Produced in partnership with Green City Market 

EW – Elena Wallace, Green City Market (GCM) Communications Coordinator

MK – Marcial Kajer, farmer and owner of Kajer’s Greens

Farmers’ markets have long been a staple of spring and summer fun, encouraging folks to connect with the community that’s right outside their door. Farmers spend seasons of labor sourcing, growing, harvesting, transporting and selling their produce to these markets. And folks who are more than happy to enjoy fresh fare in the warm weather. But what happens when the months turn cold? 

Green City Market connected with one of the local vendors who will participate in its indoor market, GCM Avondale, starting December 2. Marcial Kajer of Kajer’s Greens chatted about what farming looks like in the winter, his experience with indoor farmers’ markets, and the importance of continuing to shop local during the colder months. 

Elena Wallace (EW): Let’s start with what kind of products you grow in the winter months —any favorites?

Marcial Kajer (MK): We grow spinach, kale, chard and also microgreens during the winter. We do a lot of storage crops like squash, onions, beets and radishes. And then we also do frozen meats like chicken. For me, my favorite is the chard. I haven’t done it in previous years!

EW: Greens during winter are so important. In your opinion, why is it also important for shoppers to keep supporting local food producers during the winter months?

MK: This one cuts deep because we had actually been trying to figure out winter selling for the past four years … so being a part of Green City and having a community that wants to support local people is huge. Especially because real farms never stop. We’re in our third year of going year-round, and the ability to feed a community, and have them show up to local markets and appreciate what we’re doing is great motivation. 

EW: Do your growing processes change during the colder seasons?

MK: We still harvest our greens weekly. I’m not typically planting during this time, but harvesting is a full process, especially washing and packing. This is my sixth year growing commercially, so I love to take the winter months as time to be creative. I’ll find seeds that sustain colder weather, or vegetables that can grow at different latitudes. We’re just trying to push the boundaries on what we can do during the colder months. 

EW: Hopefully you bring that creativity to the indoor markets! Speaking of, what’s been your experience with Green City Market’s winter Avondale market? 

MK: This will be my first year, and I’m a huge supporter of any local farmers’ markets that continue on into the winter. I’m excited to see what comes up, especially with the weekly —instead of biweekly—schedule.

EW: How do you think the switch from a biweekly to weekly schedule will impact your business?

MK: I think it will impact it positively. Who eats every other week, you know?

EW: Exactly.

MK: For farmers who harvest every single week and for people who need produce but whose schedules don’t always align with the market’s, having consistent weekends is going to be good!

EW: We’re giving people no time to miss you all this year! What’s your favorite part about winter farmers’ markets?

MK: I love the fact that everyone at the winter market is an entrepreneur. A lot of farmers and people who show up to these markets are hustling. You know, they’re often chefs or cooks—and no matter what they’re doing, they’re just here because they love it. They need that outlet, whether to grow a business or to just have a conversation with another person. 

EW: Well we love that people get to meet the farmers who grow their food all year round; that connection is really unique. Thank you so much for chatting with us, Marcial! We’ll see you in at the winter market.

MK: Thank you for having us!

The Green City Market indoor season will take place in Avondale at 3031 N Rockwell Street, Chicago, IL. 60618.

The market begins December 2, running every Saturday from 8 a.m – 1 p.m. through March 23, 2024.

Visit greencitymarket.org and subscribe to GCM’s e-newsletter for updates on vendors and market hours.

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