The farmer and content creator behind Upendo Estates Farm is making a solid case for rethinking the American yard: Instead of maintaining a patch of grass, how about using that space to grow fruits and vegetables?
The idea taps into a real pressure point for many households — the cost of groceries amid fragile food systems — while offering a practical reminder that even small spaces can produce fresh food.
What's happening?
In a short video shared on social media, Upendo Estates Farm explained, "The average backyard has more potential to grow food … than most people realize."
@upendoestatesfarm The average backyard has more potential to grow food more than most people realize. Here's how I'd make every square foot feed my family. Most people grow grass... I'd rather grow groceries. #farmlife #selfsustainable #growfood ♬ original sound - upendoestatesfarm
"Most people grow grass ... I'd rather grow groceries," the farmer noted.
In support of that argument, the farmer highlights a range of space-saving ways to produce food at home, including microgreens on sunny windowsills, hanging herbs, low-cost lettuce towers, vertical potato growing, trellised vegetables, and fruit trees.
The video also mentions that, where local rules permit, keeping small numbers of chickens and adding a beehive can support a tiny but bountiful ecosystem.
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The farmer argues that no matter how small a yard is, there is always an opportunity to grow and harvest at least a small amount of food.
One commenter backed up this claim, writing: "I live in an apartment in NYC and I have basil, cilantro, aloe, rosemary, lavender, and mint all growing on my windowsill. It's true. If you have a window, you have a garden!"
Why does it matter?
Growing food at home can help households cut produce costs, especially for expensive, fast-perishing items such as lettuce, herbs, and microgreens.
Homegrown ingredients can also taste better than store-bought versions because they can be harvested at peak freshness. And amid supply chain concerns ranging from contamination to crop loss, being able to step outside for some dinner can offer some peace of mind.
Gardening can support mental and physical health. Tending plants gets people outdoors or moving around the house, and many gardeners find the process calming and rewarding. Even a small harvest can make healthy eating feel more accessible and satisfying.
There are environmental benefits as well. Replacing part of a lawn with food plants, flowers, or fruit trees can make better use of space while supporting pollinators.
Not every family has acreage, but many do have access to windowsills, balconies, patios, porches, or modest yards that can produce at least some food.
What can I do?
Herbs, lettuce, and microgreens are beginner-friendly, do not need much room, and can quickly replace grocery-store purchases.
Vertical growing can be a great option for tight spaces. Trellises, hanging planters, stackable towers, and grow bags can help you produce more without giving up your whole yard.
As the Upendo Estates farmer put it, "Self-sufficiency isn't about owning more land. It's about making every square foot produce something."
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