Each week we plan to feature one of the Heights Farm Market vendors - allowing you, our customers insight into who they are, what they do and identifying why they are such an asset to our local Heights Farm Market.
This week we are showcasing White Chimney Farm!
Owner: Larry Shawback
Local Items: General Produce
Vendor Story: White Chimney Farm - located in Washburn, Illinois - provides all naturally grown (from certified organic seed) produce of the old Heirloom varieties. In Larry's efforts to accomplish this, he uses the SPIN method of farming. SPIN stands for Small Plot Intensive Relay. By using this method, there is a freshly harvested supply of produce for each market week - also keeping an active crop rotation for best soil health.
"I am proud of these all natural growing methods," states Larry, "while not yet certified as organic as mentioned above, my seeds are certified organic."
Ground care is managed only by rototilling and hand hoeing. No weed inhibitors or pesticides in any form are ever used. Fertilization - only all natural and organic composting materials are used. Natural soil amendments - kelp meal and a fish based liquid round things out. As for water? Whenever possible, captured rain water is used. When not available, ground water from a cistern or well water is used.
This week we are showcasing White Chimney Farm!
Owner: Larry Shawback
Local Items: General Produce
Vendor Story: White Chimney Farm - located in Washburn, Illinois - provides all naturally grown (from certified organic seed) produce of the old Heirloom varieties. In Larry's efforts to accomplish this, he uses the SPIN method of farming. SPIN stands for Small Plot Intensive Relay. By using this method, there is a freshly harvested supply of produce for each market week - also keeping an active crop rotation for best soil health.
"I am proud of these all natural growing methods," states Larry, "while not yet certified as organic as mentioned above, my seeds are certified organic."
Ground care is managed only by rototilling and hand hoeing. No weed inhibitors or pesticides in any form are ever used. Fertilization - only all natural and organic composting materials are used. Natural soil amendments - kelp meal and a fish based liquid round things out. As for water? Whenever possible, captured rain water is used. When not available, ground water from a cistern or well water is used.
This is Larry's fifth year of market gardening. The first four years were part-time, but as of July 1st, 2011, he is a full-time gardener. And Larry - from all of us at the Heights Farm Market - we are so glad you are! White Chimney Farm is a wonderful addition to the Heights Farm Market and the local community.
Advance Order Information:
White Chimney Farm
817 Linn
Washburn, IL 61570
Email: tud@mchsi.com
Phone: (309) 6578531
Visit White Chimney Farm's Website.
