Best Produce to Grow as a Small Business

A practical guide for small farms and first-generation growers

Starting a small farm or turning a garden into a profitable venture is less about growing everything and more about growing the right things. The most successful small-scale farms focus on produce that is high-demand, fast-turnover, and profitable per square foot. Below are some of the best crops to grow when you want to turn produce into a real small business.

1. Leafy Greens (Fast, Reliable, High Demand)

Leafy greens are a cornerstone of profitable small farms. Crops like collard greens, kale, spinach, lettuce, and mixed salad blends grow quickly and can be harvested multiple times per season.

Why they work

• Short growing cycles (30–45 days)

• Strong demand at farmers markets and restaurants

• Can be grown intensively in small spaces

• Easy to scale with succession planting

Best for

• Farmers markets

• CSA boxes

• Local restaurants

2. Microgreens (High Value, Low Space)

Microgreens are one of the most profitable crops per square foot. They are harvested in 7–21 days and sell at premium prices due to their flavor, nutrition, and visual appeal.

Popular varieties

• Sunflower

• Pea shoots

• Radish

• Broccoli

Why they work

• Can be grown indoors year-round

• Minimal land required

• High margins with consistent buyers

• Ideal for restaurants and health-conscious consumers

3. Herbs (Small Plants, Big Profits)

Fresh herbs are lightweight, quick-growing, and command strong prices. Many customers prefer fresh herbs over dried, especially when buying local.

Top sellers

• Basil

• Cilantro

• Parsley

• Mint

• Rosemary

Why they work

• Continuous harvest potential

• High value per pound

• Easy to bundle or upsell

• Strong demand from chefs

4. Specialty Vegetables (Stand Out, Charge More)

Specialty and heirloom vegetables help small farms differentiate themselves from grocery stores. Customers are willing to pay more for unique varieties and better flavor.

Examples

• Heirloom tomatoes

• Rainbow carrots

• Purple sweet potatoes

• Specialty peppers

Why they work

• Premium pricing

• Strong storytelling and branding potential

• Great for farmers markets and direct sales

5. Root Crops (Reliable and Storable)

Root crops may not be flashy, but they are dependable and store well. This allows farmers to sell over longer periods instead of rushing to market.

Best options

• Sweet potatoes

• Beets

• Turnips

• Radishes

Why they work

• Longer shelf life

• Consistent household demand

• Lower spoilage risk

• Easy to bundle in bulk sales

6. Fruit Crops for Long-Term Income

Fruit crops often take longer to establish, but once productive, they can generate strong recurring income year after year.

Good options for small farms

• Blueberries

• Figs

• Peaches

• Blackberries

Why they work

• High customer loyalty

• Strong seasonal demand

• Value-added potential (jams, preserves, frozen fruit)

Final Thoughts: Think Like a Business Owner

The most profitable small farms are not the ones growing the most crops. They are the ones growing intentionally.

Before planting, ask yourself:

• Who is my buyer?

• How fast can I turn this crop into cash?

• How much can I earn per square foot?

• Can I grow this consistently and reliably?

Start small, master a few crops, build relationships with buyers, and scale with purpose. Farming can absolutely be a business, but only when it is treated like one.

If you want help choosing crops, structuring your farm, or building a real funding and growth plan, that is exactly the type of work I help farmers with every day.