About the Farm

Horton Road Organics is a five acre organic market garden founded in 1992 by partners Debra Seido Martin and Bill Booth. The farm is nestled in the coast range of Oregon in the Siulsaw National Forest outside Eugene and also serves as a retreat space for a Zen Buddhist community in Eugene. The farm’s rich friable earth was formed by thousands of years of forest decay and is suffuse with organic life after three decades of organic cultivation. The watershed ecology is full of life, still home to cougar, black bear, otter and spotted owl.

Some two hundred raised beds rotate through a full array of organic vegetables during the season, including the most luscious greens and crisp sweet root crops. Horton Road is particularly loved for its flavorful salad blends, generous bunches, equitable prices and customer appreciation. The farm’s elevated mountain valley enjoys lower temperatures during the growing season allowing for cool season crops throughout the summer. A significant amount of farm surplus is donated to local agencies including the Eugene Mission, 86 Hunger, First Place, Village School and the Eugene Gleaners.

Much of the day to day work is done by hand with careful attention to the needs of the plants, the soil and human bodies touching the earth. During the season, the farm hosts a training program (Twining Vines) in collaboration with Zen West for students interested in learning the art of growing organic food and exploring the connection between inner and outer ecologies. The program investigates the dynamic interconnection between how we understand ourselves, our place in the world, and how we take care for the earth. Respect, reciprocity, responsibility and reverence are guiding principles. Each season brings together a lively cohort of participants – apprentices, interns, sangha members, and volunteers – for wholesome work and play, inner learning and service to the community.

Staff

Debra Seido Martin
Seido has been farming for over 30 years. She is also a psychotherapist and Zen Buddhist teacher integrating healing with insight into human consciousness and our relationship with the natural world.

Bill Booth
Bill taught farming as a Peace Corps volunteer in Swaziland in the mid 70’s. In the early 80’s, he co-founded “Sky High Farm” in Winters, CA, and later trained at the UCSC Farm and Garden project in Santa Cruz. In 1986, he partnered with UC Instructor Dennis Tamura, joining Blue Heron Farm in Correlitos, CA. The UCSC Farm and Garden was inspired by the celebrated Biodynamic French Intensive gardener Alan Chadwick.

Farm Manager/ Apprentice Coordinator
TBA

Farmer’s Market Manager
TBA