Kennett Square mushroom industry should be booming. The popularity of the edible fungi, always prominent, gained traction with stay-at-home chefs during the pandemic. But it’s teetering on the edge of a financial collapse. Business Insider examined why. In short, the agribusiness faces a serious labor shortage. Mushroom growing requires a deft personal touch. From…
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Wall Street Journal: Not Everybody Is Happy About the Way the War on the Spotted Lanternfly is Being Waged
While many are happy to land a hand in the all-out war against the spotted lanternfly, there are those who have joined the efforts but are not thrilled about the measures used to curtail this invasive pest, writes Annmarie Fertoli for The Wall Street Journal. “I wish there was something other than like that murderous…
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This Delaware County Orchard Is Experiencing an Apple Explosion
Whatever else you can say about our weather, one thing is true. If you’re an apple, it’s the best weather ever, reports Jan Carabeo for CBS 3 Philly. The manager of Linvilla Orchards in Media says they are seeing the best crop of apples they’ve ever had. “We’re real excited about our apple crop this…
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Pair of PSU Scientists to Discuss Penn State’s Extraordinary Effort to Eradicate the Spotted Lanternfly on Nov. 4 NoonZOOM
Since 2014, when spotted lanternflies first appeared in neighboring Berks County, the invasive pests have not just spoiled our enjoyment of the outdoors, but also threatened Pennsylvania’s $18 billion agriculture industry, including our beloved wineries and vineyards. Communities and industries suffering from spotted lanternfly infestations are feeling overwhelmed by the enormity of the challenge and,…
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Here’s 2 Delaware County Spots to Get Fresh Turkeys, But Act Fast
If you’re someone who opts for a fresh turkey during the holidays, be ready to call ahead, especially this year with supply shortages, writes Jenn Ladd for The Philadelphia Inquirer. “That window is a short window,” says Dean Frankenfield, co-owner of Godshall’s Poultry in the Reading Terminal Market. Fresh turkeys also have to be a…
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