Test PB Collection: FTE

Adding value to farm products is one potential way to increase farm income. For example, some urban farmers sell dried herbs, jams, jellies, pickles and other products.

Having fertile and nutrient dense soil is critical to having productive and healthy plants. The following resources explain different strategies for improving your soil.

Due to possible past uses of urban sites, having soil tested is important to learn as much as possible about any contaminants, such as unsafe levels of lead or other heavy metals.

For many urban farmers, starting plants from seed can save money and increase production. The following resources provide technical information for how to cultivate nursery plants or grow all-year in a greenhouse.

The following links provide specific crop care, management, and timing. For more information about your specific region, look for your local CA Master Gardener website. Crop Care Every plant has specific water, nutrient, harvest, and tending needs.

Many urban agriculture projects involve raising animals for eggs, dairy, meat, and honey.

Poultry farming includes chickens, turkeys, ducks, and other fowl. The following resources are useful for anyone starting a poultry business or raising fowl.

Bee Gardening Resources Whether you are operating a beekeeping business or trying to attract more pollinators, the following tools and resources can help.The Harry H. Laidlaw Jr. Honey Bee Research Facility at UC Davis is a great place to find more information.

In some cases, urban farms include livestock such as sheep and goats. Goats in particular seem to be gaining popularity as urban farm livestock. Zoning is often quite restrictive in metropolitan communities in terms of keeping livestock.

With the limitations of healthy soil in urban areas, aquaponics is a fast-growing alternative to cultivating produce and protein in cities. Aquaponics is a system of growing crops and fish together in a recirculating water system. Crops are grown in water coming from holding tanks full of fish.