Two Gander Farm is a 10-acre family farm operated by Trey and Deirdre Flemming. This husband and wife team has been running the farm together since 2010. Their farm is located within a beautiful 260-acre preserve owned and managed by the Brandywine Conservancy. Read more about our their farm property and the importance of farmland preservation in Chester County. Their surroundings, rich in natural resources, complement their approach of โfarming with nature, not against it.โ
On the farm, the couple grows Certified Organic vegetables, herbs, fruits, and flowers. They also have an apiary on site, to help pollinate their crops. Their mission is centered around the use of applied ecology in growing systems: by growing a wide diversity of rotated crops, through the use of cover crops that build soil and protect against erosion, and through maintaining wildlife habitat. Their goal is to maintain or increase biodiversity on the farm, to move towards stable and balanced systems.
Both Trey and Deirdre had careers as ecologists before taking summer internships in farming. Treyโs background is in Wildlife Biology and Natural Resource Management, while Deirdreโs is in Aquatic Ecology. Small scale farming was a way for the couple to apply the ecological principles they knew to the production of sustainable food, and to share it with their community. โBy growing and selling food locally, we are hopeful that we can benefit our community and demonstrate the importance of farmland preservation.โ
Photo Courtesy of Two Gander Farm
โWe wanted a career that showed our children that we are clearly invested in their future. We get to nourish our own family, as well as others, while we work alongside each other. ย Farming is hard work, but the challenges make us feel alive and closer to nature.โ
The Flemmings have 6,000 square feet of growing space in high tunnels, which they use throughout all 4 seasons. They also grow field crops from April to late November. Some of their specialty crops include wheatgrass, ginger, turmeric, and pea shoots.
You can find Two Gander Farm produce at local area farmers markets, by joining their CSA, and, of course, at your neighborhood Kimberton Whole Foods. Availability varies by store location.ย