About us

“We are what we eat - and that begins with the soil.”

Grow Well Nurseries was founded by James Oliver O’Dwyer, a third-generation seed and plant grower based in Ireland.

From a young age, James learned the value of working with nature, not against it.

Raised to avoid chemical fertilisers that upset the balance of the soil, he discovered that with patience, dedication, and care, nature provides everything plants need to thrive.

As he says “There’s no comparison in taste when you eat what you’ve grown yourself. The difference is unbelievable.”

James began selling his produce at St. Nicholas Market in Galway City, where he quickly became known for the quality of his vegetables and plants. People often asked him, “What’s your secret?” For years, he kept it to himself. That was until Grow Well Nurseries was born!

A Natural Way to Grow

James’s mission has always been to find natural ways to create what he calls “super soil.”

He began experimenting with fermenting seaweed, nettles, and comfrey, layering them in large tanks and allowing them to break down over several months, the old-fashioned way.

This careful process, done entirely by hand, produces a rich liquid tonic bursting with over 75 natural minerals and trace elements. It takes time, patience, and respect for the natural cycle of life but the results speak for themselves.

The Power of Worms

In his quest to grow even healthier, stronger plants, James set up a small worm farm feeding his worms leftover organic vegetables.

Over time, the worms produced what growers call worm castings (pure worm compost), a game-changer for soil health and plant growth.

James began brewing these castings with molasses and natural spring water, double-filtering the result to create a beautiful amber-coloured fertiliser full of microbial life.

This became the base for his now-popular Worm Tea Concentrate and the foundation for a range of natural plant foods that restore life to the soil.

Growing the Range

James has continued to expand the Grow Well range, always staying true to his roots:

  • Seaweed & Nettle Plant Food – the original all-purpose tonic for every type of plant.
  • Celtic Black Gold – a powerful blend of fermented seaweed, nettles, comfrey, and worm cast concentrate that enhances microbial life and nutrient uptake.
  • Worm Tea Concentrate – pure worm compost brew, rich in microbes and nutrients.
  • Cacti & Succulent Plant Food – gentle, low-nutrient formula made from worm castings, ideal for water-storing plants like aloe vera.

    Every product is made the natural way with time, care, and no chemicals.

The Grow Well Difference

Grow Well isn’t just about plant food - it’s about a way of life.

James believes that health begins in the soil, and what we put into our gardens ultimately affects what we eat and how we live.

  • Born from Generations of Growers

    Rooted in three generations of Irish horticulture with passion and plant wisdom passed down through the family.

  • Created the Old-Fashioned Way

    No shortcuts. Each formula is slowly brewed, stirred, and aged by hand using traditional, time-honoured methods.

  • 100% Natural, 0% Chemicals

    Every ingredient is sourced from nature — seaweed, nettles, comfrey, and worm castings — never synthetic fertilisers.

Shop Grow Well Plant Food

Nurture your plants the natural way with Ireland’s handcrafted, chemical-free plant food — made from seaweed, botanicals, and pure worm castings.

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