A Small Packet Can Start Something Big
Urban Farmer began with saved heirloom seeds, old magazine pages, and one gardener’s belief that the joy of growing should be shared.
It Began in a Garden
Before there was a seed company, there was a grandfather’s garden, a curious kid walking between the rows, and fresh vegetables finding their way to the family table.
Made from whatever was on hand
Years later, founder Noah Herron studied biochemistry at Indiana University and worked as an analytical chemist at Eli Lilly. But the garden remained the place he most looked forward to returning to.
After one especially good harvest, Noah saved seeds from several favorite plants. In 2008, he folded pages from old magazines in his garage into packets, sealed them with glue sticks and address labels, and offered those seeds to other gardeners.
One order at a time
Noah started with a simple website and packed every order himself. After a full day at Eli Lilly, he came home and spent another four or five hours preparing seeds, shipping orders, and building the young business.
Within three years, Urban Farmer had become his full-time work. The company eventually outgrew the farmhouse and moved to a five-acre Indiana farmstead with room to grow, pack, and ship.
The handmade magazine packets evolved into recycled-paper packets, but the original idea remained: thoughtful varieties, honest information, and help when growers need it.
Still Growing
A few moments that shaped Urban Farmer—from the first handmade packet to a nationwide network of trusted growers.
Every garden needs a place to start.
For us, it started with a handful of saved seeds and a stack of magazine pages. We are still growing—and grateful to grow alongside you.