microfarm
Backyard food production
A microfarm is a very small-scale agricultural operation, typically under an acre or two, often located in urban or suburban areas.
Unlike hobby gardens, microfarms are commercial ventures that produce food for sale, usually focusing on high-value crops like specialty vegetables, herbs, or microgreens.
The model has gained popularity as a way to make farming economically viable without large land investments.
She runs a microfarm on a quarter acre and sells at the Saturday market.
Sustainable ecosystem design method
- crop rotationAlternating field plantings yearly
- polycultureMulti-species crop system
- soil healthGround's biological vitality
- water conservationMinimizing freshwater waste strategically
rainwater harvesting · food miles · local food · carbon footprint · biodiversity · cover crops · mulching · waste reduction
Plant cultivation in nutrient water
- aquaponicsFish-plant water farming
- aeroponicsSoilless growth via misting
- climate control systemsEquipment regulating indoor temperature
- grow lightsIndoor horticultural illumination
Lacking chemical pest treatments
- compostDecayed organic fertilizer
- heirloom seedsNon-hybrid traditional plant varieties
- non-GMOWithout genetic modification
- vermicompostingDecomposition using earthworms
biofertilizers · natural pest control · companion planting · seed saving · beneficial insects · organic fertilizer · worm castings · no-till
Immature edible seedlings
- salad greensEdible raw leaves
- herbsPlants for seasoning
- sproutsNew growth from seeds
- cherry tomatoesMiniature vine fruit
edible flowers · culinary herbs · lettuce · kale · basil · arugula · spinach · radishes
permaculture
Sustainable ecosystem design method
- crop rotationAlternating field plantings yearly
- polycultureMulti-species crop system
- soil healthGround's biological vitality
water conservation · rainwater harvesting · food miles · local food · carbon footprint · biodiversity · cover crops · mulching · waste reduction · food security
hydroponics
Plant cultivation in nutrient water
- aquaponicsFish-plant water farming
- aeroponicsSoilless growth via misting
- climate control systemsEquipment regulating indoor temperature
grow lights · sensors · microcontrollers · controlled environment
pesticide-free
Lacking chemical pest treatments
- compostDecayed organic fertilizer
- heirloom seedsNon-hybrid traditional plant varieties
- non-GMOWithout genetic modification
vermicomposting · biofertilizers · natural pest control · companion planting · seed saving · beneficial insects · organic fertilizer · worm castings · no-till · heritage varieties
microgreens
Immature edible seedlings
- salad greensEdible raw leaves
- herbsPlants for seasoning
- sproutsNew growth from seeds
cherry tomatoes · edible flowers · culinary herbs · lettuce · kale · basil · arugula · spinach · radishes · scallions
microfarmindustrial farm
Large-scale commercial agriculture
factory farm · agribusiness · megafarm · plantation · commercial farm
microfarmindustrial agriculture
Large-scale mechanized farming
factory farming · agribusiness · feedlot · monoculture · intensive farming
micro, farm, farms, farmed, farming, farmer, farmers, farmland, farmhouse