If you think farming requires acres of land, a tractor, and waking up at 4 AM, I’ve got great news—you can actually start an urban farm with less space than your kitchen table and make real money doing it.
The secret? Growing high-value crops that don’t need much space, time, or upfront investment. With just $100 or less, you can launch a profitable, small-scale farming hustle—right from your home, balcony, or backyard.
I’ll walk you through five of the best urban farming ideas, breaking down exactly what you need, how much you can make, and how to sell it. Let’s get growing!
1. Microgreens – The Fastest Turnaround for Cash
If you’ve ever paid $5 for a tiny box of microgreens, you know these little plants are worth their weight in gold. The best part? They grow in 7-14 days and require barely any space.
You can be selling your first harvest within a couple of weeks with not much more than a spare bookshelf, a couple of trays, and a cheap grow light – Easy money.
What You Need ($100 or Less)
- Seeds (radish, pea shoots, sunflower, etc.) – $10-$20
- Growing trays – $15-$30
- Coconut coir or soil – $10-$20
- A sunny windowsill or LED grow light – Free (or ~$30)
How to Sell It
- Local restaurants – Chefs pay top dollar for fresh greens.
- Farmers’ markets – Sell in small $5-$10 clamshell containers.
- Subscription boxes – Offer a weekly fresh greens delivery.
Potential Profits:
- Each 10”x20” tray yields $20-$50 per harvest.
- Running 10 trays per week? That’s $200-$500 per month from your windowsill.
2. Mushrooms – The Ultimate “Set It and Forget It” Crop
Mushrooms are low maintenance, high profit, and best of all—you don’t need sunlight. They grow in closets, basements, even under the sink. If you’ve got some used coffee grounds or straw, you’ve got a mushroom farm.
What You Need ($100 or Less)
- Mushroom spawn (oyster, lion’s mane, etc.) – $20-$30
- Growing medium (straw, coffee grounds, sawdust) – Free or cheap
- Grow bags or plastic containers – $10-$30
How to Sell It
- Farmers’ markets – Fresh or dried mushrooms sell fast.
- Local restaurants – Gourmet mushrooms can go for $10-$30 per pound.
- DIY grow kits – Package up spores + instructions and sell online.
Potential Profits:
- A single 5 lb grow bag yields 2 lbs of mushrooms per harvest.
- Selling 10 lbs per week? That’s $100-$300 in your pocket.
3. Herbs – Because Fresh Basil Shouldn’t Cost $5
Fresh herbs are one of the easiest, most profitable plants to grow at home. They thrive in small spaces and can be harvested over and over again.
Starting with a single pot of basil, it’s possible to be selling small herb bundles within a month for a few bucks each— making real money in no time.
What You Need ($100 or Less)
- Seeds or starter plants (basil, mint, rosemary, thyme) – $10-$30
- Pots or containers – $20-$40 (DIY options work great!)
- Potting soil & fertilizer – $15-$30
How to Sell It
- Farmers’ markets – Fresh herb bundles fly off the table.
- Subscription service – Offer a weekly delivery of fresh herbs.
- Dried herb blends – Sell online or at local shops.
Potential Profits:
- A single basil plant can bring in $20+ per season.
- Growing 20 plants? That’s $100-$200 per month, easily.
4. Beekeeping – The Sweetest Side Hustle
If you’ve ever tasted real, raw honey, you know it’s nothing like the store-bought stuff. Beekeeping is surprisingly doable in urban areas, and a single hive can produce $200-$500 worth of honey per year.
What You Need ($100 or Less)
- Basic beekeeping starter kit – $80-$100
- Protective gear – $30-$50
- A bee colony – Sometimes free from local beekeeping groups!
How to Sell It
- Raw honey – Farmers’ markets, online, or local shops.
- Beeswax products – Candles, lip balm, soap, etc.
- Pollination services – Rent your hive out to local gardens.
Potential Profits:
- A single hive = 10-30 lbs of honey per year, selling for $10-$20 per jar.
- Add beeswax products? You’re looking at $500+ annually.
5. Hydroponic Lettuce – The Space-Saving Profit Machine
Lettuce is a staple crop, but when grown hydroponically, it grows twice as fast, takes up less space, and sells for premium prices.
What You Need ($100 or Less)
- Basic hydroponic system (DIY Kratsky method works great) – $50-$100
- Lettuce seeds – $10-$20
- Nutrient solution – $20-$30
How to Sell It
- Direct to restaurants – They love fresh, local greens.
- CSA or subscription boxes – Sell fresh lettuce weekly.
- Local grocery stores – Many small shops buy from urban farmers.
Potential Profits:
- A single hydroponic system can grow 10-20 heads of lettuce per month.
- Selling at $3-$5 per head? That’s $200+ per month.
Final Thoughts – Pick One and Start Growing!
Urban farming isn’t just for people with land—you can turn a tiny space into a profitable side hustle. Whether it’s microgreens, mushrooms, herbs, beekeeping, or hydroponics, each one offers low startup costs and big returns.
Now, get out there and start growing!