Q&A with “Farmer Nick”
We all know that uplifting feeling when we’re in nature, eating our greens, or soaking up some sun. Yet, it’s easy to lose sight of our profound connection to nature and its positive effects on us. Enter Farmer Nick, here to remind us that we’re integral parts of this ecosystem, and our experiences can guide us to become happier and healthier versions of ourselves. In this Q&A with Farmer Nick, we are reminded of these principles.
The Four E’s: Farmer Nick’s Philosophy
We often hear that our thoughts shape our actions, but have you considered how our encounters with nature influence our sense of belonging? In this Q&A with Farmer Nick, he delves into his philosophy of the Four E’s: experience sparks excitement, excitement fosters empathy, and empathy drives effort. This philosophy guides us from mere appreciation to active care for the environment.
Farmer Nick’s philosophy is reflected in the various projects he’s initiated or participated in. From writing the book Plant Coach to offering personalized coaching, curating dream homes on Instant Dream Home, and hosting vegan vacations in Italy and Greece, to his latest venture, FarmerNickJr., where he inspires children with plant workshops. Although his initiatives are diverse, they didn’t all start at once.
A Journey Rooted in Passion
His journey into the plant world began after college when his mother assigned him some garden tasks. While working in the corporate world, he pursued self-education through books. Once he decided to make a career change, he began classes at the botanical garden. Launching an Instagram account as a passion project marked the beginning of his botanical journey, eventually propelling him toward his current endeavors.
Reflecting on his early experiences, he recalls, “It was a lot of trial and error.” Armed with years of practice and lessons learned, he emphasizes the importance of “faking it till you make it,” while also being mindful of personal limitations. When asked for advice for new plant parents, he advocates for “mindful neglect,” urging them to strike a balance between monitoring and not fussing over their plants. Understanding the unique needs of each plant and its environment is key.
Always Learning: The Native Plant Focus
As someone constantly seeking new connections, I was curious to know what he’s currently learning about. “I’m focusing on native plants,” he shares. “Being prepared for a client in a new climate can be like starting from scratch, so I want to understand the native plants of Hawaii versus California and so on.”
Farmer Nick finds solace in the simple act of walking around the neighborhood and looks to his neighbors’ yards for inspiration (albeit with discernment, observing what is native to the environment before replicating). He explains his desire to take his time to thoroughly understand a plant’s environment before rushing into decisions. If he had it his way, he notes, he’d spend a year immersing himself in an environment to seek inspiration and learn about the potential plant’s surroundings before determining the landscape.
The pandemic in 2020 prompted Nick’s departure from the corporate realm. At that time, Instant Dream Home was still looming on the horizon, and it taught him how quickly things can change. When contemplating the potential for future shifts, he highlights the importance of integrating new lessons into old routines. “If I had to go back to the office, I’d take breaks with walks outside, put a plant on my desk, and make sure to wake up a little earlier to garden.” However, his top priority would be finding remote work. “I know how being outside affects my happiness, and I wouldn’t want to give that part up for anything.”
Beyond plant care, Farmer Nick is committed to championing green initiatives and challenging stereotypes surrounding masculinity in environmentalism. We discuss why men might view veganism, gardening, and plant care as more feminine, and how he wants to tackle this idea head-on. Through initiatives like FarmerNickJr., he aims to inspire the next generation of nature enthusiasts, filling a void in environmental education. (Stay tuned for episodes on YouTube with project worksheets!)
Looking Ahead: Vegan Getaways and Cultural Exploration
So, what’s next for Farmer Nick? “Another getaway trip is coming up!” Following the success of last year’s excursion to Italy and this year’s Greece trip, Farmer Nick is hosting another vegan trip in Switzerland. He’ll be leading workshops featuring local ingredients and building on an itinerary aimed at exploring the culture of a new place, fostering new connections, and appreciating vegan cuisine. He says, “I love that it’s a trip with good food and no stress over finding vegan options internationally. It’s about enjoying the country you’re in while eating vegan, learning about local ingredients, and exploring the region. It’s about showing people that we can eat more plants AND have fun.”
In pursuit of his green initiatives, Farmer Nick is proving that you can take care of yourself and the nature around you. He’s not all talk; he’s actively creating change from the ground up. He allocates 10% of his earnings to earth-focused nonprofits such as Alma Backyard Farms and Earth Justice as part of his commitment to creating a sustainable future.
Farmer Nick’s Beginner-Friendly Plant Picks
Farmer Nick Jr. is the role model we’ve been waiting for. Here are a few of the plants he suggests to get started with for your own project:
Embracing Growth and Happiness Through Plants
By continually pushing the boundaries of his gardening knowledge and discovering new horizons in the plant world, Farmer Nick shows us firsthand the transformative power of learning and pursuing one’s passions. His story serves as a reminder that it’s never too late to learn something new and never too late to chase what makes you happy. Start your journey to a happier and healthier plant-filled life today with Plant Proper!
