Smart Farm of Barrington is a volunteer-run, non-profit whose mission is two-fold: to grow fresh produce for our neighbors in need and to be an educational resource for local residents on sustainable gardening practices and healthy eating.
Smart Farm operates a 3,000 sq ft garden in Barrington, Illinois growing a diverse array of vegetables. This year will be the fourth growing season. Everything that is harvest is donated to local food pantries.
Adults, children and students are offered an opportunity to learn about vegetable gardening, food preservation and healthy eating through classes, hands-on workshops and volunteer experiences.
Volunteering
The garden is located in Ron Beese Park in Barrington. Work hours are Tuesday and Thursday from 2-4pm and Sunday from 9-11am, weather permitting. An experienced Smart Farm gardener is present at each work session to provide guidance to volunteers. Depending on the time of year, gardening activities may include planting, weeding, watering and/or harvesting plus a range of other projects such as turning compost and cleaning tools. Our work sessions begin this year on Sunday, April 15 and are likely to run through early November.
To better plan each work session, call, text or email to volunteer at the garden, but is not required. Volunteers can stay as long as their schedule permits. If cancellation of a work session occurs due to weather, a notice is posted 60 minutes before the start time on the Facebook page, TheSmartFarm and via the Twitter account, @TheSmartFarm.
Volunteers should wear clothing and shoes appropriate to gardening activities; gardening can be a dirty business! Bring your own water and hat. Smart Farm will provide appropriate tools and gloves.
For volunteers younger than 14, we require a parent to accompany them while they are at the garden.
For information about additional volunteer opportunities at Smart Farm including healthy eating, web development and marketing, please email
smartfarmvolunters@gmail.com or call 847-513-4700.
Planting and Staking Tomatoes
Sunday, May 9 at 10:00am
Smart Farm at Ron Beese Park
Help celebrate the "Year of the Tomato" at this hands-on workshop. Learn how to get your tomatoes started and the many ways they can be staked.
Pruning TomatoesSunday, June 10 at 10:00am
Smart Farm at Ron Beese Park
Another hands-on workshop in our series, "The Year of the Tomato". Learn the pros, the cons and the "how to's" of pruning tomatoes.
Open HouseSaturday, June 23, 2:00 - 5:00pm
Smart Farm at Ron Beese Park
Visit the garden at Ron Beese Park to see the growing operation.
For other Smart Farm events, including the 2nd Annual Floating Zucchini Kayak Relay on Sunday, August 26th, please visit
smartfarms.org 
