A Fresh Perspective on Food at the Mt Laurel Farm
Keith Caton relishes a hard day’s work. Toiling over land that yields zucchini, squash, blueberries, and other produce, Caton harvests fresh, organically grown crops for several renowned Birmingham restaurants and his farm stand, a weekly event in the Mt Laurel town center. Affectionately known as “Farmer Keith,” Caton manages the 23-acre Mt Laurel farm school by himself but appreciates having as many helping hands as possible. “Neighborhood children often volunteer,” said Caton. “I teach them how to grow and gather crops. Really, anyone who wants to learn something about farming is welcome here.”
Few communities boast the opportunity for residents and children to connect to nature like Mt Laurel does. And the farm’s existence is evidence of this. “It’s a unique experience to serve guests food grown from right down the road,” said one farm stand visitor. “That’s one of the perks of living around here.” Locals stroll down Mt Laurel Avenue to get supplies for weekend meals, while others conveniently drop by on their way home from work. Finding a favorite vegetable amid the assortment, Jeanie Tice, a Mt Laurel resident, becomes nostalgic: “This squash is just like the kind my mother grew in her garden.”
Residents regularly crowd the Thursday farm stand, asking Caton’s advice on growing everything from sunflowers and zinnias to tomatoes and cucumbers—questions he eagerly answers. His education at The Farm School in Athol, Massachusetts, and prior experience with Jones Valley Teaching Farm has prepared him for these moments. In addition to the weekly farm stand, Caton hopes to extend his CSA program to more Mt Laurel homeowners next year. Red potatoes, onions, carrots, beets, kale, collards, peppers, and Italian eggplant are among the farm’s other offerings.
Life on the farm demands hard labor, but Caton considers himself fortunate: “I work from daylight to dark, but I never forget how beautiful this place is.”
The Farm Stand is open every Thursday evening from 4-7 p.m., now through October. Learn more about the farm here. Fresh veggie lovers can also find homemade salsas, jellies, pies, and artisanal crafts at the Mt Laurel Farmers’ Market and Craft Fair, every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon until October 10. View other upcoming events on the Mt Laurel calendar.
