Growing Your Farm: Transitioning from Garden Plots to Small Farms with John Deere

11/3/2023

Kennadi Harris

Embarking on the journey of transforming a backyard garden into a small-scale farm presents an opportunity to not only turn your passion into a profitable venture but also to embrace a more sustainable lifestyle. However, this process requires much planning, time, and patience. Making this transition can be challenging, but with the right equipment and the right attitude, it can be done. In this guide, we'll explore the best way to approach this transition, the necessary equipment, and the key implements to make your small farm operation successful.

Start Small and Slow

Transforming your humble garden plot into a full-blown operation is an ambitious task. To manage the increased responsibilities effectively, start small and gradually expand your planting area. This will allow you to test the waters and adjust to the demands of running a larger operation, ensuring a smoother transition.

Equipment Needed

Compact Tractor

Since you are increasing the scale of your work you are going to need bigger machinery to help you handle your operation. John Deere compact tractors are the perfect solution. They are not as large and overbearing as utility or row crop tractors but they are efficient enough to carry out more heavy-duty tasks over several acres of land. Both maneuverable and versatile, a compact tractor will be the backbone of your small farm.

Gator UTV

A John Deere compact tractor will help you get most of the work done but a Gator Utility Vehicle will help you get around your property more quickly. A Gator offers all the benefits of a pickup truck, in a more functional package. You will be able to easily navigate all corners of your operation while also having a storage area for tools and supplies you need to carry. UTVs are equipped with more durable tires to go places trucks can’t, perfect for the rugged terrain you might find on a farm. 

Implements Needed

To get the most out of your equipment, you need to know the right implements to utilize for your small farm operation. 

Front-End Loader

Before you get any other implement, you need one that will cover the basic tasks of any application, and that is a front-end loader. A front-end loader can use several different attachments to perform loader work such as buckets, pallet forks, or grapples. Whether you need to transport items, scoop items up, or clean up debris a loader is a must-have for handling heavy objects.

Rotary Tiller

To grow a field of crop successfully, experts know that it’s beneath the surface that counts. Before planting, your soil needs to be prepped by being properly broken down and mixed. This is why you need a rotary tiller. A tiller prepares your seedbed for planting by using rotating tines to penetrate the soil and cultivate the perfect texture for growth.

Post-Hole Digger

Since your new operation will be taking up more space, you will need fencing to contain it. That is where the post-hole digger comes in handy. The post-hole digger is equipped with an auger to drill perfect-sized holes to install a post for fencing. It can also be beneficial for other additions to your site such as a deck, tool shed, or simply planting trees.

Rotary Cutter

Occupying a larger amount of land also means you are going to need something stronger than a standard lawn mower to tame tall grasses and weeds. A rotary cutter is up for the task, as it is designed to cut through tall grasses, brush, and weeds easily. John Deere offers a variety of sizes so you can get the job done faster according to the size of your land.

Box Blade

A box blade can be useful for many applications, thanks to its undeniable versatility. It is made to cover a variety of tasks that involve grading, leveling, backfilling, and spreading. This can be useful for your small farm to create pathways, spread soil, and much more.

The process of transitioning your garden into a small farm operation can be overwhelming if you’re not prepared. But if you take your time and acquire the right tools and equipment it can be an enriching experience that will reap many benefits. If you have any questions on equipment that could be good for your operation, don’t hesitate to contact us or visit one of our locations today!