Roots Without Deeds

Free Resources for Growing on Borrowed Land

You don't need to own farmland to become a farmer. These resources grew out of my experience building Mermaid City Flowers across five residential growing spaces in Norfolk, Virginia.

Whether you're beginning your farming journey, exploring urban agriculture, or considering a land-sharing arrangement, these tools will help you evaluate opportunities, build relationships, and understand the practical realities of farming on borrowed land.

Download the Farmer Resource Guide

Could This Borrowed Plot Pay?

Estimate the financial potential of a growing site using your own projected sales, expenses, and labor. These figures are a planning tool, not a guarantee of profitability.

Annual Crop Sales ($)

Direct Production Costs ($)

Site Operating Costs ($)

Total Labor Hours

Target Hourly Labor Pay ($)

Allocated Business Overhead ($)

Contribution Before Labor and Overhead

$2,400

Amount Available Per Labor Hour

$24.00

Remainder After Labor and Overhead

$400

This calculator distinguishes revenue from profit. The remainder is an estimate after the entered costs and target labor pay, before taxes and any expenses not included. Count noncash exchanges, such as lawn maintenance, in your labor hours.

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