Top 15 Micro-Farming Ideas to Start Today

Want to start a farm, but short on space?

These micro-farming ideas could be your answer.

There are so many ways to do it. You can grow tasty microgreens, fragrant herbs, or even raise bees for honey. The best part is that you can customize your micro-farm to fit your lifestyle and what little space you have.

If you're ready to make the most of your available area, here are 15 micro-farming ideas that can help you get started.

What is Micro-Farming?

Micro-farming is the practice of growing food or raising small animals on a small scale, usually in limited space.

The main goal is to grow food for personal use or to sell locally without needing a large piece of land.

It is a low-cost and eco-friendly way to grow food, making it a good option for people with little space, like those living in cities or apartments.

Micro-farming can also help people become more self-sufficient and connect with the process of growing their own food.

Growing Microgreens 

Microgreens are small, young plants harvested just after they develop their first leaves (the cotyledons).

You can easily grow microgreens on a windowsill, balcony, or in small containers, which is great for apartment living.

They don’t require much sunlight and can be grown in soil or even just water. Popular varieties include radishes, lettuce, and herbs like basil or cilantro.

Because they grow so quickly, you can harvest them every 7 to 14 days, providing a constant supply of fresh greens.

They’re also easy to sell, especially to local markets, restaurants, or even neighbors.

If you’re planning to grow them indoors, check out tips on growing microgreens indoors to keep them thriving year-round.

Herb Growing

Herbs are a great option for small spaces because they don’t need much room or care. They grow quickly, allowing for frequent harvesting.

They thrive in sunny spots, making them easy to grow both indoors and outdoors (even if you don’t have a large garden).

Another practical benefit is their consistent demand. Herbs are used in cooking, for making teas, and even for natural remedies, so they can be sold fresh or dried.

They’re simpler to grow compared to many other plants, making them an efficient and low-effort way to utilize small spaces effectively.

Beekeeping

Beekeeping is the practice of keeping bee colonies in hives to produce honey, beeswax, and sometimes pollen or royal jelly.

You don’t need much room to set up a hive, and once the bees are established, they do most of the work themselves (although you’ll still need to check on them regularly).

The honey they produce can be harvested and sold, and beeswax can be used to make candles, skincare products, or even lip balm.

One of the nice things about beekeeping is that it also helps the environment by supporting pollination (which benefits other plants and crops).

That said, it’s not something you can just jump into without learning the basics (it takes some knowledge to keep the bees healthy and manage the hive properly).

But if you’re up for it, I think beekeeping can be a pretty fulfilling way to farm on a small scale.

Vegetables Farming

Vegetable farming is a great option if you have a bit of space to work with. It doesn’t have to be a large backyard (containers or small raised beds can work just fine).

Vegetables like tomatoes or lettuce grow relatively quickly, so you get to enjoy the fruits (or veggies) of your labor without waiting too long.

The downside is that vegetables require more attention than herbs or microgreens. They need regular watering, and some may need more space to spread out.

However, if you’re willing to invest the time and effort, vegetable farming can be a productive way to make use of small spaces.

You can even sell your extra produce locally if you end up with extras.

Aquaponics

Aquaponics is a system where you grow plants and raise fish together. The fish produce waste, which the plants use as nutrients, and the plants help clean the water for the fish.

The plants get all the nutrients they need from the fish (no need for extra fertilizers), and it’s pretty eco-friendly overall.

You could set it up indoors or outdoors (depending on the space you have), and it’s a good way to grow things like leafy greens, herbs, or even tomatoes.

Of course, it does require a little more work upfront to set up the system and keep it balanced (you’ve got to monitor both the fish and the plants).

But once it’s up and running, aquaponics can be a low-maintenance and sustainable way to farm in small spaces.

I do believe it’s a good option if you’re looking for something a bit different or more integrated.

Raising Chickens

When raising chickens, you provide food, water, and shelter, and in return, you get fresh eggs and, in some cases, homegrown chicken for dinner.

Raising chickens can be a great choice if you’ve got a little outdoor space (even a small backyard works).

They don’t need much room, but you will need to set up a proper coop to keep them safe and comfortable.

The bonus is fresh eggs almost every day, and chickens can be easy to care for once they’re settled in (they mainly need food, water, and a place to roost). And, they can help with pest control by eating bugs and weeds.

One thing to consider is that chickens need regular attention and a secure area (you don’t want predators getting to them).

If you’re interested, you can check out our raising chickens for beginners guide for more details on how to get started and what you’ll need.

Goat Farming

Goats are social animals, so you’ll need at least two to keep them company.

They’re relatively easy to care for and don’t require a lot of maintenance, but they do need a proper fence to keep them from wandering off (goats are notorious for getting into everything).

They are quite adaptable and can live in small spaces like backyards, as long as they have a safe area to roam and graze.

If you’re interested in milking goats, you can make products like fresh cheese or soap, which can be sold locally.

