Urban farming is a growing trend, and for good reasons. Urban farmers are beginning to set up what some call urban farmhouses that are helping to build community, improve physical and mental health, reduce food insecurity and make cities more sustainable.
Urban farming has also become a great way to earn extra money for those involved in the industry. For some, it is a hobby, while for others it is both a part-time and full-time job, and it’s easy to get started.
In this article, we intend to offer an overview of the urban farming industry, what it entails and how to get started. We will also look at some of how you can make money from this enterprise. You can learn more about the benefits of urban farming here.
What is urban farming?
Urban farming is the practice of growing food in an urban environment. This can be done on a small scale, such as in a city garden or community garden, or it can be done on a large scale using an indoor or outdoor farm. The practice is becoming increasingly popular as people become more concerned with their food’s origins and sustainability.
This type of farming allows individuals to grow their produce and even raise animals, thus reducing the need to rely on grocery stores for fresh fruits, vegetables, and meat.
Types of urban farms
There are many different types of urban farms. Some are small community gardens that are tended by residents, while others are large-scale commercial operations that supply grocery stores and restaurants.
Commercial urban farming involves growing food for sale in local grocery stores and markets, while community farms focus on providing fresh produce to low-income families who would otherwise have difficulty affording it. These different types of urban farms include;
Rooftop gardening
Rooftop gardening is one of the most popular forms of urban farming. It involves growing food on otherwise unused rooftops, such as those of commercial buildings or apartment complexes. This method can be particularly beneficial in areas where land is scarce or expensive to buy, but it also helps reduce pressure on traditional farmlands by reducing the need for new farmland to be cleared for cultivation.
Yard gardening
Another popular method of urban farming is yard gardening, which involves growing food in the backyards and front yards of homes. This can be done on a small scale or larger scale depending on the needs of each household or community. This type of urban farm often provides food for the household that owns it, but some people also sell their excess produce to local grocery stores or restaurants.
Institutional farms and gardens
Institutional farms and gardens are large-scale urban farms that are operated by schools, hospitals, prisons, and other institutions. These farms often use the produce they grow to provide food for the institution itself or its students, staff, and patients. But many also sell excess food for profit.
Vertical farming
Vertical farming is a type of urban agriculture that takes advantage of space by growing plants vertically instead of horizontally. This allows farmers to grow more produce in less space, which can help reduce the amount of land needed for large-scale food production.
Community farms
Community farms are operated by residents and often focus on providing fresh food to those in the community who might not otherwise have access to it. Community farms can also provide an opportunity for people who don’t have much space of their own to grow fresh produce at home.
How to start an urban farm
If you’re interested in starting an urban farm, there are a few things to consider.
- First, find out if your local government allows for the type of farming you want to do. If so, get in touch with them to learn about any special requirements or restrictions that might apply.
- Next, choose a location and determine where you’ll build your farm, and what types of crops will grow best in that environment.
- Prepare the land. The process isn’t quite as simple as just planting seeds in the dirt and waiting for them to grow—many factors affect whether or not your plants will thrive, including weather conditions and soil quality.
- Build the necessary structures and install the equipment you need to grow, harvest, and store your crops. The type of farm will determine what structures and equipment are necessary. Some examples include greenhouses or hoop houses, beds for growing vegetables, and stakes for climbing plants.
- Ensure food safety by making sure your farm is properly sanitized, and that all equipment is clean before you use it. This will help prevent the spread of disease among your crops.
How much does it cost to start an urban farm?
The cost of starting an urban farm depends on the scale of your operation. If you’re planning on a small-scale operation, you’ll likely spend between $1,000 and $2,000 (or less) to get started. These costs include:
- Land: This can be difficult to find in urban areas because many properties are occupied or zoned for other uses. You may need to purchase land from someone who owns it but isn’t using it to start your urban farm, or you could use a root top or somewhere in your yard.
- Materials: Most materials for building a hoop house can be purchased at local hardware stores; however, if you need specialized materials like recycled plastic bottles or metal wire fencing, these may have to be purchased online from specialty supply companies that ship them directly to your home address.
- Equipment: The most basic equipment needed for an urban farming operation includes pots and trays for seedlings; soil mix; seeds; watering can; trowel or spade; stakes for tomatoes and other vining crops (or trellises); netting or wire mesh cloths that can be used as shade cloths over crop rows during hot weather spells (like summer months). Other useful things might include garden gloves so that hands aren’t damaged while working with sharp tools such as shovels or hoes.”
Depending on the scale you choose to go into, but is best to consult with local cooperatives or agricultural extensions to find out the approximate costs of doing business in your area. They can give you estimates based on your available resources in case you need to secure a bank loan.
How to make money from urban farming
The best way to make money from urban farming is by selling your produce. Urban farming is a very profitable business model. It can also be a great way to supplement your income or even replace your day job if you’re looking for something that gives you more flexibility.
You can sell directly to local buyers, set up a stall at farmers’ markets or food festivals, or even signup for online farmers’ markets like Local Chow. The latter will give you exposure and create a brand for yourself, allowing you to sell your products online and in grocery stores. The best part about urban farming is that it’s an easy way to make money from home—so long as you have access to a plot of land or even just a few pots, you can start making money right away!
Other ways of making money from urban farming include;
- Offering home gardening services (e.g., installing raised beds).
- Teaching classes on the basics of growing food.
- Organizing a farmers’ market Providing consulting services to businesses who want to set up their urban farming operation.
Conclusion
If you’re thinking about starting an urban farm, know that it can be a rewarding and profitable business venture. However, it’s important to start small and plan carefully. If you have access to land or space in your yard, you might want to consider building a hoop house first; this will give you a chance to test out the whole idea before investing too much time and money into it.
Once you have started your urban farm, selling your products is easy. You can easily sell them on online platforms like Local Chow which connects you directly to consumers of fresh farm products in your neighborhood. We hope that this article has helped you get started with your urban farm. If you have any questions or feedback on what we’ve written, please leave us a comment below.
