Farming in Old School RuneScape is a skill where players plant seeds and harvest crops, essential for XP, profits, and accessing high-level content like quests and activities.
What is Farming in OSRS?
Farming in Old School RuneScape is a skill that involves planting seeds, nurturing crops, and harvesting resources. It allows players to grow their own food, herbs, and trees, which are essential for cooking, potion-making, and other skills. Farming also includes raising livestock for resources like wool and milk. The skill is versatile, offering both fast XP methods, like tree runs, and profitable strategies, such as growing high-value crops. It’s a cornerstone for self-sufficiency and progression in Gielinor.

Why Level Up Farming?
Leveling up Farming unlocks access to high-value crops, herbs, and trees, which are crucial for potion-making, cooking, and other skills. It enables players to complete quests, earn profits, and achieve the prestigious skill cape at level 99. Farming also supports Ironman self-sufficiency, allowing players to grow their own resources. Investing time in Farming provides long-term benefits, enhancing overall gameplay and opening doors to exclusive content and efficient XP gain.

Basic Requirements and Tools
Starting Farming requires minimal equipment, with a rake and seeds being essential. Players also need access to farming patches, which are located throughout Gielinor. Higher-level tools like the hoe and watering can improve efficiency. Early on, basic seeds and compost are sufficient, but as levels increase, upgraded tools and better seeds become necessary for optimal growth and XP gain. Ensuring you have the right tools and resources is key to progressing smoothly in the Farming skill.
Getting Started: Early Levels (1-15)
Begin by using a rake to clear patches and plant seeds. Early levels focus on basic crops, laying the groundwork for more complex farming techniques later.
Farming Patches and Their Locations
Farming patches are scattered across Gielinor, with key locations in South Falador, East Ardougne, and near Canifis. These patches are essential for planting seeds and harvesting crops. Proximity to banks and tool shops makes certain patches more convenient. Early-level players often use the South Falador patch due to its accessibility. Other patches, like the one near Canifis, cater to higher-level crops. Familiarizing yourself with these locations is crucial for efficient farming, whether you’re a new player or an experienced farmer.
Planting Seeds and Harvesting Crops
Planting seeds and harvesting crops is the core of OSRS farming. Players plant seeds in designated patches, wait for them to grow, and then harvest the crops. Different seeds, such as herbs, trees, and hops, have varying growth times and XP rewards. Tools like a seed dibber and rake are essential for planting and clearing patches. Protecting crops from disease and ensuring proper growth is crucial for maximizing XP and resource gain. Regular monitoring and timely harvesting ensure optimal results.
Essential Items for Beginners
Starting OSRS farming requires basic tools like a seed dibber for planting seeds, a rake for clearing patches, and a watering can to prevent disease. Secateurs are needed for harvesting herbs, while a spade helps with tree saplings. Seeds, compost, and plant pots are also crucial for early growth. These items ensure efficient farming and prevent crop failure, making them indispensable for new players aiming to progress smoothly through the skill.

