About Corona Farm
Corona Farm was founded in 1993 by Robert and Darby Greenway. Their dream was to create a place of healing and beauty while growing organic food for themselves and the community. The farm has grown from a few beds of garlic in the back yard to an intensive year-round farm and community gathering place.
Now in its fifteenth year, the farm continues to evolve. New farmers Adam Blake and Emmy Graham took over stewardship of the vegetable garden in fall 2006 which had previously been graciously tended to by Hanako Myers, Bob Ali, and Sharon Gonzales as well as numerous volunteers. The flower gardens continue to be managed by Darby Greenway, and Robert Greenway has retired from full time farming to pursue writing projects, although you will still see him out in the gardens with his shovel and seeds.
Our farming practices
The sustainable farming practices which we use at corona farming have evolved from various gardening styles , tailored specifically to meet the needs of our unique geography, climate and resource base. Having started with land that was deficient in topsoil (the glaciers scraped it all away) with six inches of standing water through much of the spring and winter, raised beds was the most practical way to go. Utilizing organic matter from the community that would otherwise enter the waste stream, we have an intensive composting program. Fish waste from the port, sawdust from a local mill, and vegetable scraps from restaurants and the Food Co-op, transform into rich soil loaded with beneficial microbes, earthworms, and mycelium.
Saving Seed
Saving seed means being able to develop a relationship with our food plants that spans multiple generations of the plant's life cycle and is key to sustainable agricultural practices. Plants adapt across time to local soil, climate, and diseases. With many wonderful vegetable varieties threatened with extinction by our industrial food system, nurturing our favourite plant varieties ensures that our tables will remain full of healthy food.
Working with the comuunity
Corona Farm works with various organizations, businesses and non-profits as we build towards a sustainable future here in Port Townsend, and beyond.
SeedSpring provides experiences for youth, adults, and families to connect to the Jefferson County community and become stewards of the Earth through food and local food systems.
The programs of the Organic Seed Alliance serve the needs of today with a vision for tomorrow by promoting the value of seed and seed saving skills, prevent the erosion of this resource, and expand the benefits and abundance inherent in every single seed.
Seed Dreams, operated by local seed saver Tessa Gowans , provides rare and heirloom seeds to the community through the Food Co-op and supplies many of our seeds here at corona farm.
The Port Townsend Farmers Market's mission is to support the development of local sustainable farming by cultivating a vibrant farmers market that serves as a community gathering place celebrating local farmers, food producers and artisans.
The small farm as art form
an essay by Robert Greenway
Natural Buildings
showcase cob, light-clay straw, timberframe, cordwood and earthen plasters.
No till farming
Conservation tillage practices reduce fossil fuel dependence, creates healthier soil ecology and reduces carbon emmisions.