ABOVE Farming Guide: How to Grow Food and Resources

Introduction to Farming in ABOVE

Farming is a core system in ABOVE that directly impacts your ability to sustain guests and expand your mountain resort. In the harsh 1960s alpine environment, you cannot rely solely on supplies from the valley. Growing your own food ensures your shelter can operate through brutal winters without running out of provisions. This guide covers every aspect of farming, from soil preparation to advanced crop rotation strategies.

Unlocking the Farming System

To begin farming in ABOVE, you must first repair the Old Greenhouse located behind the main lodge. This requires 15 Wood, 8 Metal Scraps, and 200 Gold. Once repaired, the greenhouse provides four planting beds. You can expand to additional beds by investing in the Agriculture upgrade branch at the Workshop.

Each planting bed requires a constant supply of Fresh Water, which you collect from the mountain stream using upgraded barrels. Without water, crops will wither within two in-game days. The water system is explained in detail in the Resource Management Guide.

Crop Types and Growth Times

Different crops serve different purposes in your resort. Some provide raw ingredients for the kitchen, while others can be used as trade goods or medicine. Understanding growth cycles helps you plan your planting schedule efficiently.

The table below shows the key stats for each crop type available in ABOVE:

Crop	Growth Time	Water Needed	Yield	Best Use
Carrot	2 days	Low	4 units	Basic meals
Potato	3 days	Low	6 units	Stews, storage
Herb	1 day	Very Low	2 units	Medicine, seasoning
Tomato	4 days	High	5 units	Premium meals
Bean	3 days	Medium	4 units	Protein source
Medicinal Herb	5 days	Medium	3 units	Healing items

Fertilizer and Soil Quality

Soil quality degrades after three harvests. You must apply Compost or Premium Fertilizer to restore fertility. Compost is produced at the Recycling Station using leftover food scraps and plant waste. Premium Fertilizer requires rare materials from cave expeditions.

Using fertilizer not only restores soil but also provides a temporary Growth Boost buff, reducing harvest time by 20% for the next two cycles. Stack this with the Greenhouse Heater upgrade for maximum efficiency during winter months.

Seasonal Challenges

ABOVE features dynamic seasons that affect farming. Spring and summer offer ideal conditions with longer daylight hours. Autumn reduces growth speed by 30%. Winter is the most challenging — without the Heated Greenhouse upgrade (costs 500 Gold and 10 Glass), crops will not grow at all between December and February.

To survive winter, you must stockpile at least 50 units of preserved food. Build Storage Shelves in the basement to increase your capacity. Each shelf holds 20 units of dried or canned goods.

1. Harvest before first frost

   Check the in-game calendar. The first frost warning appears three days ahead.

2. Process surplus crops

   Use the Kitchen to turn vegetables into canned goods. Canned food lasts indefinitely.

3. Upgrade your greenhouse

   Prioritize the Heated Greenhouse upgrade before your first winter.

4. Diversify your supply

   Trade with passing merchants for grain and dried meat to supplement your stores.

Advanced Farming Strategies

Once you have mastered the basics, you can optimize your farm for maximum efficiency. The Crop Rotation mechanic gives a 15% yield bonus when you alternate between root vegetables and leafy plants. Plan your beds in pairs to benefit from this bonus.

Another advanced technique is Companion Planting. Placing herbs next to vegetables reduces pest outbreaks by 40%. Pests can destroy an entire bed overnight, so this is a valuable strategy for protecting your investment.

For players looking to maximize profits, focus on growing Tomatoes and Medicinal Herbs. These sell for high prices at the Trading Post. Use the gold to purchase rare seeds and upgrades for other areas of your resort.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Many new players overplant in the first season, running out of water and losing everything. Start with two beds and expand only when you have stable water supply. Another frequent error is ignoring the Soil Quality indicator. If the soil icon turns brown, apply compost immediately before planting.

Finally, remember that farming is only one part of your resort management. Balance your time between farming, rescue missions, and facility upgrades. The Mechanics Guide provides a complete overview of all interconnected systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I automate farming tasks? Yes, after unlocking the Assistant upgrade at level 3 of the Agriculture tree. The assistant will water and harvest one bed automatically.

What happens if I neglect farming during winter? Guests will become unhappy and may leave. If food supplies reach zero, you will lose the game. Always maintain a reserve of at least 30 preserved food units.

Are there any hidden crops? Yes, the Golden Berry can be found during a specific rescue mission in the Crystal Cave. It provides a permanent happiness boost to all guests when served.