Our website has a fresh new look that matches the recent updates to our branding. This update is more than just a visual refresh. It offers clearer information about who we are, what we grow, and where you can find our produce throughout the season. We want the website to feel like a true reflection of our values and the quality we bring to every harvest. Tunnel full of leafy greens How This Update Reflects Our Vision Our new branding focuses on growth, freshness, and transpa

Our farm van has always been more than just a vehicle. It carries the spirit of Polsgrove Hill Farm wherever it travels. Now, with our refreshed logo proudly displayed, the van has become a moving symbol of our farm’s identity and values. This update marks an exciting chapter, combining our commitment to sustainability with fresh, clear branding. The new design The Meaning Behind the New Branding Our refreshed logo is more than a design change. It reflects the growth and evol

Change is part of life on the farm. Recently, we said goodbye to our chickens and welcomed a new vehicle waiting to bear our farm name. These shifts felt like the perfect moment to refresh our logo. We wanted a design that truly reflects both what we grow and the land where we grow it. The new logo captures the essence of our salad greens, especially arugula, and the pine trees scattered across our property. Its slight upward angle echoes the slope of Polsgrove Hill, the land

The first outdoor planting of the season is always a moment filled with excitement and uncertainty. This year, the process began with careful preparation and a mix of transplanting and direct seeding. The goal was to get a strong start despite the lingering chill in the air. Here’s a detailed look at how the planting unfolded and why this early gamble can pay off. Preparing the Seedbed for Success The first step was to create a smooth, even seedbed. Using a power harrow, the

Preparing soil for planting is more than just turning the earth. It’s about creating the right environment for crops to thrive. This year, we took a more precise approach to tunnel prep by using soil testing to guide our organic amendments and tilling methods. The goal is to build healthier soil that supports stronger, more productive plants. Using Soil Testing to Guide Amendments Each season, we adjust our soil prep based on what we observe and learn. This year, we finally h

Starting seeds indoors can be a rewarding way to get a jump on the growing season. Yet, inconsistent temperatures and humidity often lead to uneven germination and weak seedlings. This year, a germination chamber is changing the game by providing a steady, cozy environment that supports seeds from the very first moment. The result? Better germination rates, stronger seedlings, and a smoother start to the gardening season. Seed trays inside a germination chamber showing contro

As 2025 comes to a close, it’s clear this year brought significant progress and meaningful change on the farm. Growth wasn’t just about expanding fields or increasing yields; it was about building stronger foundations, improving systems, and deepening our commitment to sustainable farming. The lessons and experiences from this year are shaping how the farm will move forward in 2026. 2025 Mount Carroll Farmers Market Booth - Changes are coming for 2026! Building Capacity with

Getting the 2026 seed order in early feels like a fresh start. It’s the earliest submission yet, and that head start brings a sense of control and optimism. After a year full of learning and better record-keeping in 2025, the plan for next year is clear: focus on crops that bring joy and abundance, while saying goodbye to a few that no longer fit the vision. This post shares the excitement, the changes ahead, and what to expect from the upcoming growing season. Seed packets o

How the Chevy BrightDrop Revolutionized Our Farm Transportation with Electric Efficiency

It's fall veggie season and I'm here for it! I'm pretty sure this is a recipe created from merging other recipes into a delectable,...

A delectable dish with summer squash, leek, and thyme. I'm always looking for something to add leeks to. This dish was originally made...

A delicious dish with cabbage, potatoes, and leeks! I was first introduced to this dish in an Irish themed cooking class at Becky's...

A year ago, on August 24th, 2022, we closed on our new house. Curious how the buying/selling process went for us? Check out our previous...

Our move to Northwest Illinois - a year in review

We're fans of things that are one-off from normal. Several years ago (10?) we picked up a Voodoo Lily at the Madison Farmer's Market. It...

We're not perfect, but we continually strive to live a more sustainable life. Going Solar We knew as soon as solar energy became...

In the first few days of raising our first ducklings, I'm quickly learning there are a few differences from raising chicks. Round 1 I...

Welcome to part 2 of 2 covering our seedling chamber. Shelving Purchase your seed chamber shelving with your heat mats in mind as you’ll...

Welcome to part 1 of 2 covering our seedling chamber. Let's dive in. Tray We use Bootstrap Farmer’s 1020 Heavy Duty Trays. They are...

Diversification on family farms is not a new idea. For generations, and oftentimes brought on by hardship, farmers have expanded their...