If you’ve driven through Germantown recently and noticed crowds gathering near the Lancaster County Dutch Market, chances are you’ve seen Garfield Dorsey, the Gaithersburg native attracting customers from across Montgomery County and beyond with his colorful selection of red, orange, and yellow watermelons (see social media post below). Dorsey’s schedule, locations, and hours can be found on his social media pages, where he regularly posts updates throughout the season. He can be found on Facebook and Instagram.
What began as a passion for fitness and nutrition has grown into a seasonal business that attracts customers from across Montgomery County, neighboring counties, and across the state. During a recent visit, our very own “Mr. MoCo” Alex Tsironis met customers who had traveled from north of Baltimore, along with others from throughout the region, to stock up on Dorsey’s colorful watermelons, fresh juices, and sea moss products.
A lifelong Montgomery County resident, Dorsey says his mission has always centered around helping people live healthier lives. “I’m a Gaithersburg, Maryland native, born and raised right here in Montgomery County,” Dorsey said. “I’m an online and in-person fitness trainer, and my mission has always been to help people get healthy from the inside out, through both nutrition and fitness. Selling watermelons is a natural extension of that.”
That focus on health is evident in both the products he sells and the educational content he shares online. Through social media, Dorsey has built a loyal following by teaching people how to select ripe fruit, explaining the nutritional benefits of various foods, and showcasing the different products available at his stand.
His watermelons have become especially popular because they offer something many customers have never experienced before: orange and yellow varieties alongside traditional red watermelon. “I wanted people to experience watermelon in a whole new way,” Dorsey said. “Most folks have only ever had the red variety. Each color brings something different to the table.”
According to Dorsey, red watermelon delivers the classic sweet and refreshing flavor most people know. Orange watermelon offers a richer, tropical sweetness with honey-like notes, while yellow watermelon has a milder, candy-like flavor with subtle floral undertones.
The orange variety is his personal favorite. “It catches people off guard,” he said. “They don’t expect that depth of sweetness from a watermelon, and watching that reaction never gets old.” Dorsey sources his fruit from farms that prioritize quality and freshness, noting that every watermelon sold reflects on his reputation.
For those looking to pick out a great watermelon, he recommends checking for a deep yellow field spot, listening for a hollow sound when tapped, and avoiding shiny melons. “The biggest mistake people make is choosing based on size alone,” he said. “Ripeness isn’t about size.”
In addition to watermelons, Dorsey offers fresh juices made without added sugars or fillers, along with sea moss products that have become increasingly popular among health-conscious customers. “The fresh juices are made to nourish,” he said. “And sea moss is one of nature’s most nutrient-dense foods.”
One of the most surprising facts he shares with customers is that nearly the entire watermelon can be used. “Most people throw away the rind, but it’s actually packed with nutrients, particularly citrulline, which supports circulation and muscle recovery,” he explained.
The community response has exceeded his expectations. “Montgomery County has shown up and shown out,” Dorsey said. “People are genuinely excited, and word is spreading fast.”
That enthusiasm is evident each week as customers line up to purchase watermelons, juices, and other products. Through regular social media updates, Dorsey announces his locations and inventory, drawing visitors from throughout the region to his Germantown setup near the Dutch Market shopping center.
For Dorsey, however, the business is about more than selling fruit. “Whether it’s a yellow watermelon, a bottle of sea moss, or a fresh juice, every product I offer is connected to the same mission I’ve had as a trainer,” he said. “Helping this community live healthier, fuller lives. Montgomery County raised me, and I’m just giving back.”
Those hoping to pick up a watermelon, fresh juice, or sea moss product can find Dorsey’s latest schedule, locations, and hours on his social media pages, where he regularly posts updates throughout the season. He can be found on Facebook and Instagram.
View this post on Instagram
