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Newville, PA

I have a very small space to place and was wondering about leasing a piece of farmland. Just curious is this is a smart idea or something that I would dread. I have a small garden at my dad's house that I can plant a pumpkin or two...anyone know of how to find land for lease?

3/3/2012 3:01:03 PM

Eastern Pennsylvania

I would think most leasable plots would be far too large and out of your budget but perhaps your area has a community gardening area where you can get a spot in. Also I know of a few growers that just ask a farmer if they mind giving up a small square on the perimeter of one of their fields and it usually works out.

3/3/2012 5:06:05 PM

Newville, PA

Yes, I was thinking about the price....I will just have to use the space that I have for now. I will check around to see if any farmer would allow for me to use a small section of a field. Never thought about that...thanks for the advice.

3/3/2012 8:36:09 PM

South Hero, VT

Have you talked to owners of gardening centers or feed stores?
They might know someone who would let you break sod for a patch. Or contact the Pennsylvania growers at http://www.pgpga.com/ for growers near you.

3/3/2012 10:56:49 PM

South Bloomfield, Ohio

I don't know what trade you practice for a living, but I got access to a farm plot nearby on which to grow pumpkins by providing my skills as a truck/farm equipment technician. Over the years, we've developed a great friendship. If you have skills which are helpful to a farmer, use that approach. Farmers love to barter when they can.

3/3/2012 11:09:23 PM

Rhode Island

growing on someone elses land is always a challange. between lugging supplies, finding water source, storing tools,etc, it can be a difficult task. i know because many years ago i tried it and gave up halfway through the season.
then theres also the chance the farmer gets a bug up his you know what and your season could be over really quick.

try and make that small piece of land at your home work. cut some trees, do what ya gotta do to stay at home would be my suggestion.

pap

3/4/2012 10:58:31 AM

Newville, PA

Thanks for all the great input. After thinking about it and reading all the comments, I have just decided to make my little patch work.

3/4/2012 1:29:28 PM

South Hero, VT

Best of luck to you. Remember your spring soil test.

3/4/2012 3:26:50 PM

Newville, PA

About the soil tests, is there certain companies that people send to, or is there a different company for each state? I see people talking about soil tests and I do not have a clue as to where to find one...

3/4/2012 4:59:07 PM

South Hero, VT

You might want to post your soil test question on the "Soil Preparation and Analysis Board."

3/4/2012 10:30:28 PM

East Jordan, MI

There are many good labs.

Some of the most often referred to are:
http://www.westernlaboratories.com/
http://www.aleastern.com/
http://www.algreatlakes.com/
http://www.al-labs-west.com/

3/5/2012 8:33:18 AM