One Rock Farm & Farmacy Blooms in Howard County 

On National Gardening Day, we celebrate more than the joy of digging into the soil—we celebrate the people who turn gardens into ecosystems, tools into traditions and harvests into community. In the heart of Howard County, One Rock Farm & Farmacy is doing exactly that. 

Tucked in the back of Parking Lot D, in historic Old Ellicott City, a little red barn-style storefront called One Rock Farmacy serves as the public-facing heart of One Rock Farm, a 2.5-acre, human-powered, no-till market garden in Clarksville. What began as a passion project in 2018 has grown into one of the region’s most admired small farms, entering its sixth season with purpose, pride and more than 60 varieties of vegetables and herbs in rotation. It’s the kind of story that could only grow from the ground up. 

From Passion Project to Community Cornerstone 

Farming isn’t easy work. It takes grit, patience and a whole lot of love for the land. But for David Pearman, the founder of One Rock Farm, it was never about taking the easy route. It was about answering a calling. 

“I have always had a passion for plants and an entrepreneurial spirit,” he shared. “I saw farming as a way I could combine those aspects of myself, get closer to living and working in my purpose and feed my community along the way. Not many people want to do this work, yet more than ever we need more farmers to step up and grow food and more for us all, so I want to contribute to that end.” 

That journey started in a big backyard garden in Baltimore. In 2020, it became a full-time operation on a 2.5-acre plot in Clarksville, just a few miles from where the farmer grew up and graduated from Oakland Mills High School in 2007. Today, One Rock Farm is in its sixth season—and growing more vibrant every year. 

A Farm Unlike Most 

What sets One Rock apart isn’t just what they grow (though that list is impressive—over 60 varieties of vegetables and herbs, plus fruit trees and flowers). It’s how they grow it. 

This is a no-till, fully human-powered farm. That means no tractors, no plowing and no heavy machinery disturbing the soil. Everything is done with hand tools, by a dedicated three-person crew and the occasional volunteer. 

Why go this route? It’s all about caring for the soil. Healthier soil means healthier plants, a more resilient ecosystem and a gentler footprint on the land. “We intentionally do not ever till on our farm for soil health benefits and more,” the farmer explained. “We use our hands and our bodies to do the work—and we welcome others to come learn and help too.” 

The Farmacy: A Little Red Barn with a Big Heart 

In June 2023, the team opened One Rock Farmacy, a cozy red barn-style shop tucked in the back of Parking Lot D in Old Ellicott City. Inside, you’ll find produce fresh from the farm, along with goods from other local producers—honey, floral arrangements, sourdough bread, granola, fermented foods, sauces and more. 

It’s also the top pickup location for One Rock’s CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program, where members get weekly shares of produce and flowers straight from the field. 

But the Farmacy isn’t just a store—it’s a community hub. It’s where you meet your farmer, discover a new local brand or run into a neighbor who just bought the same bunch of radishes. “We want the Farmacy to serve as a tiny hub for locally grown produce and to help foster more connection between farmers and the people who live here,” David said. 

More Than Markets: A County-Wide Presence 

In addition to their own store, One Rock Farm also sells at two Howard County farmers markets during the growing season: Clarksville Commons on Saturdays and Oakland Mills Village Center on Sundays. These weekly markets are where the farm connects directly with customers, friends, chefs and fellow producers. 

They also occasionally supply to local restaurants and food businesses—and are always open to new collaborations. 

With every head of lettuce, bunch of herbs or bouquet of field-grown flowers, One Rock is building something much larger than a farm stand. David is building a network of people who care where their food comes from and who want to support a more sustainable, community-focused food system. 

Deep Roots in Howard County 

For One Rock’s founder, choosing Howard County as home base was a natural decision. “This is where I’m from,” he said. “I have friends and family here. The community has been so supportive and there’s real opportunity to farm and thrive here.” 

With its central location between Baltimore and D.C., One Rock can get its produce into kitchens, homes and markets within 30 miles. And as one of the founding farms behind the Chesapeake Flower Exchange in Savage Mill, they’re helping expand the local cut flower movement too. 

Supporting Local Food with One Rock’s CSA Program 

One of the most impactful ways to support a local farm like One Rock is by becoming a CSA member. For the 2025 farm season, One Rock Farm & Farmacy is offering its second annual CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program—and spots are filling up quickly. 

For those unfamiliar, a CSA is a way for community members to buy a “share” of a farm’s harvest in advance. In return, they receive a weekly portion of the farm’s freshest seasonal produce. It’s a win-win: the farmer gets reliable income to plan their season and members enjoy a steady supply of just-picked, locally grown food. 

Apply to the 2025 CHA Program today and support local agriculture and One Rock.

What’s Next: Growing Beauty and Connection 

This season, One Rock is leaning further into flower production—growing 16 different varieties and sharing them through the Farmacy, farmers markets and the flower exchange. But more than that, the Farmacy is continuing to grow connections. 

“We need more farmers right now and more ways to reconnect people with where their food comes from,” the founder shared. “That’s what we’re trying to do.” 

If you’ve ever wanted to get closer to your food, meet the people who grow it or simply spend more time outside with your hands in the dirt—One Rock Farm is the place. 

Follow One Rock Farmacy on Instagram to get updates and follow their journey!