The Kennesaw State University's

Farm-to-Campus Program

The KSU Farm-to-Campus program launched in May 2010 with a two-acre organic  farm  just outside Cartersville, Georgia. The program was expanded in 2011 to include a second 40-acre property with 6,000 sq. ft. of greenhouse space in Ball Ground, Georgia. Only non-GMO heirloom varieties are cultivated, using natural methods of soil preparation, pest control, and fertilization. Apiaries were added to both properties, currently housing 48 honeybee colonies to assist with open-pollinated varietals. Produce and honey harvested from both farms is served in The Commons year-round.

Harmony Hill Organic Farm and Apiary - Established 2010 in Cartersville, GA. Consists of a two-acre repurposed pasture featuring an 28-colony apiary.

2010 growing season:

• Produced 30 gallons of 'KSU Gold' Honey
• Harvested more than 1,500 pounds of naturally grown produce including:
  • Yellow squash and zucchini
  • Cherry and Roma tomatoes
  • Cucumbers
  • Mixed variety peppers

Apple Springs Farm - Established 2011 in Ball Ground, Georgia. Apple Springs consists of a 40-acre spring-fed property featuring two 3,000 sq. ft. greenhouses, solar-powered pump irrigation system, the KSU Governor’s Garden, a mushroom garden, and a 20-colony apiary.

2011-12 growing season:

• Harvested more than 3,000 pounds of naturally grown produce including:
  • Mixed variety peppers
  • Yellow squash and zucchini
  • Cherry and Roma tomatoes
  • Cucumbers
  • Apples
  • Beets and turnips
  • Carrots
  • Radishes
  • Lettuce mix (arugula, red oak leaf, butter crunch, etc.)
  • Brussels sprouts
  • Cauliflower and broccoli
  • Garlic and onions
  • Cantaloupe and watermelon
  • Herbs (basil, rosemary and thyme)
  • Bok Choy
  • Corn

Serves as an outdoor classroom for:

• One biology intern
• Eighty-three student volunteers
• Multiple campus Colleges and Departments (Coles College of Business, Integrative Studies, Leadership Studies)

Governor’s Garden

Farmed in conjunction with the Timothy House Rehab Center, the Governor’s Garden features naturally grown produce cultivated exclusively for the Governor’s Mansion served at special functions. In the 2012 growing season, the Governor's Garden produced the following items:

• Beans
• Mixed varieties of lettuce
• Asparagus
• Onions and garlic
• Squash and zucchini
• Cucumbers

Mushroom Garden

With 60 logs inoculated with shiitake mushroom spores, KSU expects to produce three varieties of shiitake mushrooms for the next five years. Students may sign up to volunteer by visiting Volunteer KSU (VKSU) on the second floor of the Student Center, Room 264 or by contacting Melissa McMahon at 678 797-2922.