This short afternoon tour will begin with an orientation of Charlestown Cooperative Farm in Phoenixville led by operators John and Aimee Good. This mixed eco-grown vegetable CSA operation is about 40 acres in size with about 22 acres used for production - 8 of those acres for mixed vegetables, 5 in sweet corn, and one in pumpkins. In the past, John and Aimee have used rye and hairy vetch as cover crops and recently tried blending red clover into this mixture with favorable results. In attempt to measure differences between the rye/hairy vetch mix with and without red clover, Penn State and PASA's on-farm research team designed a replicated research trial to focus on the cover crops' impact on both weed control and soil fertility. The amount of cover crop and weed biomass produced will be compared through mid-spring 2005, followed by a planting of heirloom tomatoes. At the time of this field day we will present the results of tomato yields, which will determine how useful inclusion of the legume is in the cover crop mix. In addition, Penn State researchers will be on hand to discuss how cover crops can contribute to the overall weed and soil management efforts on the farm. Species selection, green manure plowdown vs. leaving it on the surface, cultivation timing, and conserving or promoting weed seed eating beetles will be some of the topics discussed.

Charlestown Cooperative Farm is located at 2565 Charlestown Road, Phoenixville, PA 19460

The farm is located 2.5 miles south of Rt. 23, 4 miles north of the Great Valley Corporate Center.

From the PA Turnpike (I-76), take the Downingtown exit to Route 100. Follow Rt. 100 south (Pottstown Pike) to the junction with Rt. 113 (red light). At the light turn left onto Rt. 113 (Uwchlan Ave.) Follow Rt. 113 to the red light and turn right onto Cold Stream Road. Follow Cold Stream Road (approx. 1.5 miles) to the stop sign (tavern on right side). Turn right onto Charlestown Road. Follow Charlestown Road for approximately .5 mile. The farm is on the right (farm signs & PASA signs are at the top of the farm lane).