Welcoming Spring and The Gnar Garden to The Seed Farm!
- emadrazo95
- Mar 14
- 4 min read
The Seed Farm, a program of Second Harvest Food Bank and Community Action Lehigh Valley, is dedicated to growing new farmers. Since 2010, its 42 acres of preserved farmland have supported food production at all levels, from home gardeners and community gardens to local farmers. One of The Seed Farm’s key initiatives is the Farm Business Incubator Program, which provides new farmers with access to land, equipment, and infrastructure on-site. These critical resources are especially vital during the risky and costly early years of starting a farm business, particularly for those without their own land or family/business partners in farming.
We recently welcomed a new farmer to our incubator, Taryn Hipp of The Gnar Garden. Farmer Taryn grows a wide variety of seasonal vegetables and herbs using organic practices on a productive half acre at The Seed Farm. She is a first-generation farmer with a background in social work, now pursuing her true passion for growing food and feeding her community. Taryn launched her farm at The Seed Farm after being part of the vegetable production crew for two seasons at a local farm.
Katy Hunter, The Seed Farm’s Program Administrator, recently met up with Taryn to find out more about what keeps her growing.
Q: Why did you start farming?
As someone who identifies as a "helper" I've always found joy in serving my community. After leaving a career in social work, I knew I wanted to continue to serve my community, but at the same time, I wanted to make sure I was nourishing my soul. That is what brought me to farming. I love being outside, hands in the soil, sun and smile on my face, growing nutritious food for my community.
Q: Why do you choose to make CSA/subscriptions part of your farm?
CSA was a no-brainer when deciding how I wanted my farm to operate. My goal with The Gnar Garden is to create community. To me, that means having a relationship with the people buying the food I am growing. I want to know their names, their families, what they are excited to eat. I want conversations and connection!
Q: What does business viability look like for a beginning farmer?
For me, business viability means being able to focus my time and energy on The Gnar Garden full time. That means growing quality produce for a dedicated customer base while caring for the land.
Q: What’s something you are excited about growing this season?
Since it is my first season, I am excited to grow everything, but I think I am most excited to have the space to grow things I couldn't when I was farming in my tiny backyard like various types of winter squash, onions, and potatoes! I also am looking forward to experimenting with things I've never grown.
Want to support Farmer Taryn while gathering fresh, local, organic produce? She currently runs a 22-week vegetable CSA share, with both large and small shares available.
Pick up options:
-Friday nights 5:00pm-7:00pm at The Seed Farm, 5854 Vera Cruz Road, Emmaus 18049
-Sunday mornings between 10:00am and 12:00pm at Siren Records, 25 E State Street, Doylestown 18901
-Purchase online: 2025 Gnar Garden CSA
Farm Business Incubator: For The Establishment of Sustainable Farm-Based Businesses
Learn more about how you can start your own farm! The Seed Farm’s Business Incubator provides you with access to:
Land: Plots of land ranging from 1/8 acre to 5+ acres are available for lease on an annual basis. Our site includes a parking lot and space for events. All plots must be managed in accordance with organic standards.
Equipment: A wide variety of tractors (including cultivation and walk-behind) are available for rental by the hour, along with implements for cultivation, tillage, and planting.
Infrastructure: Incubator farmers have access to a propagation greenhouse, coolers, washing, and packing facilities, dry storage and an irrigation system.
Tools & Supplies: Our tool library includes seeders, weeders, hoes, rakes, and more! We can also connect you with vendors of seeds, fertilizer, bags and totes, and other supplies you may need.
Mentoring & Technical Assistance: The Seed Farm staff are available for time-sensitive questions and consultations, as well as regular field walks. Our many partnerships make it easy for us to help find additional assistance in a variety of areas.
Join us at The Seed Farm for our 11th annual Spring Plant Sale!
Mother's Day Weekend, rain or shine:
-Saturday, May 10th, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
-Sunday, May 11th, 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Choose from 200+ varieties of locally grown vegetables, herbs, flowers, and native plants. All our starter plants are non-GMO, pesticide-free, and grown without synthetic chemicals. Knowledgeable staff and volunteers will be on-site to provide info on how to keep your plants thriving this season!
Follow @TheSeedFarm for the latest updates on the plant list, local vendors, workshops, and all the activities happening at the Plant Sale that weekend! Everyone is welcome.
All proceeds support The Seed Farm’s programs, which help establish sustainable small farm businesses, strengthen local food production—from home gardeners to community gardens to local farmers—and provide fresh, locally grown produce to Second Harvest Food Bank for distribution to area food pantries.
To learn more about The Seed Farm and how you can get involved, contact Katy Hunter, Program Administrator, at khunter@caclv.org.
For information on 2025 Season Sponsorships and how you or your company can support the next generation of farmers while continuing the tradition of agricultural innovation, entrepreneurialism, and environmental stewardship, reach out to our Senior Development Officer, Joanne Anderson, at janderson@caclv.org or visit our Sponsor Page.
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