Hello there, I'm Tanya Doka-Spandhla, a woman with a story as diverse as the crops I cultivate. Born and raised in Harare, Zimbabwe, I wear many hats in life.

First and foremost, I'm a proud mom to two adult sons and a devoted wife who's been caring for my husband for over three decades. By profession, I have a degree in Telecommunications Engineering, but my true passion lies in the soil.

You can call me Farmer T. It's a title I wear with pride, alongside my roles as Farm Owner/Operator of Passion to Seed Gardening and Program Manager for AfriThrive's Farm and Food Education initiative. But my journey here wasn't linear.

In 1995, my family and I immigrated to the United States through the Diversity Visa Lottery program, settling first in Arlington, Virginia, before making Germantown, Maryland, our home in 2000. It was here that my love for farming took root.

Passion to Seed Gardening sprouted in the spring of 2015, inspired by memories of tending to my parents' garden back in Zimbabwe. Those early experiences shaped my desire to sustainably grow fresh vegetables on American soil.

Today, my farm specializes in a variety of ethnic vegetables, all Certified Naturally Grown and cultivated with care. From pumpkin leaves to kiwano, every crop reflects my commitment to preserving authentic flavors and promoting sustainability.

Partnering with organizations like Manna Food Bank and AfriThrive allows me to share these flavors with communities in need. Together, we're not just growing vegetables – we're cultivating connections and nourishing souls. Serving as a board member for the Montgomery Countryside Alliance allows me to advocate

Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, my dedication to this mission remains unwavering. With plans to expand our operations, including heated greenhouses and cold storage infrastructure, the future of Passion to Seed Gardening looks brighter than ever. So, thank you for visiting and remember that each bite tells a story – a story of passion, perseverance, and the power of community.

With Love,
Tanya Doka-Spandhla aka Farmer T