Noah Nichols has been selling organic fruit and vegetables from his own hedge veg stall along Route de Carteret in Castel for the past year.
In that time, his business has grown significantly in popularity across the island.
The 12-year-old branched out from his home garden patch last July, taking over derelict space inside an old greenhouse that was offered up to him. His produce has been sold at various Seafront Sundays, using borrowed stall set-ups.
However, last Sunday, the young entrepreneur pitched-up in his own branded tent, funded by Floral Guernsey. ‘It’s cool,’ he said.
His dad Ben said the gazebo would make life much easier at local events.
‘We kept borrowing things from everybody and logistically it was a nightmare,’ he said.
‘We’d borrow a gazebo from one person and tables from somebody else, so we decided it was time to get our own. We’re very excited that Floral Guernsey offered their support. They fit with what we’re trying to do in the community. We’ve got lots of plans in the background, working on more community things. We try and get to as many Seafront Sundays as possible, depending on what produce Noah’s got, and it’s great to now have our own gazebo, which we’ll bring to each one.’
Although this summer’s hot weather has damaged some of his crops, Noah still arrived at Seafront Sunday with a colourful display of freshly harvested vegetables.
Floral Guernsey council member John Woodward said the charity was keen to back Noah’s Veg Patch.
‘We thought it sounded like something that works in the community, which is exactly what we support,’ he said.
‘Our aim is to make the island a nice place for people to live and for visitors to come to, and the opportunity to buy fresh, locally grown produce is something we really need to promote. Noah’s stall has a fabulous spread, there’s something there for everybody.’
Fellow council member Caroline Allisette said supporting a young grower was particularly important.
‘It’s lovely to see a new generation carrying it through,’ she said.
‘As soon as I saw they were looking for sponsorship, I contacted Ben straight away. We were lucky to get in early because afterwards there were lots of people who wanted to help.’
Noah’s Veg Patch has been nominated for this year’s Young Achiever Award at the Guernsey Press Pride of Guernsey Awards, after being crowned last year’s Sustainability Hero of the Year.
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