Farm Fresh Options

Farm Fresh Guide for Will County and Surrounding Areas

Farmers' Markets  

Farmers' markets promote regional agriculture and ensure a continuing supply of fresh, locally produced food for the community. Such markets support farmers while preserving farmland for the future. Often supplied by regional small family farmers, these markets offer  alternative opportunities to growers to sell their fruits, vegetables and other farm products. Usually only regional farmers and vendors may sell their products at the farmer's market and farmers market 2middlemen or brokers are not allowed.  Regulations govern what may be sold at the farmer's market. Generally, all items must be grown, raised, foraged, caught, or otherwise produced by the seller.

Agents may visit growers to make sure that what they sell at market is grown in their fields and ensure product integrity. A farmers' market committee composed of market growers and consumers may exist to assist in rule enforcement and policy formulation. Markets are held in parks, playgrounds, parking lots, sidewalks, closed streets and other available open spaces. Farmers may pay a fee to sell at the market.

Note: Some "farmers' markets" have vendors that sell produce they bought from wholesalers and then resell to consumers. If the food is generally not grown in your area (see our growing season table for fruit and vegetables in Illinois and know your products), then it is most likely being resold. If this is important to you, it is recommended that you ask questions: Learn where the farm is located, when they plant, what their specialty products are, and ask about visiting the farm.  

For more information on Illinois Farmers Markets, please visit https://www.ilfma.org/ or http://www.farmersmarketonline.com/fm/Illinois.htm

 

What is Agritourism?

Agritourism is the act of visiting a working farm or any agricultural, horticultural or agri-business operation for the purpose of enjoyment, education or active involvement in the activities of the farm or operation. Agritourism, as it is defined most broadly, involves any agriculturally-based operation or activity that brings visitors to a farm or ranch.
Agritourism is a form of niche tourism that is considered a growth industry in many parts of the world, including the United States. Agritourism is widespread in America. Agritourists can choose from a wide range of activities that include picking fruits and vegetables, riding horses, picking pumpkinds, cutting down Christmas trees, tasting honey, learning about wine and cheesemaking, or shopping in farm gift shops and farm stands for local and regional produce or hand-crafted gifts.
 

 

Farm Stands, CSA's, Farms and Pick-Ur-Own

awesome farm stand 2

If your schedule doesn't allow you to visit the local farmers' market, consider stopping by a local farm stand. Farm Stands sell fresh seasonal produce (call for hours of operation.)  Several Will County Farms have "Pick-ur-own" which means you go to the farm and pick  fruit or vegetables that are in season. This is a great way to enjoy some time with the family while making healthy food selections. Never thought so much fun could taste so good. 

 

 

City

Name

Address

Contact Name

Phone Number

Beecher

Jerry's Farm Stand

1950 E. Indiana Ave.

Shirley Vos

708-946-2712

Bourbonnais

Rietveld's Farm Stand

4067 E. 4000 N. Rd.

 Rhonda Rietveld

 815-932-6208

Channahon

Dollinger Family Farm

7502 E Hansel Rd.

Mrs. Noreen Dollinger

815-467-6766

Crest Hill

Siegel's Cottonwood Farms, Inc

17250 S. Weber Rd.

Sue Siegel, Paul Siegel

815-741-2693

Elwood

Lange's Farm

24819 S. Bush Rd.

Harold Lange

 

Joliet

Glasscock Farms

198 W. Laraway Rd

Scott Glasscock

815-723-3792

Herscher

Dickman's

6480 S 14000W Rd.

JoAnn Dickman

815-426-2154

Homer Glen

Garden Patch Farms & Orchard

14154 W. 159th St.

Earl Hiller, Merna Hiller

708-301-7720

Lynwood

Bultema's Farmstand & Greenhouse

2785 E. Lincoln Highway

 

708-758-1565

Manhattan

Earth & Skye Farm

Route 52 & Cedar Road

Patti McPhillips

708-945-9993

Minooka

Drover's Trail Natural Farms

3755 Caton Farm Road

Koren&David Finnestad

815-409-1814

Monee

Gorman Farm Fresh Produce

6607 West Bruns Road

Molly and Kevin Gorman

708-534-2375

Naperville

Mayneland Farm

27W265 Bauer Rd.

