How He Made $100K in His Backyard with Chef Mikey EP 40

In today’s episode of Dawn’s Dirt, I sit down with Chef Mikey from Chef’s Harvest Farm—a total character and an absolute legend in the urban farming world out of Knoxville, Tennessee. Y’all, this man turned his backyard into a full-blown vegetable empire and is making a six-figure living growing salad greens. From slinging veggies under his cubicle desk to supplying top-tier resorts and chefs, Mikey breaks down exactly how he did it with grit, strategy, and heart. We talk community, soil, seasonal eating, and why lettuce from Peru just ain’t it. This episode will light a fire under anyone with a backyard and a dream. Get ready to be inspired, laugh a little, and maybe cry (just a little) over celery. Let’s get dirty!

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Episode Highlights: urban farming, backyard business, chef turned farmer, salad greens, seasonal eating, local food systems, food security, farm to table, farming burnout, hiring help, farming in the South, community over competition

Takeaways:
- You don’t need a giant farm to make a living—just a plan and some grit
- Salad greens can be a high-profit crop when grown smart
- Know your market and tailor your crops accordingly
- High-quality produce sells itself when it’s fresh and local
- Build community with chefs, neighbors, and fellow farmers
- Document your journey from day one to grow your brand
- Hiring help early can prevent burnout and accelerate growth

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Links & Resources Mentioned

Visit Dawn’s Website: https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/
Dawn’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dawns_dirt/
Chef Mikey’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefsharvestfarmllc/
Chef Mikey’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@chefsharvestfarm
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Have you ever started a garden that didn’t go as planned? Feeling overwhelmed by all the conflicting gardening advice and unsure what’s right for you? Imagine having a personal guide to walk you through the process, helping you create a thriving garden no matter your space or experience level. That’s where I come in! With years of experience growing vegetables, I’ll help you understand your plants, tackle challenges, and find solutions tailored to your unique garden. Let’s talk about your gardening goals and how I can help you grow more food at home. Book a free call today using the link below, and let’s get growing together!

https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/book-online

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