I spent my first year farming making every mistake in the book. Here's what would have saved me months of wasted time and money:

1. Start with soil, not seeds.

Everyone wants to plant immediately. But if your soil is dead, nothing grows well. Get a soil test first ($15-30 at your local extension office). It tells you exactly what your land needs.

2. You don't need acreage to start.

I know people making $2,000/month from a quarter acre. Microgreens, herbs, and specialty vegetables can be wildly profitable on tiny plots. Don't wait for the "perfect" land.

3. Your first crop should be something forgiving.

Lettuce, radishes, and bush beans are nearly impossible to kill. Build confidence before you try tomatoes or anything that requires serious pest management.

4. Water management > everything else.

Over-watering kills more beginner crops than drought does. Learn to read your soil moisture. A $10 moisture meter will pay for itself a hundred times over.

5. Sell before you scale.

Before investing in more land, equipment, or greenhouses — actually sell what you grow. Farmers markets, local restaurants, and community groups are the easiest first customers. Validate demand, then expand.

Farming is one of the most honest ways to build income. If you're starting from scratch and want step-by-step guidance, I'm building out a free community here at Plantation to help beginners get their first harvest.