Jeremy Mayne

630-357-1877

Ottawa

Our Holiday Farm

3206 E 19th Road

David Nusbaumer

815-434-6388

Ottowa

Hideaway Tree Farm

1159 Road (Co. Hwy 6 to 1150th Rd)

 

815-257-6624

Ottowa

Cedar Valley Sustainable Farm

1985 N 3609th Road

Jody Osmund

815-431-9544

Plainfield

Bronkberry Farms

18061 Bronk Road, south of Caton farm

Jennifer Bronk, Kevin Veen

815-436-6967

Plainfield

Keller's Farmstand

15066 S. Wallin Drive

Frank Keller

815-439-0420

Naperville

Keller's Farmstand

516 Knoch Knolls Road

Frank Keller

630-369-5319

Oswego

Keller's Farmstand

2500 Johnson Road

Frank Keller

630-219-8194

Naperville

Green Earth Institute

10S404 Knoch Knolls Road

Steve Tiwald

630-664-5681

Sandwich

Montalbano Farms

17551 Frazier Road

Frank Montalbano

815-431-9544

Wilmington

Jim Gorman's Vegetables

30643 S. IL Rt. 53

Jim Gorman

815-476-7514

Wilmington

Tammen Treeberry Farm

37131 Essex Rd.

Bruce Tammen

(815) 458-6264

Red Indicates-Tree Farm and Cut your Own

  

What does 100% Certified Organic really mean?

Over the last several years we have seen the term "organic" everywhere from the chain grocery stores, local farmers' markets, to even bags of snack foods, and its meaning has become vague,so here is our attempt to provide clarity to the term to help you better navigate the oceans of "organic".

The term "organic" agriculture refers to a species cultivated devoid of any synthetic aid, whether that be in the form of genetic modification or applied synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.It is defined that organic is the use of "farming practices that may be agroecological, sustainable, or ecological; utilizing natural (non-synthetic) nutrient-cycling processes; exclude or rarely use synthetic pesticides; and sustain or regenerate soil quality" (Badgley, 2006).

Basic Organic Farming

Organic farming of strawberriesOrganic farmers manage their crops using proactive practices to prevent problems. They strive to:
• Replenish and maintain soil fertility.
• Eliminate the use of toxic and persistent chemical pesticides and fertilizers.
• Restore, maintain, and enhance ecological harmony.
• Build and support biologically diverse agriculture.
To be certified as organic, all organic farmers must keep records verifying their practices and products used.   

Several growers farm according to "organic principals". They follow the tenants of "organic farming" however do not comply fully with the NOSB and therefore cannot be certified "100% organic". 

Principals of Organic Farming

The four principles of organic agriculture are as follows:
• The Principle of Health - Organic agriculture should sustain and enhance the health of soil, plant, animal and human as one and indivisible.
• The Principle of Ecology - Organic agriculture should be based on living ecological systems and cycles, work with them, emulate them and help sustain them.
• The Principle of Fairness - Organic agriculture should build on relationships that ensure fairness with regard to the common environment and life opportunities.
• The Principle of Care - Organic agriculture should be managed in a precautionary and responsible manner to protect the health and well being of current and future generations and the environment. 

Again, know your farmer, and if you only want to purchase "100% certified organic" produce and meats ask for proof of certification. Ask why a farmer uses "organic principals" yet does not have a certification. You may find that their products fit your criteria for organic, and you may have another source for your farm fresh food.

 

Organic Farms of Will County

City

Name

Address

Contact Name

Phone Number

Aurora

Dropseed Farm

1945 Swarthmore Dr.

Dave Roesner

630-567-4940

Crest Hill

Rock Run Farm

Caton Farm Rd.-Products can be purchased at Seigel's Cotton Wood Farms

Devon Dempsey

815-325-3479

Manhattan

Earth & Skye Farm

Rt. 52 and Cedar Rd.

