Small-Scale sod farm

Landscapers, builders, garden centers, sports clubs, property managers and homeowners.

Price per square foot or per pallet, with pickup at the farm or delivery for a fee. A crop takes months to establish, so income starts later than it does for a reseller.

• Basic knowledge of soil and grass growing
• Operating or learning farm equipment
• Planning crops and harvest timing
• Selling to trade customers

• Land costs or lease terms and zoning, check with your county about agricultural use and any permits
• Some states have rules for sod or turf producers, check your state department of agriculture
• Water rights and irrigation restrictions in your area
• Insurance for farm operations, equipment and delivery vehicles
• Weather, pests and disease can damage a crop, and a harvest must sell quickly
• Income starts months after you plant, so plan your cash flow

Startup costs are typically around $25,000 to $120,000, depending on whether you own or lease land and what equipment you need. Monthly revenue is typically around $4,000 to $20,000, though income starts months after you plant.

Check land costs or lease terms and zoning with your county, including agricultural use and permits. Also check your state department of agriculture for sod producer rules, water rights and irrigation restrictions, and insurance for operations, equipment and delivery vehicles.

The idea typically needs at least about 25 hours a week. Useful skills are basic soil and grass knowledge, operating farm equipment, planning harvest timing and selling to trade customers. Weather, pests and disease can damage a crop, so plan your cash flow.