Pleasant Hill Produce Growing
If you’ve driven up Biggs Ford Road in Walkersville, you’ve likely seen the poles erected in the field across from Fredericktowne Baptist Church, and the crops of vegetables growing in the same field. Its noticeable and intriguing to see something other than soy beans and corn growing in that field.
The crops represent the expansion of Pleasant Hill Produce, a locally owned and operated small family farm. Heather and Ben Sayler began their farm at home on Kelley Road. The success of their business required more space than their tenth of an acre. So, they expanded to the four acre plot on Biggs Ford Road.
The Saylers proudly utilize sustainable farming techniques to protect the land and our environment. Their techniques include cover crops, crop rotation, companion planting, and beneficial insects. This permits them to grow their crops with fewer fertilizers and pesticides.
On Biggs Ford Road, the grow produce, herbs, spices, and flowers. At home, they grow the same plants and also raise chickens for eggs. The proximity to their customers provides a variety of fresh foods.
Pleasant Hill Produce provide a variety of healthy, delicious foods at local farmers’ markets. Beginning today, they will sell produce and eggs at the Walkersville Farmers’ Market at Fredericktowne Baptist Church, directly across from their satellite farm on Biggs Ford Road. On Saturdays, they sell food at England Acres Farm and Market in Mt. Airy. On Sundays, Pleasan Hill Produce offer their goods at Frederick City Farmers’ Market at 331 North Market Street and Milkhouse Brewery in Mt. Airy.
Pleasant Hill Produce also offers Community Supported Agriculture. Customers purchase a subscription or “share of the harvest” before the growing season. Every week during the twenty week growing season from early June through mid-October, Pleasant Hill Produce provides a box of fresh produce. They also offer a choice to have a dozen fresh eggs included each week.
Heather and Ben both grew up and now work in Frederick County. Heather is a teacher for Frederick County Public Schools. Ben has worked as the Quality Assurance Manager for Flying Dog Brewery.
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