Creating income on your land through agritourism is an exciting and rewarding way to maximize your property’s potential while sharing its beauty and resources with others. Agritourism blends agriculture and tourism, offering experiences that allow visitors to engage with your farm or ranch in meaningful ways. Whether you own a 1 acres or hundreds, there are many ways to generate revenue for your 

homestead.

Hey guys! I finally got my fall seeds in, and now it’s time to prepare another bed—or two—in my high tunnel. If you’re new here, welcome! I’m Fran, or officially Fran, and today I’m taking you through part one of prepping my no-till fall garden beds.

Mulch Madness & Garden Organization

First things first—I had to get some mulch. I’d been waiting for a chip drop this year, but it didn’t happen in time. So, I went out and bought some. Not my first choice, but sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do!

While getting ready, I noticed a mess I created with all my garden supplies scattered around the compost bin. I realized I need to move the compost down by my dog’s water barrel and figure out some storage for all my garden tools. Plus, I have plans for a mini greenhouse—more on that in a bit!

Jimmy Rigging a Greenhouse?

I’m always looking for ways to recycle and repurpose things around the property. So, here’s a challenge for you: guess what I’m going to turn into a greenhouse. Hint: it’s metal, and if you watch some of my other “Jimmy Rig” videos, you’ll know my style. Leave your guesses in the comments, and there might just be a prize!

No-Till Magic

A few weeks ago, I prepped my third bed, and I’d already cleaned out the second bed. Dead lettuce, cabbage, and other plants went to the animals after I collected seeds. Beetles had a feast, but that’s okay—they didn’t touch my tomatoes and cucumbers.

I also harvested some marigolds for tea and seeds. These beauties will get planted all over the property next year.

Prepping the Beds

Now it’s time to focus on the third row. I usually top off beds with compost, but I was running low. Rather than buying dozens of bags, I’m exploring alternatives. While preparing the beds, I keep the soil covered to prevent weeds. No-till gardening is amazing because it preserves soil health while keeping weeds at bay.

Each of my beds is 30 inches wide, with 18-inch walkways. I double-check the width, push wood chips into place, and use soaker hoses to mark straight lines. Covering the soil with a heavy tarp kills weeds naturally, keeping the beds clean and ready for planting.

Mulching the Walkways

Once the beds are set, I spread mulch in the walkways—no cardboard, no landscaping fabric. The long-covered soil underneath ensures minimal weeds. Even if a few seeds blow in, it’s not a big deal.

And of course, my dogs are the supervisors throughout the process, making sure everything is “checked.”

Part One Wrap-Up

With the walkways mulched and rows marked, I’m ready to move to the next step: filling the planting beds with compost. But that’s for part two.

Don’t forget to guess my recycled-metal greenhouse idea in the comments! And if you enjoyed this peek behind the scenes of my no-till fall prep, like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you don’t miss part two.

Bye-bye for now! And yes, I had to sprinkle the last bit of fertilizer before Leo could eat it—he’s into everything!

For years, the concept of “glamping” has sparked an imaginative twist on traditional camping. While many see glamping as a new trend, it’s actually been around longer than we think! Major camping grounds like KOA and others have offered cozy cabins, camper rentals, and even unique setups for decades. So, what makes today’s glamping so different? Let’s dive into it!

At its core, glamping is simply camping with a few added comforts. As soon as you move away from a simple tent and sleeping bag, you’re already glamping! The real evolution in glamping came when campers started prioritizing thoughtful design and unique accommodations—think chic bell tents, cozy yurts, or even train cabooses. Today, glamping has expanded into a vibrant, creative field, allowing each host to build an individualized escape in nature. There’s no right or wrong here; it’s all about bringing your own flavor to the outdoors.

For those looking to jump into this venture, it’s key to remember: glamping is camping, just with a unique style twist. This passion has fueled my journey since my very first camping trip over two decades ago. Every visit to a KOA or Outdoor Adventure campground became research for my dream: owning my own glamping retreat. In 2017, I took the plunge, dusting off years of notes and sketches to draft a real business plan. It took three years of dedication and reworking, but the vision was clear—and it’s one I can’t wait to share more about in future posts!

