Growing business: Organic farm newest Farmers Market vendor

Nathan Patch is in his first year of organic farming and his first year as a vendor at the South Boston Farmers Market. And he’s loving it all.

“It’s been a great experience and I’m happy to be part of the Market,” said Nathan, 25, owner of Market Garden Norwell. 

He likes that South Boston is a really active community. “I think a lot of people in South Boston aren't able to grow their own food, so it's nice to be able to provide them with food that I could grow.”

Donna Brown, executive director of South Boston NDC, which manages the Farmers Market, is happy to have a new vendor offering organic products. “We are also thrilled to support a new farmer,” she said.

Being at the Farmers Market is fun, Nathan said. “It's really motivating to have the customers come and me to be able to provide products that they can tell are good quality. While I'm doing my work on the farm, it's really motivating for me to serve the customer.

“It's fun interacting with the customers, too. A lot of them are really nice, so it's good to hear their feedback.”

Nathan graduated from Bryant University in Rhode Island with a business degree. It was always a goal of his to own his own business. 

His family's garden initially inspired him to pursue a farming career. And after stints at organic farms and local garden nurseries, he realized that farming is a passion. 

Nathan has taken classes at UMass-Amherst and is certified in sustainable food and farming.

Nathan’s Market Garden Norwell is on his family’s land. “I was fortunate that my family had the land, so that really helped jumpstart me,” he said, noting he’s a one-man show but does get help from family, friends, and neighbors if needed. 

Nathan is currently farming a half-acre. He has a small greenhouse on the property. He grows everything from seed and uses no pesticides or herbicides. 

He has planted pollinator-friendly flowers to bring bees and help keep insects away.

He has about 30 crops of vegetables and herbs, including tomatoes, lettuce, squash, eggplant, melons, peppers, spinach, chickpeas, and mushrooms. 

The mushrooms, Lions Mane, have been a big hit at the South Boston Farmers Market and have sold out every time he’s brought them. He plans to have mushrooms each week. And in the coming weeks, Market-goers will find tomatoes, eggplants, peppers, melons, and beets at his booth along with his greens mixes. 

Nathan also sets up a booth at a farmers market in Quincy and has four Norwell area customers through Community Supported Agriculture (CSA).

“It’s been really challenging,” Nathan said. “But it’s really satisfying work. I enjoy it a lot. Seeing all the hard work and what it produces is most satisfying. I really like working hard and seeing the rewards come to fruition.”

Look for Nathan and Market Garden Norwell every Monday at the South Boston Farmers Market.