With spring, the perks of local produce return.
Springdale Farms, Cherry Hill’s last working farm, has re-opened its doors for the year and has plans to continue farming away as always.
At the farm, special events tend to rotate around holidays, with Easter egg hunt hayrides going on now, Vice President and co-owner John Ebert said. The egg hunts are planned for March 27 and 28 at 11 a.m., 2 and 4 p.m., and March 29 and 30 from 10 a.m. through 4 p.m., according to the farm’s website. The cost is $7.95 per rider plus tax.
By Mother’s Day, bedding and houseplants are in demand, Ebert said.
A killing frost is possible up until May 15.
“A lot of people don’t realize that,” he said.
Strawberry season is always a favorite at the farm.
“Strawberries are always associated with mid-May into the end of May,” including pick-your-own days, Ebert said.
In June, customers love their pies. Many people purchase a pie to go alongside a barbecue for Father’s Day, he said.
Independence Day marks the beginning of corn season.
“We have a big push for that,” he said.
And then, of course, fall means plenty of hayrides and pumpkin pickings.
The farm sits on just about 100 acres and has been a part of the community since 1949.
“We’re primarily a vegetable farm,” with 35 varieties, Ebert said.
Springdale Farms is also known for apple cider donuts and fresh pies. In fact, the whole farm focuses on freshness, opting out of wholesale opportunities to sell everything on site. What is harvested in the morning is out for sale that day, Ebert said.
Springdale Farms is a conventional farm rather than organic, which would require federal approval. However, it does reduce the use of pesticides whenever possible. It participates in the Integrated Pest Management Program through Rutgers University, which helps to monitor insect populations to use the least amount of sprays as possible, he said.
While the farm often has events on the horizon, the main focus of the operation is the crops.
“Our business is really geared toward the produce customer,” Ebert said.
Farm details
Springdale Farms is located at 1631 Springdale Road. Farm hours are Mondays through Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Stay up-to-date on the farm’s happenings by visiting www.springdalefarms.com.
The farm’s Facebook page can be seen at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Springdale-Farm-Market/170395059664703 and they can be followed on Twitter at https://twitter.com/springdalefarms.
Any questions can be directed to (856) 424–8674.
