Farming part-time for homestead
Updated Oct 12, 2026
Seeking
- 6-10 Total acres
- 0-5 Acres of cropland or tillable land
Desired locations
Seeking 2–10 acres in Madison or Yancey (near Mars Hill) to expand my in-town homestead garden for food preservation.
Plan
I currently raise a large kitchen garden at our in-town home in Mars Hill. I am seeking land (2–10 acres) close to Mars Hill to expand my home-based food production and canning. Seeking lease-to-own or outright purchase of acreage suitable for row crops and small animals. The expansion of our current urban homestead onto nearby acreage will primarily serve family food preservation needs. As an organic/regenerative gardener, I am hoping to find land in an established agricultural community with minimal chemical/fertilizer exposure. Water (well, creek, spring) required. Flat growing areas strongly desired.
Desired infrastructure
Equipment and infrastructure details
As I am expanding my home garden and canning operation, no equipment is necessary. A barn or other structure would be welcome – as would fencing – but none are necessary. Water required.
Preferred type of opportunity
Opportunity details
I am looking for a lease-to-own or outright cash purchase. Mentorship welcome!
Desired farming practices
Practices details
I garden organically at home and am moving into increasingly regenerative territory. I am open to land that is transitioning from conventional to organic use. As a cancer survivor, I am cautious with herbicides, fertilizers, and other chemicals. My ideal acreage is reasonably protected from drift and other exposure risks.
Production goals
Goals details
This small holding will serve as an expansion of my established home garden and allow me to grow and preserve a wider variety of items. I am particularly interested in planting staple row crops that I cannot grow in my terraced in-town garden. A county location will also allow for some small animal husbandry; goats or sheep most likely, as well as bees.
Farm experience
Years of experience
8 total years of experience
Education, training, and employment experience
Experience details
I am the granddaughter of an Ozark foothills' cattle farmer and have spent considerable time on medium-size family farm and garden operations. I have been growing a sizeable garden for our household for almost 10 years. While I have no formal agricultural training, I am rooted in garden and farming communities and enjoy learning as I go/grow each season.