The sunchoke (Helianthus tuberosus) is a member of the sunflower family native to North America. With an eastern range stretching from Georgia to Nova Scotia, sunchokes were and continue to be valued by Indigenous communities as a hardy, nutritious, and sustainable wintertime food source. These perennial plants produce prolific underground tubers that are edible and persist through the cold season. Their ability to spread rhizomatically (via modified stems beneath the soil) means that even with a thorough harvest, they will regenerate year after year. In this way, sunchokes balance ecological integrity and sustainable agriculture: growing self-sufficiently with minimal inputs, regenerating soil, and supporting habitat needs all while providing a bountiful, local food staple.
On Saturday, December 14th from 9AM to 12PM, we're inviting volunteers to help us dig up hundreds of pounds of sunchokes for local sale. Come out to enjoy a cool, active, and educational morning on the land with our team! Anyone who volunteers will be able to take home sunchokes of their own for planting or eating.
Horn Farm's staff will lead this workday and provide guidance. No prior gardening or agricultural experience required. Not recommended for young children.
What to bring:
Please wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes, dress for the weather, and bring your own water bottle (refills are available). Participants may use their own work gloves, though we do have gloves on hand for those who need them. All tools will be provided.
Currently, we have two regularly-checked porta-potties on site due to the 2021 house fire, so please plan accordingly.
Physical activity note:
This workday will require moderate physical labor including using a pitchfork and/or broadfork, bending and stooping, carrying buckets, and spending time outside in cold temperatures.
Volunteer Waiver
All Volunteers: please review our Volunteer Waiver and Release Form before your arrival.
York, PA 17406
United States