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Agricultural Innovation Center

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Farm Sites

Tabler Farm hosts several sites which demonstrate a variety of agricultural production models and learning spaces for students, aspiring farmers, and community members to utilize.

	Field Vegetable Production A 1/4 acre diversified vegetable production plot that produces a wide variety vegetable crops. Students have the opportunity to learn about crop rotation, cover cropping, soil amendments, and other small-scale field production techniques.
	Aquaponics Laboratory An indoor growing operation consisting of vegetative plants grown in a circulating aquatic system with fish which provide the nutrients needed by the plants. Students have the opportunity to learn about this unique growing system, assist with vegetable production, and conduct research in a controlled environment.
	High Tunnel A semi-controlled vegetable growing structure designed to maximize production capabilities. This structure allows for four-season growing and complete control of irrigation.
	Culinary & Medicinal Herb Production An added value or alternative crop to vegetables, the farm features herb growing beds to demonstrate another growing option for students to participate in. Herbs are considered high value crops and can be sold specially to restaurants and other markets.
	Bee Apiary Another added value or alternative model to vegetable production, the farm demonstrates a small honey bee apiary located in close proximity to the field production plot so the bee’s can collect pollen from the crops.
	Mixed-Fruit Orchard A small-scale mixed fruit orchard featuring dwarf apple trees, pear, peach, and nectarine trees. We follow organic practices to demonstrate how to grow fruit organically.
	Small Fruits Production Strawberry, blackberry, and raspberry plots are established as a part of the demonstration site. Future plantings of other small fruits such as: blueberry, kiwi berry, grape, currant, and more will be coming soon!
	Native Food Forest A special project utilizing exclusively native tree species to the mid-Atlantic Appalachian region which have food value for human consumption. A multi-purpose site demonstrating the cultural significance of wild edible foods, the ecological purpose of establishing forest on farmland that has an added value capability, and economic opportunity of perennial agriculture.
	Plant Nursery Greenhouse A heated greenhouse located on the main campus where all of our spring seedlings are started and our annual plant sale is held. Students learn the ins and outs of seed starting and how to manage a plant nursery.
	Learning Gardens A raised-bed garden space designated for community and class use. Community groups can utilize this space for workshops or hands-on field trips. The site is designed to be wheel-chair accessible.
	Post Harvest Handling A designated site for the washing, packing, and storage of vegetative crops. The storage unit is a repurposed shipping container to demonstrate alternative construction models that utilize pre-existing materials. This model is an essential component to vegetable production and gives students the opportunity to learn the post-harvest phase of farming.
	Outdoor Classroom An addition to the produce processing station, the outdoor classroom is the farms first on-site learning space where classes and workshops can be held under a pavilion.
	Cut Flowers Production Cut flowers are a high value crop that can be added value or an alternative to other production models. Students will learn best growing and harvesting techniques to optimize sales.
	Perennial Plants Tabler grows a variety of perennial herbs, flowers, fruits, and vegetative crops that can be utilized by home gardeners and have potential to be grown commercially.
	COMING SOON: Culinary Mushroom Production A developing project to demonstrate the potential of culinary mushroom production. Mushrooms are a high-value crop that can be sold in local or regional markets.