Growing up in Great Falls, VA, Dave Mascatello from a young age, enjoyed gardening on his family’s one acre plot. Yes, it was a chore and a way to earn an allowance, but he secretly loved it! He loved being outside in nature, getting his hands in the soil and breathing in fresh air. There was something just so freeing and natural about it. At the time, he did not realize it, but this was his calling! Later, he would discover that in a big way.

 

While working with produce in a grocery store, Dave developed a passion learning about foods and cooking practices.  Dave soon began growing edible plants, starting off with tomatoes, peppers, & other annuals and then blueberries, figs, & other potted perennials.  Dave then moved out to Hillsboro, VA to live on 5 acres of beautiful land. He now had all the space to grow his own food!

 

Starting off with a 20x20 vegetable garden, over time Dave planted out a food forest, and then another, and another, until most of the lawns turned into lush food forests! Later, when Dave was able to buy the house and land next door, he began building geothermal greenhouses so that he could grow tropical fruit! And he also planted a wide variety of nut trees as well! This passion and hobby now turned into a full time gig!

 

Planetary Farms now grows over 700 varieties of edible & medicinal plants. On top of working his day job as a full time booking agent for live music, Dave manages 10 acres, caring for thousands of plants, building out his nursery, giving farm tours, lectures, hosting farm to table events & retreats, MCing fruit festivals, performing his music, & introducing people to a holistic lifestyle.

 

Dave is a chef and spokesperson for the whole food plant-based movement, advocating eating as many fruits & vegetables as possible. Dave loves connecting with people and having visitors over for farm tours on a regular basis, showing people where their food comes from and how they can grow it themselves regardless of how much space they have. Book your Farm Tour & Tasting Today and come meet your farmer/food forest gardener!