Small Plot Intensive (SPIN) Farming:
Path for Profit Making!
By James Smith
By Linda from Chicago, USA (New crops) [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
SPIN, which stands for “small plot intensive,” has the vibe of an imperative, big, and auspicious thought, and it is one that fits into urban culture delightfully. So, what is it? Today I have something to share about SPIN farming, which I believe is tremendously exciting and you’ll enjoy reading.
SPIN depends on the idea of “patchwork farming,” in which unused areas of urban land are utilized commercially as well as someone growing on them for a hobby. This is a significant move of accentuation and one that I find extremely exciting.
SPIN farming is an amazing business model which focuses on boosting profits for growers that are able to develop a better understanding of the intensive urban cropping practices and can maintain a balance between high- and low-value crops, harvesting techniques and direct marketing. SPIN farming doesn’t require a huge budget like conventional farming and you can get started with little investment.
When I first came to know about SPIN farming I falsely expected it was something like square-foot cultivating with a twist, but it’s actually a completely different thing. Spin farming offers the net income levels of conventional farming, while cutting off quite a bit of its costs, multifaceted nature and uncertainty.
How Do I Make Profit with SPIN Farming?
I have summed up the experience of my SPIN farming project below and hope you will find it motivating enough to get started with your own.
After reading out a couple of books on SPIN farming (which provided some really useful tips and techniques to achieve success with a small SPIN farming project), I headed to the nearby supermarket, searched for the costliest products and picked up 7 different ones. I looked into each one and determined its growing season to cultivate. After figuring out which best fits our season and weather conditions here in Lake Mary, Florida, I planned different season plantings. This enabled me to harvest one and get the following one planted to maximize my income and land.
To achieve success with my small SPIN farming project, I initially focused on high-value crops, such as fresh herbs, lettuce, carrots, radishes, and a variety of leafy green vegetables which can be easily sold inside the community where I live.
Next, I developed this farm with permaculture in mind by paying minimal structural costs, searching for seeds, and carefully determining best areas to plant them. At first, I paid for earthworm, livestock etc., considering the return on investment that would include organically grown meat, fruits and vegetables along with revenue.
In the meantime, while this beautiful place transformed from just a small piece of land into a beautiful farm, I enjoyed walking around the beautiful landscape and absorbed the true essence of nature.
After a period of three months, the planted vegetables grew amazingly and were just ready to harvest. Initially, I offered the produce at somewhat cheaper rates than the market which helped me greatly in building a strong customer base. Starting off on a small scale, I asked all my customers to tell their friends and neighbors about what I had on offer for them.
In this way, word of mouth marketing helped me to save a good amount of money on professional marketing. Later, I created a sign to market my farm products and placed it at a busy intersection near where I am located.
Beginning this journey, entrepreneurship was never on my mind but as the time progressed, I saw real value in this business. Now, I am doing it in full swing. SPIN farming might not have many takers in the urban landscape when it comes to a business idea, but its benefits are there to reap when it’s done with full potential and interest. .
Tip: If your community doesn’t allow you to post signs, find a proprietor of a business or property where you want to post your sign. Inquire as to whether you can put a sign in their yard or in their store window. Likely, many will give you a chance to post for free; otherwise, you can offer a sack of your product because it doesn’t always have to be money.
I hope my SPIN farming success story gives some valuable insights and inspires you to get started with your own. If you too SPIN farm, do share your experiences beneath for the advantage of all.
SPIN farming on The Urban Farm Podcast:
Keri Fox on SPIN Farming
Julian Awad on Backyard Riches & SPIN Farming
James Smith is a passionate health and lifestyle blogger who loves to write on trending topics. He is currently associated with EQuip Sells It, leading machinery traders that deal in used equipment for sale. Follow him on twitter @jamessmith1609.
