41W202 Whitney Road
St. Charles, IL 60175
Tim Fuller and Beth Propst grow a wide variety of vegetables and fruits on six acres in St. Charles, Illinois, without herbicides and pesticides, but with enthusiastic help from Bucky the farm dog. Customer favorites include 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.
Their Farm Story
In 2001 we started small by growing vegetables, herbs, and perennials at our home near St. Charles. That year we sold our produce at exactly one plant sale, where we earned a grand total of sixty-five dollars! The next year we 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 farmers markets in St. Charles, and Batavia. We were on our way.
In 2003 we expanded our CSA to 15 vegetable shares, delivering to subscribers in Geneva, Lombard, Glen Ellyn, and Wheaton. We also added a third farmers’ market in Elgin and attended more local plant sales. This was a year of intensive learning as we struggled to learn better techniques for growing, harvesting, processing, and preserving our products until we could get them into the hands of our customers.
In 2005 we had 70 families in our CSA. Our long-term goal is to increase that to about 300. In addition to our farm work, we help to connect consumers with local providers of food we dont produce, such as beef, poultry, grains, and others. We like to support small local businesses where everybody knows everyone else.
Why is growing organic a priority for you?
We believe growing without chemicals is better for the consumer and doesnt harm the environment.
What is your favorite part of being an organic farmer?
We love to deal directly with the people who consume what we produce, 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 visit any time 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. Its turning into a real community of people who share similar interests.
Where can consumers get your products?
Our produce 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, call (630) 443-8271 or visit site
Updated 8/20/2007