Mid-Level Farming (15-45)
Mid-level farming introduces advanced techniques, focusing on herb and tree farming, while optimizing XP gain through efficient routes and crop selection, enhancing skill progression and resource management.
Upgrading Tools and Equipment
Upgrading tools and equipment is crucial for mid-level farming efficiency. Invest in higher-tier tools like the watering can and trowel to reduce crop wilting and improve planting speed. Additionally, equip items such as the Farmer’s outfit for bonus XP and the Magic secateurs for increased herb yields. These upgrades not only enhance your farming performance but also contribute to faster skill progression and better resource management, making your farming sessions more productive and enjoyable.
Introducing Herb and Tree Farming
Herb and tree farming become accessible at mid-levels, offering significant XP and profit opportunities. Herbs like Guam and Marrentill are highly sought after, while trees such as Oak and Willow provide steady XP. These methods diversify your farming routine, allowing you to balance skill progression with financial gain. Regular herb and tree runs can accelerate your journey to higher levels, making them essential components of a well-rounded farming strategy in OSRS.
Optimizing XP Gain at Mid Levels
At mid levels, focus on high XP-yielding crops like herbs and trees. Prioritize efficient planting schedules and use optimal routes for farm runs. Regularly upgrade tools to improve planting and harvesting speed. Allocate resources wisely to maximize XP per session. Consistency is key, as steady progress ensures faster skill advancement. Balancing crop diversity with focused XP farming will help you reach higher levels more efficiently in OSRS.
Tree Runs: The Core of Farming
Tree runs are a core method for farming XP, involving planting saplings and checking them regularly. They are the most efficient way to level up farming quickly and consistently.
What Are Tree Runs?
Tree runs are a farming method where players plant high-tier saplings, allow them to grow, and then check them for experience. This process is repeated across multiple patches to maximize XP gain. Tree runs are considered the most efficient way to train farming, especially at higher levels, as they provide consistent and high experience rates. They require planning and regular checking to ensure optimal growth and XP accumulation.
Best Routes for Tree Runs
The best routes for tree runs involve efficient travel between farming patches to minimize downtime. Popular routes include using fairy rings, such as the one near Canifis, to quickly access multiple patches. Players often start at the fairy ring in Canifis, then move to Yanille for hops, and finish at the Crwys Clan area for additional patches. These routes optimize time and maximize XP rates, ensuring consistent progress in farming skill development.
XP Rates and Efficiency
Tree runs offer high XP rates, with efficient players gaining up to 550K experience per week. Consistency is key, as regular runs significantly reduce the time to reach level 99. By focusing on high-tier saplings and optimizing routes, players can maximize their XP gain. This method ensures steady progress, making farming one of the faster skills to level up when done consistently and efficiently.
Tips for Successful Tree Runs

Start at fairy rings for quick access to multiple patches. Use high-tier saplings and ensure optimal routes to minimize travel time. Regularly check and replant trees to maintain XP flow. Keep necessary items like a spade and seeds in your inventory. Consistency is crucial, as regular runs significantly reduce the time to reach level 99. Efficient tree runs can make farming one of the fastest skills to level up, especially when done consistently and with proper planning.
High-Level Farming (75-99)
Advanced techniques and high-value crops maximize XP and profits. Consistent tree runs and optimal routes ensure efficient progress toward level 99, achievable in 3-4 months with dedication.
Advanced Farming Techniques
At high levels, advanced techniques like efficient tree runs, optimal crop rotations, and maximizing XP per hour become crucial. Players focus on high-tier saplings and rare seeds, ensuring maximum profit and XP. Utilizing magic for teleportation and compost for better crop yields enhances efficiency. Regularly checking and replanting crops ensures consistent progress. These methods, combined with dedication, allow players to reach level 99 quickly and effectively, making farming both rewarding and profitable in the long term.
Maximizing XP at High Levels
At high levels, maximizing XP requires focusing on tree runs and efficient routes. Planting high-tier saplings like yew and magic trees yields significant XP. Using magic for teleportation saves time between patches. Consistent daily runs and optimizing travel time ensure maximum efficiency. With dedication, players can achieve up to 550K XP per week, making the journey to 99 faster and more rewarding. Regularly updating gear and methods further enhances XP gain, ensuring progress remains steady and effective.
Profitable Crops for Late Game
At high levels, focus on profitable crops like magic trees, yew trees, and high-value herbs such as torstol and snapdragon. These crops yield significant gold due to their demand in the Grand Exchange. Planting them in optimal patches and ensuring timely harvesting maximizes returns. Additionally, using ultracompost and the Farming Cape boosts crop yields, increasing profitability. Regularly checking market trends ensures you plant the most lucrative crops, making late-game farming both rewarding and financially beneficial.

Profitable Farming
Profitable farming focuses on growing high-value crops and herbs to generate gold. Players transition from XP-focused methods to income-driven strategies, maximizing their in-game wealth through efficient planting and harvesting.
High-Value Crops for Gold
High-value crops like ranarr weed, torstol, and high-tier saplings offer significant gold returns. These crops are in high demand for potions and construction, making them profitable to grow and sell. Players often focus on these crops at higher levels to maximize their gold income, as they yield substantial profits compared to lower-tier options. Planting and harvesting these crops efficiently ensures a steady gold flow, making them a cornerstone of profitable farming strategies in Old School RuneScape.
Herb Farming for Profit
Herb farming is a lucrative method to earn gold, with high-demand herbs like ranarr weed and torstol fetching top prices. These herbs are essential for potion-making, making them highly sought after. By focusing on fast-growing herbs and optimizing planting schedules, players can maximize their profits. Additionally, using high-tier farming gear and bonuses from quests can further enhance yield and efficiency, ensuring herb farming remains a profitable venture for both mid and high-level players in Old School RuneScape.
Long-Term Investments in Farming
Investing in long-term farming projects, such as tree and herb runs, offers substantial returns over time. Planting high-value saplings and herbs requires patience but yields significant profits. Consistently managing these crops ensures a steady income stream. Additionally, completing farming-related quests unlocks exclusive seeds and bonuses, further enhancing long-term profitability. This approach is ideal for players seeking sustainable growth and self-sufficiency in Old School RuneScape, making farming a rewarding skill for dedicated players.