Patti McPhillips

708-945-9993

Naperville

Green Earth Institute

10S404 Knoch Knolls Rd.

Steve Tiwald

630-664-5681

Peotone

Taylor Ridge Farm

5415 W. Beecher Rd.

 

708-258-6539

 

 

 

Community Supported Agriculture of Will County

 

See Farm Stand, CSA's, Farms and Pick ur Own for listings:beautiful basket of fruit

Community supported agriculture (CSA) is a new idea in farming one that has been gaining momentum since its introduction to the United States from Europe in the mid-1980s.

CSA, sometimes known as "subscription farming,"  consists of a community of individuals who pledge support to a farm operation so that the farmland becomes, the community's farm, with the growers and consumers providing mutual support and sharing the risks and benefits of food production. 

Typically, members or "shareholders" pledge in advance to cover the anticipated costs of the farm operation and farmer's salary. In return, they receive shares in the farm's bounty throughout the growing season, as well as satisfaction gained from reconnecting to the land and participating directly in food production.

Most CSAs offer a diversity of vegetables, fruits, and herbs in season; some provide a full array of farm produce, including shares in eggs, meat, milk, baked goods, and even firewood. 

Note to the consumer: Be aware that there are risks involved in CSA participation as are involved in farming.  If there is a circumstance that affects crop production, those circumstances affect your shares. ALSO, research your potential farm. Ask for references from other members, and also see if that farmer participates in any farmers' markets. Better yet plan a visit to the farm and purchase some of the products when you visit, just like the farmers you purcahse from at markets, "know your farmer".

 

Will County Food Cooperatives

co op logo

A food co-op is a collectively owned grocery store. Most frequently, a food co-op focuses on making natural foods more affordable for co-op members, although other products may be carried as well. There are a number of different styles of food co-op, but all of them share common values of group management and decision making, social responsibility, and equality. Towns of all sizes have food co-ops ranging from very small to quite large, and it is usually easy to find a food co-op near you.

In a private food co-op, only members may shop at the store. In order to become a member, someone pays a small initiation fee and usually invests a set amount of money in the food co-op to purchase a share. Some food co-ops allow members to purchase multiple shares, or require an annual fee, which causes long term members of the food co-op to own more shares. In some cases, members also join work crews, contributing a few hours of work to the running of the co-op. The frequencyand duration of work shifts varies from co-op to co-op.
  

Food Cooperatives of Will County

City

Name

Address

Phone Number

Crest Hill

Olive Living

1612 Root Street

312-339-6337

Park Forest

South Suburban Food Co-op

208 Forest Blvd

708-747-2256

 

Joliet Park Dist   West Side 01

 

What is a community garden?

A community garden is a single piece of land gardened collectively by a group of people.

A city’s community gardens can be as diverse as its gardeners. Some grow only flowers, others are nurtured communally and their bounty shared. Community gardens improve users’ health through increased fresh vegetable consumption and providing a venue for exercise.

Community gardens are managed and maintained with the active participation of the gardeners themselves, rather than tended only by a professional staff. Community gardens often encourage food production by providing gardeners a place to grow vegetables and other crops. Some gardens are grown collectively, with everyone working together; others are split into clearly divided plots, each managed by a different gardener (or group or family). Many community gardens have both "common areas" with shared upkeep and individual/family plots.

 

 

Benefits of Community Gardens:
• Improve the quality of life for people in the garden
• Provide a catalyst for neighborhood and community development
• Stimulate Social Interaction
• Encourage Self-Reliance
• Beautify Neighborhoods
• Produce Nutritious Food
• Reduce Family Food Budgets
• Conserve Resources
• Create opportunity for recreation, exercise, therapy, and education
• Reduce Crime
• Preserve Green Space
• Create income opportunities and economic development
• Reduce city heat from streets and parking lots
• Provide opportunities for intergenerational and cross-cultural connections
Source:American Community Garden Association

 

Another benefit of Community Gardens is education:  The Detroit Public School District is establishing 45 DPS community gardens with the intention of educating the students on gardening techniques. This education will not only to teach them how to grow food for their own use, but will perhaps inspire a student to pursue farming as a career choice. 

