He Farms 35 Hours a Week by Himself and Makes 6 Figures

Author

Ark
April 30, 2025

From Farm to Table: A Solo Farmer’s Journey to Success

Five years ago, a chance encounter at a farm-to-table dinner introduced me to Andrew, a passionate farmer with a vision. Today, I’m standing on his thriving one-acre farm in Ramona, California, where he single-handedly manages a market garden that grosses over six figures annually while working just 35 hours a week. His story is one of grit, ingenuity, and a deep commitment to sustainable farming. Let’s take a tour of Indian Summer Farm and uncover the secrets behind Andrew’s remarkable success.

A One-Man Operation

Andrew’s farm is a marvel of efficiency. Spanning just over an acre, it features 165 fifty-foot beds, each meticulously planned and cultivated. “It’s all me,” Andrew says with a grin, acknowledging the sheer scale of his solo operation. From bed preparation to harvesting, every task is handled by hand, yet he manages to keep his workweek shorter than most office jobs. How does he do it? The answer lies in his streamlined systems and a philosophy of working smarter, not harder.

Intensive Farming, Minimal Inputs

Andrew’s market garden operates on a no-till, intensive farming model. His standard beds are 30 inches wide with 18-inch centers, allowing for maximum yield in minimal space. “Nothing ever goes empty,” he explains, pointing to rows of vibrant lettuce ready for the weekend market. He practices cut-and-come-again harvesting, using a single knife to swiftly collect head lettuces and greens like arugula and mesclun. Behind us, overwintered carrots—mocum varieties planted in November—burst from the soil, their sweet crunch a testament to his careful planning.

Soil health is the backbone of Andrew’s operation. When he started, the land was rocky and depleted, particularly near his hoop houses. To remedy this, he applied 30 yards of compost annually, layering an inch of compost on every bed with each crop rotation—sometimes two or three times a year. He also uses mineral dust and a slow-release 7-5-7 organic pelleted fertilizer to maintain fertility. “Compost and water are my biggest inputs,” he says, emphasizing quality. He carefully selects compost based on its carbon-to-nitrogen ratio and alternates suppliers to diversify nutrient profiles, ensuring long-term soil vitality.

Adapting and Expanding

Andrew’s farm didn’t start this way. When he first leased the land, he built his beds incrementally—20 rows at a time, expanding year by year. “I started super small,” he recalls. “No loans, no debt. If I didn’t have the cash, I didn’t buy it.” This low-cost approach allowed him to keep production costs down and maintain competitive pricing at the Little Italy Farmers Market, his primary sales outlet. He’s now building a farm stand to sell tomato and strawberry starts directly to local customers, further diversifying his revenue.

Each year, Andrew invests in one major upgrade to reduce labor. This year, it’s an irrigation system to automate watering, freeing up time for other tasks—or even a rare day off. “It’s like SimCity,” he jokes, comparing his farm to the classic city-building game where each upgrade improves efficiency. Previous upgrades include hoop houses for peppers and a broad fork—affectionately dubbed a “frankenfork”—purchased for $10 at an estate sale. These incremental improvements have been key to managing the farm solo.

Succession Planting and Crop Diversity

Andrew’s farm is a masterclass in succession planting. He direct-seeds crops like arugula, mesclun, carrots, and beets weekly, ensuring a constant supply for market. For crops requiring more space, like tomatoes and eggplants, he starts seedlings in a small 10-by-20-foot greenhouse at his home. His tomato trellising system, inspired by Monterey farmers, uses a looping string method to support varieties like Afternoon Delight from Wild Boar Farms. Strawberries, particularly the Chandler variety, are another favorite, though their short shelf life makes them better suited for you-pick sales or personal enjoyment.

To protect young plants, Andrew uses shade cloth (30-40% density) for two weeks on heat-sensitive crops like lettuce when temperatures exceed 75°F. He also employs tarps to suppress weeds, like the mint that once overran a bed, and to speed decomposition of crop residues. “I let the roots decay in the soil,” he says, describing how he leaves one-third of plant matter in the ground to enrich the soil naturally—a practice akin to cover cropping.

Challenges and Resilience

Farming in Ramona’s arid climate comes with challenges. Temperatures swing from 25°F to 110°F, and windy conditions can wreak havoc. A recent frost damaged a bed of lacinato kale and broccoli, a reminder of the risks of uncovered crops. Pests, like rust on garlic, also pose threats, though Andrew cleverly markets affected crops as green garlic, harvesting them early for their flavorful tops. His adaptability is evident in his seed-saving efforts: he’s cultivated an early Italian softneck garlic variety for seven years, adapting it to Ramona’s climate and branding it “Indian Summer Garlic.”

A Wild yet Purposeful Approach

Unlike pristine market farms with manicured rows, Andrew embraces a slightly wild aesthetic. “I let things go a little,” he admits, allowing weeds to grow in pathways where they’ll be trampled or tarped later. This approach aligns with his motto: “I want roots in the ground.” In an arid climate, bare soil invites dust and heat, so greenery—whether crops or controlled weeds—helps maintain soil health and microclimate stability. It’s a practical choice that saves time and labor without sacrificing productivity.

Lessons for Aspiring Farmers

Andrew’s journey offers valuable lessons for aspiring market farmers. First, start small and scale gradually to avoid overwhelming debt or labor demands. Second, prioritize soil health with compost and minimal tillage to build long-term fertility. Third, embrace succession planting and crop diversity to ensure consistent market supply. Finally, invest in labor-saving upgrades over time to maintain a sustainable work-life balance.

Perhaps most inspiring is Andrew’s ability to thrive without the trappings of conventional farming. By forgoing loans, fancy tools, and excessive labor, he’s created a profitable business that supports a fulfilling lifestyle. “It’s gratifying,” he says, encouraging others to start small farms. “We need more places like this.”

Conclusion

As we wrap up the tour, I’m struck by the ingenuity of Indian Summer Farm. Andrew has transformed a rocky acre into a thriving market garden, proving that with smart systems, minimal inputs, and a willingness to adapt, one person can run a six-figure farm on a part-time schedule. His story is a beacon for those dreaming of a life rooted in the soil—a reminder that small-scale farming can be both sustainable and rewarding. Here’s to Andrew and the many small farms waiting to grow.

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