Meet Your Farmer
Hi, I’m Charlene, founder, farmer, and the hands behind every tray of greens at Tiny Harvest.
A few years ago, I was working a typical desk job, juggling the demands of corporate life and motherhood. As a single mom, I craved something more meaningful – time with my kids, time outdoors, and a deeper connection to the food we eat. So, I took a leap. With no background in farming, I traded spreadsheets for soil and built Tiny Harvest from the ground up.
What started as an experiment has become a thriving microgreens farm right here in Johannesburg, and a lifestyle rooted in watching life grow.
I fell in love with microgreens for the science behind them, their beauty, and their incredible natural power. They’re small but mighty – rich in nutrients, bursting with flavour, and incredibly easy to add to your daily meals.
But more than that, they represent something bigger: a return to real food, grown close to home, with love and purpose. Tiny Harvest is my way of sharing that joy with others, especially families like mine who want to eat better without overcomplicating life.
Farming microgreens might look simple, but it takes precision, patience, and a lot of heart. My days usually begin with school drop-offs, then it’s back to the farm to check water quality, adjust pH levels, and feed the fish that help power our aquaponics system.
Every crop is grown indoors, under carefully controlled conditions. I monitor temperature, light, moisture, and soil health to make sure each tray grows strong and clean. I harvest everything by hand, inspect for quality, and prepare orders for delivery. Some days, I’m experimenting with new varieties; other days, I’m learning – always learning.
It’s busy. It’s humbling. It’s the best decision I ever made.
Tiny Harvest isn’t just about microgreens, it’s about building a healthier, more sustainable future.
We run the farm using eco-friendly principles from start to finish:
I’ve always wanted my kids to know where their food comes from—and that healthy living can start in your own backyard.
I love seeing the sparkle in children’s eyes when they realise they can pick something green, taste it, and enjoy it. That’s why education and community are woven into everything we do.
One of the things I hear most from customers is how fresh and long-lasting our microgreens are. People notice the difference, not just in taste, but in the service too.
Even though our model may grow over time, I’ve built Tiny Harvest with a hands-on approach. I pack and deliver many of the orders myself. I talk to customers directly, answer questions, share recipes, and listen. That human connection matters. It’s how we build trust, one punnet at a time.
Tiny Harvest is more than a business, it’s a personal journey. I’m so grateful to be sharing it with you. Whether you're a home cook, a chef, or someone curious about where your greens come from, I’d love to connect.
Follow along on our socials for a peek behind the scenes, new products, and stories from the farm. You might even spot a chicken or two enjoying the leftover pea shoots!
Reach out if you have ANY questions..