 

We WILL Grow School and Community Garden Program

Kathy Pecora Program Manager: Contact @ 815-774-7906 or kpecora@willcountygreen.com

City

School or Community Garden

Name

Address

Homer Glen

School-Educational

 William E. Young School

16240 S. Cedar Road

Joliet

Community-Educational

Evergreen Terrace Resident and Children's Garden

350 N Broadway Street

Joliet

Community-Educational

Warren-Sharpe Community Center's Healthy Children Healthy Kids, Healthy Families Community Garden

454 South Joliet Street

Joliet

Community

Joliet Park District Organic Community Garden- We WILL Grow Vet's Garden

McDonough Street-across from Inwood Golf Course

New Lenox

Community-Therapy

 Trinity Services Therapy Garden

 

Park Forest

Community-Therapy

Cornerstone Services Elizabeth Ludeman Facility

114 N Orchard Drive

Plainfield

 Community-Therapy/Recreation

 Harbor Chase of Plainfield Senior Living

12446 Van Dyke Road

 

Growing Season in Illinois

Days Between Last Spring and First Fall Frost (Occurrence of 32°F)
Jim Angel, state climatologist
The average length of the growing season varies from about 190 days in far southern Illinois to 160 days in far northern Illinois. Of course, the actual length can vary from year to year.   

Will County Growing Zone and Season

Whats in season

According to the National Gardening Association's Hardiness Zone Finder, most of Will County is located in growing zone 5A.http://www.thevegetablegarden.info/resources/planting-schedules/zones-5-6-planting-schedule

Read more: When to Plant Vegetables in Illinois | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/facts_7514289_plant-vegetables-illinois.html#ixzz1tkPskzks


Apples, July through October
Arugula, May through September
Asparagus, April through June
Basil, July through September
Beets, May through October
Blackberrries, July into August
Blueberries, July into August
Broccoli, June through October
Brussel sprouts, August through November
Cabbage, June through November (local harvest available from storage through March)
Cantaloupes, August and September
Carrots, May through November (local harvest available from storage through winter)
Cauliflower, August through November
Celeriac/celery root, August through October
Celery, August through October
Chard, May through September
Cherries, June and July
Cilantro, June through September
Corn, mid-June through mid-August
Cucumbers, July through mid-October
Eggplant, July through mid-October
Fava beans, May
Fennel, Late spring-early summer
Garlic, August through November
Garlic scapes/green garlic, May and June
Grapes, August and September
Green beans, July through September
Green Onions, June through September
Greens (various), May through November
Herbs, various, May through October
Kale, June through November
Leeks, August through October
Lettuce (various), May through October
Melons, July through September
Morels, spring
Mushrooms (cultivated), year-round
Mushrooms (wild), spring through fall, varies tremendously each year
Onions, August through October (local harvest available from storage year-round)
Parsley, May through September
Parsnips, April and May and again in October through November (local harvest available from storage through winter)
Peaches, July and August
Pears, August through October
Peas and pea pods, June through August
Peppers (sweet), June through September
Persimmons, October
Plums & pluots, July and August
Potatoes, July through November (local harvest available from storage year-round)
Pumpkins, September through October
Radishes, May through October
Raspberries, June into August
Rhubarb, April through June
Shelling Beans, September through October (local harvest available dried year-round)
Scallions, June through September
Spinach, May through October
Squash (summer), July through October
Squash (winter), August through November (local harvest available from storage into spring)
Strawberries, June and July
Tomatoes, July through October
Turnips, August through November (local harvest available from storage through February)
Watermelons, August through September
Zucchini, July through October

 

 
Will County Land Use Department
Will County - Land Use Department - Resource Recovery & Energy
58 E. Clinton Street, Joliet, IL 60432

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