ABOUT US
Twisted Carrot Gardens is a market garden farm in Holliston, MA with a focus on growing a unique variety of nutrient dense organically-grown produce through regenerative and no-till agricultural practices. We grow our crops without the use of tractors and with minimal disturbance to the soil. This helps strengthen the health and vitality of the soil and support a sustainable future. We pride ourselves in providing our community with fresh, healthy produce that is delicious and free of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.
THE FARMER
Twisted Carrot Gardens was founded by 1st generation farmer, Sean Maher, whose farming journey began back in 2012 after he wrote his senior thesis on the state of the food industry in America. He first got his hands dirty in Boulder Colorado working for Peter Volz of Oxford Gardens and Bob Condon of Cottonwood Farms. These two farmers, in addition to Brady Anderson, were a huge influence on Sean when he was first getting his feet wet in the wonderful world of farming.
After four seasons in Boulder, Sean decided to take what he had learned back home to Ashland, Massachusetts where he started a small market garden in his parents’ backyard. He ran a CSA program and delivered the shares himself for the first two seasons. These early years in the backyard were humbling and influential in Sean’s growth as a farmer. He then moved TCG to a new location on the Ashland, Hopkinton line, where he found plenty of room to expand. After four years at the Aikens Road location, he has finally landed a permanent spot in Holliston, MA. TCG now participates in weekly farmers markets and currently serves around 50 local families through the CSA program.
While not certified organic, Sean does not use chemical fertilizers or pesticides in his fields; he chose to take a more holistic approach to farming, focusing on soil health, biodiversity, and plant nutrition... if you take care of the soil the soil will, in turn, take care of you.
If you have any questions about the farm or the growing practices please don’t hesitate to send Sean an email. He loves talking about vegetables, farming, and anything agriculture.
AND HIS FAMILY
Samantha is Sean’s fiancée and she grows the flowers at the farm. She also runs her photography business and takes most of the photos around here. She plays a big role in our online presence and marketing and loves working alongside Sean on the farm. Samantha and Sean met at a farmers market and later got engaged on the farm. As a kid, Samantha lived on a farm where she rode horses, took care of baby goats and all the other animals, and had a small garden of her own so she’s right at home on the farm with Sean.
Sean’s dad Michael aka Mike helps in the fields, goes on supply runs, and enjoys talking sports with Sean while lending a hand. He also enjoys canning and makes the best tomato sauce. Nancy, Sean’s mom, is your warm welcome to the farm as she helps with CSA pickups, and always makes sure the crew is well-fed and hydrated. She loves taking care of the people around her (and our dogs!). Nancy also enjoys harvesting and drying herbs on the farm. Nancy and Mike are the most supportive parents anyone could ask for.
Sean’s aunt Patty is an elementary school teacher and most weekends you can find her singing in the fields, happy as can be. She’s a hard-working volunteer and bakes delicious sourdough muffins before sunrise and her commute to the farm from Connecticut. We are so lucky the farm is her happy place! She’s one of our favorite people on earth.
FAQs
Is your produce organic?
While we have not invested in the USDA organic certification, we do not use chemical fertilizers or pesticides on our fields; we choose to take a more natural approach to farming, focusing on soil health, biodiversity, and plant nutrition. We adhere to USDA organic standards and then some by not using the 40 or so “organic approved” pesticides or herbicides the USDA deems safe to use.
What is a CSA?
CSA stands for community-supported agriculture. When you sign up for our CSA program you are buying a share of our produce for the season ahead. You will pay upfront for the entire season, giving us a jump start on costs for the year, and in return, you receive a box of in-season produce weekly or bi-weekly for 20 weeks.
How will I get my CSA share?
You will pick up your weekly share from the farm in Holliston, MA on your designated pickup day. Don’t forget to bring your CSA box or a reusable bag each week to pick up your produce.