Hosting a Microfarm

Transform a space in your yard into a productive microfarm that produces fresh flowers and vegetables for sale and donation within the community.

Yard Evaluation Checklist

  • is in full sun for most of the day (7-8 hours)
  • is not more than 50 feet from a hose access point
  • does not contain invasive plants
  • is accessible with a wheelbarrow

*Suggested but not Required*

  • Knowledge of how the land was treated for the last 2 years
  • Knowledge of common weeds around the yard
  • Interest in learning about organic farming methods

Microfarm Interest Form

Microfarm Registration

Frequently Asked Questions

Patchwork Microfarms (Currently Garden Insights LLC) holds all liability for personal and property damages that take place within the allotted yard space.

Yes. Before any work is completed in the yard, the homeowner and Patchwork Microfarms will sign a land-use agreement.

A free soil test and monthly share of the produce grown in your yard and other microfarms in addition to complimentary garden maintenance and consultation up to 5 hrs/week around your property. I am available for ongoing garden maintenance if you are interested in additional services

The defined space in your yard will be used for intensive vegetable and flower production in 30" rows. After a soil test is completed, only organic fertilizers and amendments will be incorporated into the soil as I farm through regenerative techniques that will improve soil health over time.

Jacob will be the only person accessing your property. Weekly days and times will be outlined in the land-use agreement, though Jacob may require last-minute access in preparation for inclement weather.

Drip irrigation will be installed to run for a set amount of time on the farm (to obtain a 2" watering depth across the whole area). A flow meter will be installed at the water source to track how many gallons of water are used over the season. Patchwork Microfarms will pay for additional water used. 

It depends! Microfarms can take all shapes and sizes but the area must be one large area (rather than multiple, smaller beds). See "Are raised beds eligible" for alternative setups. For this model to be profitable and sustainable for myself, the smallest microfarms can be 3'x15' with the largest up to 15'x30'.

A splitter would be installed at the water source. The microfarm would be irrigated at a different time as the rest of your property as to not impact the water pressure during regular irrigation of your yard. 

No. I will be hosting a small CSA program with the grown produce to generate revenue for the business. As the host of the microfarm, you will get a weekly share of the produce grown throughout the season from all farms so I will be growing crops that can produce a large amount in a small area (beans, carrots, peas, lettuce, etc.). If you are interested in growing specific veggies in your space, I'm happy to talk and help out over email or while I'm on your property!

They will not. I will be growing crops up until the point they are best harvested. For many plants, this is at least a month before any seeds completely mature. Weeds within the farm will also be kept to a minimum and removed or cut close to the ground before they produce mature seeds.

A location for produce donations is still being finalized but the options from this list are the current candidates.

Yes, raised beds are eligible. The minimum size of 6'x15' of growing space will still be required. How big is the microfarm?

Land Acknowledgement

I live on stolen land once home to village sites of the Multnomah, Kathlamet, Clackamas, Bands of Chinook, Tualatin, Kalapuya, Molella, and many other tribes.
I also live on a gentrified plot of land in North Portland that is part of Albina, the center of Portland's African American population since the late 1900s.
It is because of the efforts of those before me I am able to care for plants and grow food on this land responsibly and with intention.

Harm-Reduction Capitalism

Capitalism isn't broken, it is keeping certain people from getting ahead just as intended.
In order to sustainably provide fresh, local produce free of charge to others, I have to participate in this system to financially support myself.

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