But here’s a twist: in place of “glamping,” let’s embrace a term that resonates even more with our lifestyle—Farm-Stay. This name reflects the essence of glamping, especially for those of us tied to our communities, committed to creating welcoming, peaceful spaces on land we live on. Plus, it steers away from some misconceptions tied to Airbnb rentals that concern local communities. A Farm-Stay blends the principles of “Right to Farm” with the joy of Agritourism, bringing guests a refreshing escape while preserving local harmony.

If you’re intrigued and thinking of creating your own Farm-Stay experience, join me for a live session on November 6th at 7 pm EST! We’ll explore ways to create a nature retreat, manage without Airbnb, and build an income stream that keeps you connected to your land. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to start your journey. And for more updates, insights, and stories, follow and subscribe to my blog at Officially Fran Unleashed.

Let’s turn these dreams into reality! 🌿
Bye Bye for Now—Officially Fran

Unlock New Income Streams with Agritourism on Your Farm or Homestead

Have you ever thought about turning your farm or homestead into a destination for visitors? Agritourism is one of the most exciting ways to generate income while sharing the beauty and unique experiences of your land. From farm tours and U-pick events to workshops and glamping stays, the opportunities are endless.

 Why Agritourism?

It allows you to diversify your income, connect with your local community, and even educate people about sustainable farming practices. Plus, you don’t need a huge farm to get started. Small homesteads can offer niche experiences like farm-to-table dinners or hands-on gardening classes that attract visitors seeking a connection to nature.

If you’re ready to explore how agritourism can bring extra revenue to your farm or homestead, keep reading for profitable agritourism ideas and tips on how to get started!

1. Teleworker on the Farm

In today’s remote work era, offering a peaceful escape for professionals is a win-win. Create a designated space with Wi-Fi or a cozy cabin for remote workers who need a break from the city. With nature as their backdrop, you can offer daily or weekly teleworking packages, combining work and relaxation on your farm.

2. "Brown Bag" Lunch on the Farm

Imagine hosting small groups for a relaxing afternoon lunch under the shade of your farm’s trees. Guests can bring their own lunch or you can offer farm-fresh options. It’s a simple way to attract locals who want to escape the hustle and bustle while enjoying a meal surrounded by nature. This can be a quick, low-maintenance way to engage your community.

3. Mental Escape: Animal Therapy

Sometimes people just need to escape their screens and spend time with animals. Offer a “mental escape” package where guests can visit your farm for an hour or two just to be around your animals. Let them feed, pet, or simply watch the animals in a peaceful environment. This could be especially beneficial for those seeking stress relief.

4. Homeschooling Field Trips

Many homeschool parents are always on the lookout for educational field trips. Your farm or homestead can provide a hands-on learning environment where kids can learn about farming, animals, gardening, and sustainability. Offer tailored tours that align with different age groups and school subjects, making your property a go-to spot for local homeschooling families.

5. Private Tailgating Events

Do you have a big field or open space? Why not host private tailgating parties for Sunday football? Set up a screen, offer a rustic yet comfortable environment, and let guests bring their favorite game-day snacks or provide farm-to-table options. It’s a unique way to draw in sports fans who want a private, outdoor experience with family or friends.

6. Photo Sessions on the Farm

Photographers are always searching for beautiful, natural backdrops for their shoots. Open your farm for family photo sessions, engagement shoots, or even professional branding photography. Offering seasonal setups, like a fall harvest theme or spring flowers, can help you attract clients year-round.

7. Glamping Stays

Of course, one of the most profitable and exciting options is glamping—combining luxury and camping. Provide cozy, well-furnished tents or cabins with all the modern amenities while still immersing guests in the beauty of nature. Glamping has skyrocketed in popularity, and if you’re already familiar with farm life, this could be a seamless addition to your business.

Ready to Start Building Your Agritourism Business?

I’m hosting a Virtual Event on Wednesday, October 30th, at 7 PM EST to dive deeper into how you can build and grow your farm, homestead, or glamping agritourism business. Whether you're just starting or want to scale, we’ll cover everything from building codes and permits to marketing and guest experiences.

🎉 Save the Date and Join Us!

Let’s create the farm business of your dreams—because if you build it, they will come!