Edible Yards

Edible Yards by Elawa Farm

Edible Yards by Elawa Farm is our new at-home consultation program designed to help your vegetable or cut flower garden thrive. Whether you’re starting a new garden or looking for expert guidance to improve an existing one, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Elaine Madansky, Elawa Farm’s Edible Garden Specialist and former Director of Garden Operations, brings years of hands-on experience growing vegetables and cut flowers.

She’ll work with you at your home to assess your space, answer questions, and share practical, personalized recommendations tailored to your goals and growing conditions.

Services Offered

  • Initial Garden Consultation

    A comprehensive first visit that includes a discussion of your goals, an on-site assessment of location and conditions, and tailored recommendations to set your garden up for success.

  • Soil Testing & Analysis

    Evaluation of soil health with clear guidance on amendments and improvements to support healthy, productive plants.

  • Crop Planning & Basic Garden Design

    A customized layout and seasonal crop plan designed for your space, sunlight, and growing goals.

  • Problem Identification & Solutions

    Targeted recommendations to address common garden challenges such as pests, disease, poor growth, or low yields.

  • Coaching

    Scheduled visits that provide you with practical, in-garden instruction – empowering you to confidently care for your garden and maximize yields over time.

Schedule a Consultation

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Edible Yards is an at-home garden consultation service from Elawa Farm Foundation. We help you plan, start, or improve your backyard vegetable and cut flower gardens with expert, personalized guidance.

  • Home gardeners of all experience levels — from first-time growers to seasoned gardeners looking for better results.

  • During your 60–90 minute on-site visit, we:

    • Assess your garden space (sun, soil, layout, drainage)

    • Discuss your goals and experience

    • Recommend crops and varieties

    • Offer initial layout and spacing guidance

    • Share trusted resources and educational materials tailored to your needs

    • Offer practical recommendations to help you move forward with confidence

  • No. We work with:

    • Brand new spaces

    • Raised beds

    • Established gardens that need improvement

  • Edible Yards is a consultation and education service. We provide expert planning and guidance. Installation support or referrals can be discussed if needed.

  • Yes. We can guide soil testing, interpret results, and recommend amendments to improve fertility and plant health.

    • Seasonal vegetable gardens

    • Culinary herbs

    • Cut flower gardens

    All recommendations are tailored to our local growing conditions.

  • No. Edible Yards focuses specifically on helping people grow food such as vegetables, herbs, fruits, and cut flowers in their home gardens. Our consultations are designed to empower community members to confidently and successfully grow healthy, sustainably produced food in their own backyards. Ornamental landscape design falls outside the scope of our program.

  • We diagnose common issues and recommend sustainable, practical solutions specific to your space.

  • Yes. We offer seasonal coaching and maintenance visits for gardeners who want continued guidance throughout the growing season.

  • We primarily serve Lake County and Northern Cook County. Contact us to confirm availability in your area.

  • The Initial Garden Consultation is $175 for a 60–90 minute on-site visit. Soil testing is $125/sample.  Additional services are charged based on the size and scale of the project e.g., crop planning, basic design layout, problem identification & solutions, maintenance, and ongoing coaching.

  • Contact us through our website to schedule a brief introductory phone call. We’ll learn about your goals and book your on-site consultation.