Erehwon Farm

41W202 Whitney Road
St. Charles, IL 60175

Tim Fuller and Beth Propst farm without pesticides on 6 acres in St. Charles, Illinois with the help from Bucky the farm dog. Major crops include a full range of vegetables such as; sugar snap peas, salad mix, spicy greens mix, spinach, Asian braising greens, heirloom tomatoes, tasty cucumbers, patty pan squash, sweet cherry tomatoes, broccoli, melons, sweet corn, celery, okra, raspberries, strawberries, and asparagus.

In 2001 they experimented by growing vegetables, herbs, and perennials at their home near St. Charles and attended one plant sale where they earned a total of sixty-five dollars!

The next year they expanded our production of vegetables and herbs and Tim created a CSA pilot project for two families. Beth expanded her production of perennials, added flowers and designed a booth for farmer's markets in St. Charles, and Batavia.

In 2003 they expanded our CSA to 15 vegetable shares, which they delivered to Geneva, Lombard, Glen Ellyn, and Wheaton. They also added a third farmers' market in Elgin and attended more local plant sales. This was a year of intense learning as they struggled to learn better techniques for growing, harvesting, processing, and preserving ther products until we could get them into the hands of their customers.

In 2005 they had 70 families in their CSA. Their long-term goal is to have about 300. In addition to their farm work, we help to connect consumers with local producers of products they don’t grow, like beef, poultry, grains, and others. They like to support small local businesses where everyone knows everyone else.

Why is growing organic a priority for you?
We believe growing without chemicals is better for the consumer and doesn’t harm the environment.

What is your favorite part of being an organic farmer?
We love to deal directly with consumers and working with them to improve our products and our processes.

Why should people buy organic products instead of other options?
If people make an effort to buy organic, it will stimulate more organic food production, and organic is clearly better for the planet.

What makes your farm special?
We are an open farm…you can come out anytime and see what we are doing. We have a great crew of volunteers who come out and help, bring waste for our compost pile, and share recipes. It’s turning into a community of people who share similar interests.

Where can consumers get your products?
Product is available at farmers markets in Elgin, St. Charles, and Batavia and through a CSA program delivered to Lombard, Wheaton, and Elgin.

For more information about Erehwon Farm vist their website, call 630.443.8271 or email them.