Welcome to the Horn Farm Center

The Horn Farm Center for Agricultural Education is a non-profit organization in Hellam Township, York County, dedicated to showcasing and interpreting the rich heritage, viable present and exciting future of York County agriculture.

The Horn Farm, with its deep & fertile soils, has a 250-year history that reflects the evolution of farming practice and technology in York County. The farm is a living monument to our community’s rich agricultural heritage and a herald of exciting trends of the future. Using innovative programs and on-site farming projects, the Horn Farm will show how small-scale farms can survive and prosper. We also strive to increase public awareness of the critical health and economic advantages of buying fresh food grown locally.

What's New at the Farm?

March 2, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Book discussion of Barbara Kingsolver's Animal, Vegetable, Miracle at the Horn Farm Center. If you’ve been thinking about how to become more self-sufficient by growing and preparing your own food then you’ll enjoy this evening. The book chronicles the adventures of the Kingsolver family as they uproot themselves from Arizona to establish a more sustainable lifestyle in Virginia, growing and surviving on their own food and food grown locally. If good conversation isn’t enough to lure you out on a cold evening, the sample treats from the recipes found in the book will surely do the trick.

April 17, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm Spring Fling on the Farm will honor the hard work that goes into preparing the soil and planting crops. Help us celebrate the coming growing season with food, fun and educational demonstrations of plowing and planting techniques, old and new. A special walk at 9:00 a.m. will invigorate early birds and stimulate appetites. Heirloom Vegetable Patch project.(mid-May) Rent a patch and learn all about heirloom vegetables. Grow your own and discover why heirlooms are making a comeback.

To Be Announced!The Annual Farm Stand Tour. Get to know your grower! Let the Horn Farm Center help you discover local farm stands and markets throughout York County. The tour this year will take an exciting new form. Watch for details! August 7, TomatoFest– Heirlooms for Today will pay proper tribute to the king of summer vegetables (or fruits to be perfectly accurate) with educational demonstrations, presentations and fun family activities. Ever tasted an heirloom tomato? This is your chance to sample some varieties and see what all the fuss is about. Think tomatoes are only for salads and sauces? You may be surprised by the not-so-typical tomato treats that will be available for tasting. Don’t miss this peak-of-the-season event. It promises to be a fun-filled, food-filled day on the Farm for all! To Be Announced! A Horn Farm special event to celebrate the fall harvest. Stay tuned for more details!

Sign Up Now for Community Garden Plots

Do you love gardening and eating fresh foods but have limited space for growing your own food at home? The Horn Farm has the answer! Again this year the Community Gardens at the Horn Farm is offering garden plots to 'grow your own' vegetables and flowers, save money and enjoy the many benefits of fresh, flavorful, healthful produce that comes right from your own garden. A 20'x 20' plot can be rented for $25, with the option to add up to four additional plots at $15 each per renter. Garden plots are open from the middle of April to the end of October. When you rent a plot, you'll receive the following benefits: The initial plowing of the plot in the spring Advice offered at Master Gardeners' work sessions at The Gardens at John Rudy County Park Additional advice from Master Gardeners available in person or by calling the Penn State Extension Office, 840-7408.

We invite you to join the many enthusiastic Community Gardeners from last year who will be returning for this year's gardening season. Meet new friends, enjoy the beauty of the Horn Farm, and save money on your grocery bills when you rent a garden plot for the season. But hurry! Registration and payment deadline is Monday, March 1. Call the Horn Farm Center now at 757-6441 or email us at info@hornfarmcenter.org to receive more information on how to reserve your Community Garden plot(s) for 2010.

WE HOPE TO SEE YOU AT THE FARM!