Is small farming profitable?

[Kapohocat]

http://www.pathtofreedom.com/

This family has a very small suburban lot in Pasadena, CA they "farm".

[Hotzcatz]

That was an interesting website, although they seem to be gardening and homesteading, more so than truly farming. It seems more of a lifestyle than a for-profit venture. I'm hoping to make some money by farming, it seems like it should be possible. If I could live on the farm, then I could work on a homestead type farm, but this is a farm without a farmhouse.

I do not understand what it is with vegetarians and not eating fertile eggs. Technically, eggs aren't vegetables even though they look like them. Keeping the hens away from roosters so the eggs will be infertile is just as non-reproductive as if they were eating fertile eggs so I don't see as how eating non-fertile eggs would make a moral difference. Oh well, at least they are keeping chickens.

We will have chickens at the farm because the coffee trees in the fenced in part of the back yard with the chickens are a nice glossy deep dark green. The coffee trees outside the fence are sort of yellowish green and have a lot less leaves. Plants and animals do well together.

---

"I like yard sales," he said. "All true survivalists like yard sales."
Kurt Wilson

[asly]

Hi Hotzcatz,

What about allowing folks to do a work/share trade? I'm thinking this would benefit both sides, you would have extra labor, and people like me (just coming to the island but don't have my own land yet) could learn how to farm/garden in HI. This situation has worked well for me on my lavender farm, we have folks that have a few days free and want to learn more about growing and harvesting lavender, they come to work for a day or two. I'm also made some great friendships that way!

Best to you, Ann

And then, I dreamt of Hawaii... http://crazypineappledream.blogspot.com/

[Hotzcatz]

Sure, you can come help farm any time you want to! The beginnings of the farm aren't likely to be fun, though, since I suspect it will consist of fencing and planting trees. I am planning a huge vegetable garden although that will just be for family and friends since selling vegetables grown on the ground is under a different insurance classification than fruits from trees.

I don't think I will be able to grow lavender since it will get too hot during the summers. Lavender likes to grow at a higher elevation and this is only about 400 feet or so. Rosemary will grow well, I'll put in a hedge of that stuff, but lavender would probably just linger around for a bit and then disappear. At least, that's what I suspect, but I'm not the best at growing lavender. What conditions are best for that?

---

"I like yard sales," he said. "All true survivalists like yard sales."
Kurt Wilson

[asly]

Darn I just typed a big reply, but got bumped off and lost it all. So, here's the condensed version. Elevation isn't the problem as much as humidity. The Lavender farm on Maui grows several varieties and some bloom yearround. I'll keep in touch as I'd certainly take you up on the offer to help. Best, Ann

And then, I dreamt of Hawaii... http://crazypineappledream.blogspot.com/

[Devany]

Catz & Ann,

It has been my experience that lavender grows almost anywhere that rosemary thrives. Neither like wet roots though. Hot and dry is better than hot and wet (more like what we have here).

Ann, I think that there is a Lavender farm on the Hamakua Coast (big island) too. I will ask some friends and see if I can get contact information for you. Meanwhile, the grower on Maui would be another person to ask.

quote:

---

Originally posted by Hotzcatz

Sure, you can come help farm any time you want to! The beginnings of the farm aren't likely to be fun, though, since I suspect it will consist of fencing and planting trees. I am planning a huge vegetable garden although that will just be for family and friends since selling vegetables grown on the ground is under a different insurance classification than fruits from trees.

I don't think I will be able to grow lavender since it will get too hot during the summers. Lavender likes to grow at a higher elevation and this is only about 400 feet or so. Rosemary will grow well, I'll put in a hedge of that stuff, but lavender would probably just linger around for a bit and then disappear. At least, that's what I suspect, but I'm not the best at growing lavender. What conditions are best for that?

---

"I like yard sales," he said. "All true survivalists like yard sales."
Kurt Wilson

---

Aloha au i Hawai`i,
devany

www.myhawaiianhome.blogspot.com
www.eastbaypotters.blogspot.com

[Chuysmom]

Lavender is amazing to me. I use it in my sachets, etc. Also good antiseptic.

I have purchased items from the farm on Maui when they set up their booth for the Merrie Monarch Festival...nice.

I do love Provence lavender, which I get from a gal in Washington State.

So many varieties, so little time!

Carrie Rojo

http://www.carrierojo.etsy.com


"Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek." Barack Obama

[asly]

Hotzcatz, what about an idea like these folks? http://yourbackyardfarmer.com/ A way to help folks develop their properties with sustainable ag. Just a thought for someone ambitious. Ann

And then, I dreamt of Hawaii... http://crazypineappledream.blogspot.com/

[Hotzcatz]

Hey, that sounds like more fun than mowing lawns! Farming other folk's backyards and getting them to pay you to do it sounds like a great idea. If this acre farmlet falls through, then farming other folks' yards might be a plan.

---

"I like yard sales," he said. "All true survivalists like yard sales."
Kurt Wilson

[asly]

I know I'd be one of your clients! We are very into farming and the whole lifestyle, yet at times, it's all beyond our capabilities, especially when we will only be part-timers in HI. Maybe this could be a contract thing you do on the side. I know many farmer's making extra bucks off site. All the best to you! Ann

And then, I dreamt of Hawaii... http://crazypineappledream.blogspot.com/