Preferred counties/regions
- Capital Region
- Albany County
- Saratoga County
- Schenectady County
- Washington County
- Schoharie County
Desired acreage
- 5 or fewer
Farming Status
Aspiring farmer: 1 year or less of farming experience
Not currently farming
Primary reason for farming
Farm will generate the majority of my income
Farming status, plans, and practices
I am currently growing food in a couple of greenhouses on my property but I would love to expand beyond that and begin my own herb farm and business. My plan is to lease some land or potentially rent to own some land and begin growing herbs, medicinal herbs/flowers, select food crops, and some cut flowers on a couple of acres and continue to expand from there as business grows. I also have started a mealworm farm and I am beginning to sell those as well.
It is my goal to eventually purchase my own farm but until I do I plan to lease land and add to the property as much as I can by using organic farming practices and building the soils health. I practice crop rotation, I use companion planting for all of my food crops, and I use organic fertilizers which are a fish and kelp emulsion and a long term slow release fertilizer. Both of these products I purchase through Fruition Seeds.
Farm Experience & Education
I had no experience until two years ago I wanted to start growing food for my family and I so I started researching my zone and looked for anyone who I could follow online who was already farming in my zone and that is when I had found Fruitionseeds.com. They have an entire food growing series in their library that shows you how to grow every kind of crop. I always research everything before I start because I want to have the best possible chance of success and that is exactly what I did with the different crops I was planning to grow. I have always had an interest in farming and when I finally got my first greenhouse I literally stuffed it so full I had to lift containers out in order to get in. I am especially good at growing tomatoes and peppers I just love them. I really truly enjoy the whole process from seed to harvest. I currently have an indoor seed starting set up and I also winter sow in different containers to get a head start on my growing season.
Farming Plans and Practices
Farming method or practice
- Biodynamic
- Organic (not certified)
- Regenerative/Sustainable
Primary crops
-
Vegetables
-
Fruits
-
Flowers or Ornamentals
-
Grains
-
Other Crops
Primary livestock
I currently have no livestock but I would like to have a few chickens and keep some bees at some point. I have an interest in keeping bees for honey production for my herbal business since I use raw honey making oxymels and fire ciders. I want to try experimenting growing only certain medicinal herbs and flowers around different hives to see how it affects the honey with taste, color, and potential added medicinal benefits from the herbs.
Crops I plan to grow includes herbs, medicinal herbs/flowers, and some food crops. I have not grown mushrooms before but I am also interested in learning about mushroom farming and adding mushrooms to my list of crops I will eventually be growing.
The crops I would like to grow this year include:
Basil: Cinnamon, Italian Large Leaf, Red Rubin, Thai, Tulsi
Black Sesame, Catnip, Chives, Cumin, Dill, Lavender, Lemon Balm, Lemon Mint (Bee Balm), Italian Flat Leaf Parsley, Oregano, Purslane, Sage, Sweet Marjoram, Rosemary, Sorrel, Summer Savory, Thyme
Amaranth, Ashwagandha, Borage, Calendula, Chicory, Chamomiles, Echinacea, Marigolds, Nasturtiums, White Mignonette, Yarrow, Zinnias
Garlic, Ginger, Red Onions, Shallots, a few different tomato varieties, and hot pepper varieties.
Marketing Method
I am still working on my marketing plan and methods but I know I am going to create a Facebook business account and Instagram to start. I'm considering creating a Youtube channel as well to show case the farm, teach my methods, plant profiles, how to create some herbal products, and advertise the business. I intend to reach out to local businesses as well about sourcing fresh herbs from the farm and about the products I am making which are Fire Ciders, Oxymels, and Tinctures. I welcome any advice or tips you may have.
Farm business plan or farm resume
Farmland Needs
Infrastructure required
-
Barns - Equipment Storage
-
Electrical access
-
Equipment
-
Water access
Ideally I would like to have access to water for the crops I intend to grow. Any buildings that I can use as a drying shed for herbs, flowers, and storage would be great!
Desired Tenure
I am looking to lease a couple of acres to start my organic herb farm and business. I have a strong interest in herbalism and plants abilities to heal our bodies from the root cause of the issue. It is incredibly important to me to follow organic methods. I would love to learn from other experienced farmers and anyone who has experience or an interest in herbalism. My experience for growing food and herbs is for my family in our greenhouses but now I feel ready to go bigger and start my business. This would be my first year growing on a big scale so it will be a big step for me but I feel so confident in my ability to grow everything successfully that I am welcoming the challenge and experience. I am open to any advice or constructive criticism that is offered. I work hard, I work well with others, and I am committed to growing my business! Let's work together! I am open to explore any ideas, partnerships, or proposals that may be offered. Thank you for reading through my profile.
