May 20, 2015
Crazy spring so far. Crazy. What started out as the perfect spring has quickly grown hot and cold. With temperatures dipping into the 30s last night, some of the plants certainly had a difficult time.… May 20, 2015
Crazy spring so far. Crazy. What started out as the perfect spring has quickly grown hot and cold. With temperatures dipping into the 30s last night, some of the plants certainly had a difficult time.… May 20, 2015
We’ll start the CSA the week of June 10th. Wednesday sites, you’ll start on 6/10 Thursday sites, you’ll start on 6/11 Saturday sites, you’ll start on 6/13 You can expect the harvest to be mostly… May 13, 2015
We have two great plant sales this week with a wide variety of vibrant starts for your garden. One in Chicago’s historic Logan Square neighborhood benefiting the Paseo Prairie Garden. The other right here on… May 5, 2015
It seems like pretty much every day we get a note from someone singing our praises. To be honest, we love it. I share them with the staff and sometimes in the newsletter too. Folks… April 21, 2015
We need your help. As loyal readers know, last year Montalbano Farms was honored to be chosen “Best Local Farm” by the Chicago Reader. We have lots of great supporters out there who voted for… April 14, 2015
The crew has already planted over 30,000 seeds this spring. We’ve set up the greenhouse and we’re off to a great start. A few warm days this past week even allowed us to do some… March 25, 2015
As you might expect, we have quite a few employees who want their own farm some day. They come to work for us to learn the trade and see what it takes to make it… March 10, 2015
Our worker shares play an integral role on our farm. Worker shares are typically members in our community who help out around the farm. Our worker shares are such a vital part of our operation… February 23, 2015
As the most popular, lovable, and cuddly member of our farm crew, I thought you might like some insight into her days on the farm. A day in the life of Martha… 4:30am… January 29, 2015
Apparently, I’m in love. We get asked all of the time, “What do farmers do during the winter, Farmer Rob?” While there is always plenty of work, the last week of the year is pretty… December 29, 2014
Today I would like to say that I now truly and firmly believe that the entire flipping planet has lost its mind. In fact, I almost registered for the one-way mission to Mars until I realized that I would be taking other humans with me. I’m sure they don’t want a disgruntled, ranting maniac on the ship anyway.
Think you don’t like turnips? Think again.
October 17, 2014
Things are starting to slow down but there’s lots to do before winter sets in. We’re starting to think about next year, so please send feedback to us about anything that’s on your mind. We… October 15, 2014
What’s our day like? I’m glad you asked.
At this time of year, the sun is coming up later and later each day. Needing sunlight to harvest, the crew comes in at 7. It’s early October and everybody is pretty much on auto-pilot. We know our roles and we know what we have to do.
October 8, 2014
Time goes fast on the farm at this time of year. The days are shorter and we’re tired from a long season, of course, but there’s more.
There is pressure to make sure our hard work of planting, weeding, and watering fall crops is harvested before cold weather takes it away. There is pressure to make sure the storage conditions are just right so that the crops last into winter. We’re busy in the greenhouse getting these plants to grow as much as they can. Financial recordkeeping is piling up and that needs attention. We’re already planning for next season.
October 1, 2014