Jamila Norman of Patchwork City Farms on Urban Farming, Food Advocacy, and Good Food

Today’s episode features Jamila Norman, owner and founder of Patchwork City Farms, star of the urban farming show Homegrown, and, most importantly, a farmer at heart. 

Jamila, also called Farmer J, started Patchwork City Farms (PCF) in 2010 after recognizing a need for more locally available, accessible produce and food in the Atlanta area. Jamila has led PCF with one approach in mind: grow sustainable produce in the city, for the city, and educate others while doing it. Her passion for urban farming and food advocacy led to Homegrown, a show on the Magnolia Network where Jamila helps families turn their outdoor spaces into functional farms while sharing the benefits of growing one's own food.  

Jamila is all about helping others, and she's quite good at it. But she's also a successful founder, farmer, and food advocate. If you're seeking answers on how to inspire others, help your community, grow a business, or just need some inspiration, this episode is a must listen. 

Timestamps:

0:01: Cold Open with Jamila Norman || 

0:42: Intro on Jamila, Patchwork City Farms || 

2:31: Background || 

4:37: Environmental Influences || 

6:12: School, Early Career || 

11:23: Urban Farming, Growth || 

18:46: Stories, Lessons Learned || 

23:29: Farmers, Markets || 

27:05: What’s Next at Patchwork || 

29:48: Homegrown, Magnolia || 

34:27: Doing Good For Others || 

38:29: Motivation, Inspiration || 

42:09: End Credits || 

More from the episode:

• Follow Jamila on Instagram @patchworkcityfarms or check their link tree.
• Connect with Conor on LinkedIn. 
• You can stream seasons 1-3 of Homegrown on Discovery+ and Max.