Certified Organic Farming Since 1991
Mustard Seed Organic Farms
Community Garden
Our Community Garden is just like having your own garden! Local members use their skills and time to help Mustard Seed Farms grow produce, and in exchange they can pick all that they need to feed their families.
There is always lots of work to do on the farm including pulling weeds, pruning flowers, selling pumpkins, and more! Learn more below.
Learn more about the produce offered in the summer and winter seasons!
How the Community Garden Works
The program runs on 2 seasons (summer and winter) and is based on households, whether that is a single person, a couple, or families with kids. Members complete a pre-determined number of work hours based on their household size in exchange for all the organic fresh produce they need for their immediate family throughout the season(s) they signed up for.
Come back in the spring
for Our 2024 application
The Details
How to Apply
Download our application form (available here in the spring), and send it by mail to the farm.
We will send you a confirmation email with further details and instructions for the program after your application is processed.
Working Season
Limited work starts for both the summer and winter seasons in April. All work for both seasons must end by the end of October because of the rain.
Explanation of Work
Members complete their work hours on their own schedule Monday through Saturday. Most work includes hoeing weeds around whatever crops need attention at the time. Additional work may include pruning flowers, selling pumpkins, or even tending berry plants depending on the need.
This is a self-directed program, meaning members must plan when they will complete their hours, and schedule accordingly with the farm.
Crop Availability
Check out available crops and general calendar here.
A blackboard with available crops is stationed outside the farm's refrigerator daily. Typically, crops have been pre-picked for members and placed inside the refrigerator for them to take from! At times, the Browns open up the field for members to pick specific vegetables directly from the plants.
A berry field is always open for members to pick from and includes strawberries and several varieties of raspberries and blackberries.
Kids/Food Safety
Because of food safety standards for organic farming, and the risk of damage to our crops, kids under 10 years of age are generally not allowed to work in the fields. Some children do well occupying themselves at the end of the fields where parents are working. Or they enjoy staying at the car. Typically, children need to stay home though.
Please be sure to discuss your situation with Mr. And Mrs. Brown to see what options and flexibility there are!