Goat meat is also in demand in some markets, and their fiber can be spun into yarn for crafting.

While goat farming requires a bit more space than raising chickens, it could be a profitable choice if you have the time and resources to care for them.

Growing Mushroom 

Mushrooms are fungi that can be grown in small spaces like basements, sheds, or even closets.

They typically grow on materials like straw, wood chips, or coffee grounds, making them easy to manage in a small area.

Mushrooms don’t take up much room and grow fairly quickly (usually within a few weeks). You can grow them year-round too (which is convenient since you’re not dependent on the weather).

What’s great is that mushrooms are always in demand for cooking, whether for home use or local markets, as many people appreciate fresh, locally grown mushrooms for their meals.

Once you’ve got the setup right (like proper humidity and temperature), mushrooms are low-maintenance.

They don’t need constant attention, making them a good option for someone who wants to farm but doesn’t have a lot of time.

Fruit Trees

Fruit trees are plants that produce fruits like apples, peaches, or citrus.

They don’t offer instant results (it takes a few years before they start producing), but once they do, you’re set for seasons of fresh fruit. The effort you put in early on definitely pays off.

What’s great about fruit trees is that they don’t require too much attention once they’re established.

They need regular watering and occasional pruning, but once mature, they’re relatively easy to care for.

You can harvest and use the fruit for cooking, baking, or simply snacking. If you end up with more than you can use, selling or giving it away is a great option.

If you’re looking for something that provides long-term benefits, fruit trees are definitely worth considering.

Dual Crop Farming

Dual crop farming means growing two different types of crops on the same land at the same time (often crops that work well together, like corn and beans or tomatoes and basil).

It's a practical way to make the most out of your space and time. Instead of just growing one crop, you get the benefit of two.

The idea is that some crops can support each other (like beans fixing nitrogen in the soil for corn), which helps both grow better.

It’s efficient because you can harvest different crops at different times (this helps spread out the work and harvest).

You do have to make sure the crops actually work well together (not all crops are compatible). It’s important to pick plants that match each other in terms of growth and needs.

If you get it right, dual crop farming can be a productive and low-maintenance way to farm.

You get more food from the same space, and it can help make your farm more resilient (since you’re not relying on just one crop).

Composting

Composting is the process of turning organic waste (like food scraps, leaves, and grass clippings) into nutrient-rich soil that can be used to improve your garden or farm.

It’s a great way to make use of waste materials while also benefiting your plants, and it’s not too complicated.

You just need to combine the right mix of green materials (like food scraps) and brown materials (like dry leaves), and over time, they break down into compost.

Composting also helps reduce waste (by keeping organic material out of landfills) and lowers your environmental footprint.

If you're new to it, I’d recommend looking into methods like the Berkeley method of composting (it’s a fast way to compost that involves turning the pile regularly for quicker results).

Flower Farming

Flower farming is a great choice if you enjoy plants and want to add some color to your space.

Flowers don’t require much room (many types do well even in small spaces), and they usually grow quickly. Once they’re established, they bloom throughout the season, so you can enjoy them for an extended time.

Another advantage of flower farming is that it can be a way to earn extra money. Flowers are often in demand at markets, with florists, or even at local stands.

If you grow flowers that people are looking for (and they do well in your area), you could sell them.

Greenhouses

A greenhouse is a structure made of glass or plastic that traps heat and sunlight to create a warmer environment for plants, especially when the weather outside isn’t ideal.

Greenhouses are useful if you want to grow plants year-round (particularly if you live in a colder area).

They protect your plants from bad weather and pests, making things much easier. You can also grow plants that wouldn’t survive outdoors, like tropical varieties.

Building a greenhouse requires some effort and investment upfront, but once it’s set up, it can save you time and help you grow more plants.

If you’re wondering what to grow in a greenhouse, check out 13 vegetables to grow in a greenhouse. A greenhouse is an excellent choice if you want to grow more, regardless of the season.

Making Homemade Goods

You can create things like soaps, candles, jams, or baked goods right at home (using simple ingredients or materials you probably already have).

If you're raising animals like goats or cows, you could make dairy products such as cheese, yogurt, or milk (it’s a good way to make use of what you have). Fresh, homemade dairy often appeals to people more than store-bought options.

One good thing about making homemade goods is that you can start with just a small corner in your kitchen or another area of your home.

If you want, you could sell your products locally or even online.

If you enjoy gardening, you could also make homemade herbal products (like lotions or teas) using herbs you grow yourself and even make a little money from it.

Urban Farming

Urban farming is a great idea if you're living in a city (or somewhere with limited space). It allows you to grow your own food without needing a large plot of land.

You can grow vegetables, herbs, or even raise small animals, depending on how much space you have.

If you’re considering starting urban farming, planning your space is key (methods like vertical gardening or container gardening can be very helpful).

While it might not be as straightforward as farming on a large plot, it’s entirely doable. If you're interested in learning more, check out apartment gardening or container gardening for tips on making the most of small spaces.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)