diff --git a/tools/debian/gemini.service b/tools/debian/gemini.service
index 31d723a..3e46be5 100644
--- a/tools/debian/gemini.service
+++ b/tools/debian/gemini.service
@@ -13,7 +13,7 @@ Description=Agate gemini server
 # and place the contents to be displayed in /srv/gemini/content
 WorkingDirectory=/srv/gemini/
 # assumes the device hostname is set correctly
-ExecStart=agate --hostname $(uname -n) --lang en
+ExecStart=/bin/sh -c "agate --hostname $(uname -n) --lang en"
 
 Restart=always
 RestartSec=1