What Is The Difference Between A Garden And A Farm?

This is a really good question, and it tends to have several right answers. Some may say "farming is a profession and gardening is a hobby," but I don't completely agree with that. In this article we will be considering why some common thoughts about farms and gardens may be wrong.


(Photo by @caab)


Some people believe it is mainly the scale that determines whether it's a garden or a farm, but that may be wrong. This is because in the news you hear of how a herb farm planted in the middle of a greenhouse in an urban center is getting hundreds of thousands of dollars annually. This herb farm is definitely not on a large scale.

Others may say the determining factor is the crop, but that may be flawed too. This is because you can find fish farms that are very lucrative.

The returns may also be considered, but not totally. This is because you can find many row crops farms that does not produce a net income for the farmer, but yet it is called a farm.

The amount of time spent on the operation is not also a sole determining factor. Truffle farmers who harvest strange fungus while on a pleasant walk with a animal, do not really spend much time.

Many believe that it is the primary occupation of the farmer that is the determining factor, this may also be wrong as well. Where I live, you find many farmers with town jobs, even office jobs and work their farming activities around that.

It could also be said that the tools used is a big difference, but again it is flawed. Some say gardeners use simple tools like hoe, spade, basket and watering tank. While farmers use chemical fertilizers, irrigation systems and have harvesters or at least ladders to reach up into fruit trees when harvesting. However, with the increasing use of power tools in even small gardens this difference is flawed.

I can go on and on, but I think the point is made. So what then is the difference between a farm and a garden? I would say farming occurs on a larger scale, and with the production of salable goods as a major motivation. While gardening on the other hand, is on a smaller scale, and is primarily for pleasure and to produce goods for the gardener's own family or community. It would be better to simply let the person self-designate what and who they are no matter their practice, crop or growing medium.

I hope you enjoyed reading :)

You can check out my other articles:
Why YOU Should Have A Garden
Why You Should Consider Planting Flowers With Your Vegetables

Credits: https://permies.com/t/42977/difference-farmer-gardener

Credits: https://permies.com/t/42977/difference-farmer-gardener