Grow food in all spaces!

No matter what size space you have, from acres to big backyards to patios, porches, and balconies, The Patio Farmer believes you CAN grow food! Whether you are starting from scratch, looking for a few new tricks and tips or need help tackling a big (or small) project, The Patio Farmer is here to assist by walking alongside you as you grow OR jump in to do the work for you! The Patio Farmer's services and offerings are designed to meet you where you are in your growing journey, and find joy in the magic of growing your own food!

What is included?

Weekly visits from March - September
Texted summary of each visit and suggestions for next steps
Supply credit for plants, seeds, soil, anything needed to tend to your growing space!
Membership to Plant Club by The Patio Farmer at the KNOW level
Option to add new raised beds

FOUR new zip codes added for 2026 participants - 28208, 28209, 28104, and 28173

Apply Now!

Limited spaces available for 2026!

The Patio Farmer's Top-Tier Offering for Residential Clients

Hey friend!

I'm Farmer Erin

Since 2017, I've been working with individuals and businesses who are interested in growing food. I got my food growing education by working on farms of all sizes and shapes, from large-scale Certified Organic CSA farms to smaller scale urban farms.

I specialize in container gardening, raised bed gardening, controlled environment agriculture (greenhouse production, hydroponics production, mushroom production), and edible landscaping.

Come on in, take a peek at all my offerings and let me know how I can be helpful to YOU and your food growing journey!

Find What Works for YOU!

The Patio Farmer is here to help you grow, and meet your needs where they are. Use the options below to find the starting point that's right for you!

Are you looking for Weekly Tips & Tricks to Growing Food?

Subscribe to my weekly Newsletter, The Queen City Almanac!

Subscribe Here

Are you looking for more in-depth, next level growing guidance?

Consider joining Plant Club by The Patio Farmer, a monthly subscription!

Join Plant Club

Are you a business seeking assistance with maintaining edible plants?

Schedule a free, prospective business client consultation to talk through options!

Business Services

A Local Expert
Home Food Growing

January 2026

Podcast Guest: Good Neighbor Podcast of South Charlotte

Think you need a big backyard to grow real food? Think smaller. We sit down with Erin Hostetler, the founder of The Patio Farmer in Charlotte, to show how a balcony, a sunny stoop, or a simple raised bed can turn into a steady, confidence-building harvest.

Listen to the Episode

December 2025

WCNC: Grow Life on Your Countertop: Microgreens, Shoots & Sprouts Made Simple

When the world outside feels gray and dormant, your kitchen can be a vibrant oasis!

Watch the Segment

October 2025

WFAE: Guest Panelist

The Patio Farmer joins WFAE (Charlotte's NPR news source) for a round-table discussion of all things fall gardening with fellow guests from Deep Roots CPS Farm and Windcrest Farm.

Listen to the Episode

April 2025

Nominee for Inspiring Small Business of the Year

The Patio Farmer was nominated for Sustain Charlotte's Inspiring Small Business of the Year for the third year in a row!

Meet the Nominees

Spring 2025

Top-tier Coaching & Guidance

Consider applying for a spot in The Patio Farmer's top-tier service to grow your own food successfully in 2025. This service includes weekly visits, supplies, and education for select Charlotte-area zip codes.

Learn more

April 2024

WBTV: Planting herbs at home

Erin Hostetler gave us some tips on how to grow herbs in your own garden.

Watch the Segment

Seasonally

Take a Class with The Patio Farmer!

Sign-up for one of The Patio Farmer's SkillPop Classes on Patio Farming Basics, Backyard Gardening Basics, Starting a Spring Garden, Summer Garden Maintenance, and Fall Gardening Basics.

Sign-up for Class!

GIFT CARDS
Redeemable for services and supplies from The Patio Farmer including Consultations, Installations, Maintenance Services, Out of Town Visits, Seasonal Plants & Seeds, and more!

Purchase Here

TESTIMONIALS

"I have been a subscriber to the Plant Club monthly deliveries since September 2021 and I couldn't be any happier with Erin and her company. Her customer service is top notch and it is just a joy to get my fabulously curated delivery each month."

What is included?

Weekly visits from March - September​

Texted summary of each visit and suggestions for next steps

Supply credit for plants, seeds, soil, anything needed to tend to your growing space!

Membership to Plant Club by The Patio Farmer at the KNOW level

Option to add new raised beds ​​

​

FOUR new zip codes added for 2026 participants - 28208, 28209, 28104, and 28173

​

Read more about the PREMIERE PRACTICE coaching program here.

Apply Now!

Limited spaces available for 2026!

The Patio Farmer's Top-Tier Offering for Residential Clients

Hey friend!

I'm Farmer Erin

Find What Works for YOU!

Are you looking for Weekly Tips & Tricks to Growing Food? Subscribe to my weekly Newsletter, The Queen City Almanac!

Are you looking for more in-depth, next level growing guidance? Consider joining Plant Club by The Patio Farmer, a monthly subscription!

Are you a business seeking assistance with maintaining edible plants? Schedule a free, prospective business client consultation to talk through options!

A Local Expert Home Food Growing

GIFT CARDS Redeemable for services and supplies from The Patio Farmer including Consultations, Installations, Maintenance Services, Out of Town Visits, Seasonal Plants & Seeds, and more!