Farming full-time for income
Updated Nov 11, 2025
Seeking
- 6-10 Total acres
- 0-5 Acres of cropland or tillable land
Desired locations
I'm looking for a permanent home for my native plant nursery business, Tanager Plants.
Plan
Tanager Plants LLC is a wholesale production nursery, a venture that I founded and now manage. I grow and sell plants in containers and occasionally sell field-grown stock (B&B). My offerings include perennials, shrubs, trees, and vines. I focus on native plants and non-invasive exotics that offer practical uses to homesteaders and gardeners. I do my best to propagate my own stock using methods that maximize genetic biodiversity. I have three (soon to be 4) 16’x100’ cold frame hoophouses in production, a smaller propagation greenhouse, and about 6,300 square feet of outdoor area currently.
Desired infrastructure
Equipment and infrastructure details
I would plan to move all my growing equipment including 4x 100'x16' hoop houses and one smaller propagation greenhouse onto the property, including irrigation that goes in each house. It would be ideal if there were a minimum of 3 acres level enough to construct these structures on, with space to grow. Access to water already plumbed to some kind of irrigation riser would be ideal. Any greenhouses already on-site could also be put to good use! I have a skidsteer machine that I use to mix my growing medium and load/unload trucks with, so I am self sufficient, but I could potentially put a tractor to use if one was available.
Preferred type of opportunity
Opportunity details
I'm looking to find a permanent home for my plant nursery business. Because I don't come from lots of money and resources, I seek to find a situation where I'm able to lease to own or build sweat equity for the first couple of years, as I build my ability to take on a larger loan via a more traditional source. My business model has been proven over the last 3 years, and I am working to scale the business to the point I'm able to afford what is needed in terms of permanent housing. I'm currently leasing space for the business and would love to find a way to turn some of that overhead into equity for the betterment of my own future and to open up opportunities to employ more local folks.
Desired farming practices
Practices details
I grow nursery stock in containers and adhere to NOP practices, although I am not certified. I mix my own growing medium using OMRI approved inputs and the end product is a biologically active living soil. I am committed to propagating and selling the myriad native plants of the Blue Ridge in pursuit of habitat stewardship as well as function and beauty from the human perspective.
Production goals
Goals details
I am a nursery grower cultivating blocks of plants in containers, generally underneath hoop house structures that contain drop-down irrigation. I grow according to organic practices, and do my best to reduce my plastic waste in relation to more traditional horticultural operations. I utilize a Dosatron fertigation pump, my own blend of living soil, and granulated organic fertilizers to feed my crops.
Farm experience
Years of experience
8 total years of experience
2 years employed as a worker (non-manager)
6 years as a manager
Education, training, and employment experience
Experience details
I have uploaded a copy of my C.V. which goes over my background in detail.