Townsend Family Organic Farms at a Glance

Farmers: Justin and Marjorie Townsend
Where they’re located: Key West
Website:  Townsend Family Organic Farms
What they grow: Greens, herbs and produce in vertical hydroponic systems
Where they sell: Mellow Cafe, Data & Thyme

When Justin and Marjorie Townsend moved to Key West from San Diego in 2016, they realized there was little local produce in the Florida Keys. With its rocky soil, scarce fresh water, and little space for farming, the Keys relies on fruits and veggies trucked in via the Overseas Highway from Florida City and points north. For their organic farm, the Townsends set up tower gardens – vertical hydroponic systems – and wicking beds, a type of raised-bed boxes, at Mellow Cafe in Key West and Baby’s Coffee on Saddlebunch Key.  

Their philosophy  Growing organic produce that’s affordable using farming practices that are environmentally friendly and sustainable.

What they grow  About 50 kinds of produce overall. During the summer months, it’s okra, mustards, purple bok choi, collards, Seminole squash, Chinese celery and four types of heat-tolerant lettuces.

What else  Their farm has put into place sustainable programs, including a rainwater collection system at the Mellow Cafe farm and Composting for the Keys, their community curbside compost system to reduce waste and improve soil quality.  

More info Farmstands are set up every Wednesday from 5-7pm and Thursday from 10am-1pm at Mellow Cafe, and Saturday 10am-1pm at Baby’s Coffee. Find their produce at Date & Thyme in Key West.