Nirav smiles as he gazes at an old family photo on his computer screen, fond memories of childhood flooding back. In the image, a young Nirav Patel stands proudly in his backyard, surrounded by lush green leaves—a space his grandfather transformed into a thriving micro-farm nearly three decades ago, long before farm-to-table became a mainstream movement.
That backyard was more than just a garden. Longing for the familiar flavors of their homeland, grandparents cultivated the Edison, New Jersey soil to grow a blend of local vegetables and the vibrant peppers common in Indian cuisine. Their hard work didn’t just nourish the family; it laid the roots for a passion that Nirav would carry into adulthood.
Years later, during the quiet of the COVID lockdowns, Nirav found himself drawn back to that legacy. Reconnecting with his love of backyard farming, he began experimenting—blending his grandparents’ time-honored techniques with modern methods to create a new kind of micro-farm. Inspired to share this joy and knowledge with others, he launched NJ Backyard, a company designed to take the guesswork out of gardening and help families grow their own fresh food.
NJ Backyard offers more than just naturally nurtured, locally grown seedlings. It provides a full support system—helping aspiring gardeners design backyard farms or window sill gardens, offering seasonal plant recommendations, and sharing expert tips for keeping pests and critters away from crops. It’s gardening made simple and accessible.
For families, micro-farming can be both practical and deeply rewarding. It’s a hands-on activity that keeps kids engaged, contributes to flavorful, home-cooked meals, and can even ease grocery costs. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a curious beginner, Nirav encourages families to give it a try—and he’s ready with advice to help you grow.
Top 3 Tips to Get Kids to Grow Food
1. Make it about more than just dirt and plants. Talk to them about food systems, sustainability, and how they can make a real impact—even in their own backyard.
2. Let them eat straight from the garden. There’s something magical about tasting a tomato you grew yourself. Kids light up when they realize they planted something they can actually eat.
3. Give them ownership and space to experiment. Let them make mistakes, try weird combinations, and learn that there’s no “perfect” way to garden (despite what every Facebook group says!). It becomes a journey, not a chore.
Created with help from ChatGPT and Grammarly.
