Find the Right Space

You won't need tons of acres if you’re only looking to start an edible garden or harvest one crop. An average-sized yard can work fine for a few small crops. An edible garden can even fit in micro-yards found on tiny home lots. Small herbs and vegetables can be grown vertically indoors if desired. However, if you’d like to start a larger farm with many crops or livestock, you’ll want a decently sized piece of land. You won’t just have to fit plants and animals when starting a full farm; you’ll need places to store equipment, food, harvests, and animals. If you can move your tiny home to a bigger lot, then you may want to do so. Otherwise, you can farm in a separate location or build a new tiny home on farmland.

Test the Soil

You won’t be able to grow anything with inadequate soil. Most soil should hold water well, but not too much—it should have ample drainage, too. The soil’s pH will matter, too. Different plants and crops will usually require different pH levels. Get your soil tested at home or through official channels like the Department of Agriculture.

Research each crop’s needs and improve your soil’s health depending on the crops you plant. Most crops like a neutral pH (between six and seven), but some plants enjoy overly acidic or alkaline soil. Testing your soil is the key to healthy and bountiful tiny home harvests.

Create Farm Goals

Before starting, you must establish some goals for your tiny home farm. Will you want a small or large farm? Will you host animals or only crops? Will you only harvest certain foods, or is anything fair game? Will your farm be for profit or solely as a hobby? There are many different goals you can create for your farm. The more specific your desires are, the easier it will be to meet those goals. You may need to take your tiny home into account, of course.

Prepare for Livestock

If you’ve decided to raise some animals on your farm, you must provide adequate space for them. Most animals need shelter and areas to roam on your property. A tiny house alone will not adequately suit most animals, except for cats and some dogs. Larger farm animals such as pigs, sheep, goats, donkeys, and horses will benefit from a barn, stable, or pen for roaming and shelter. You’ll need shelter big enough for the quantity and size of the animals you decide to raise. Horses are larger than most people expect.

If you’d like a horse or two, you’ll need a large barn or horse stalls to allow them to sleep comfortably and securely from weather or predators. If your tiny home can’t host shelters of this size, you’ll need to reconsider the location or type of animal you choose. You can construct barns or stalls yourself or purchase them. You’ll also need space on the property to store food and animal equipment. Find a local vet that can provide adequate care for livestock; home visits are ideal.

Research Your Climate

Not all climates can suit all crops. Understand the environment you’re in year-round when you’ll be farming. Learn the common weather patterns and temperature ranges, especially when you plan on planting and growing crops. You must create a farming and harvesting plan depending on your local climate. Drier climates like Arizona and New Mexico will require more frequent watering. Wetter climates like Florida, Hawaii, or Washington may require less manual watering. Some crops, like broccoli or parsley, may have trouble growing in climates that are always hot. Understanding your farm's common weather and temperature will help you make the best choices for crop selection and growing techniques.

Buy Tools and Equipment

Farming requires a lot of manual labor, and equipment can reduce this labor. Even on a tiny home property, you’ll likely need equipment to trim, prune, harvest, and plant seeds. Determine the size of your yard and potential crops to buy the most suitable equipment. For tiny crops, you’ll likely only need handheld shovels and rakes. Large equipment like tractors, tillers, and harvesters might be necessary for expansive land with huge acreage.

Choose Crops Wisely

One of the most important aspects of farming is knowing what to plant and when. Some crops, like lettuce or spinach, thrive in cooler spring or fall temperatures. Okra or bell peppers, on the other hand, thrive in hot, tropical climates. You’ll want a crop that is easy to grow for beginners and will thrive in the temperature or season you’re in. 

Know Local Zoning Laws

Your farm’s property will need to adhere to specific zoning laws. Zoning laws determine what can be done with the land within a certain area. Zoning laws are the reason you don’t see commercial buildings in the middle of many suburban neighborhoods. Research zoning laws in the area in which you want to build your farm. Farms are usually allowed, especially for personal use, but it never hurts to check!