Farming Quests for XP
Completing specific farming-related quests provides significant XP boosts, unlocking new seeds and farming patches. These quests are essential for accelerating skill progression and accessing advanced content.
Recommended Quests for Farming XP
Key quests like Fairy Tale Part I and Rum Deal provide substantial farming XP and unlock essential features. Completing these early on accelerates skill progression and access to high-tier seeds and patches, making them indispensable for efficient leveling. These quests also offer unique rewards that enhance farming efficiency, ensuring a strong foundation for reaching higher levels. Prioritizing these quests is crucial for maximizing XP gain and unlocking advanced farming opportunities in Old School RuneScape.
Quest Rewards and Benefits
Completing specific farming-related quests grants rewards like increased crop yields, access to exclusive seeds, and improved tool efficiency. These benefits significantly enhance XP rates and profitability. For instance, certain quests unlock special farming patches or reduce the time required for crops to grow. Additionally, quest rewards often provide long-term advantages, making them a valuable investment for both high-level and Ironman players aiming to maximize their farming potential in Old School RuneScape.
Ironman Farming Tips
Ironman players must focus on self-sufficiency, utilizing resources efficiently without external help. This includes managing seeds, tools, and crop rotations to maintain progress and minimize waste in Old School RuneScape.
Self-Sufficiency in Farming
Self-sufficiency in farming for Ironman accounts requires careful planning and resource management. Players must grow their own seeds, herbs, and trees to avoid relying on external sources. This involves maintaining a balanced crop rotation, ensuring a steady supply of essential materials. Additionally, using high-yield crops and optimizing farming patches can help sustain long-term progress. Regularly checking and harvesting crops prevents waste and maximizes efficiency, crucial for achieving 99 Farming without external assistance in Old School RuneScape.
Optimizing Resources as an Ironman
Optimizing resources as an Ironman in OSRS farming involves strategic planning to maximize efficiency. Players should prioritize high-yield crops and herbs, ensuring minimal waste. Utilizing every farming patch effectively and maintaining a balanced crop rotation are key. Regularly checking and harvesting crops prevents decay, while banking or using items immediately reduces inventory clutter. Efficient use of seeds, tools, and time ensures steady progress toward 99 Farming without external assistance, making self-sufficiency achievable and sustainable in the long term.

Efficient Farming Routines
Efficient farming routines involve creating a daily schedule, focusing on planting seeds, harvesting crops, and managing time to maximize XP gain and resource utilization consistently.
Creating a Daily Farming Schedule
A daily farming schedule helps optimize time and XP gain. Start by prioritizing tree and herb runs, as they offer high XP. Allocate specific times for planting seeds and harvesting crops. Use in-game timers to track growth stages and ensure minimal downtime. Incorporate breaks to manage energy and maintain consistency. Adjust the schedule based on progress and goals to stay efficient and motivated throughout the journey to 99.
Time Management for Maximum Efficiency
Effective time management is crucial for maximizing farming efficiency. Focus on high XP activities like tree runs and herb farming during peak productivity hours. Use timers to monitor crop growth and minimize waiting time. Prioritize tasks based on XP rewards and resource availability. Regular breaks can prevent burnout, ensuring consistent progress. By balancing tasks and optimizing time, players can achieve faster leveling and higher efficiency in their farming journey.
The Impact of Sailing on Farming
Sailing introduces new resources and opportunities, allowing players to explore the seas and discover exclusive farming materials, enhancing XP rates and profitable crop cultivation.
New Resources and Opportunities
Sailing unlocks access to new islands and exclusive materials, providing players with rare seeds, unique crops, and advanced tools. These resources enhance farming efficiency, offering higher XP rates and greater profitability. Exploring the seas introduces diverse farming opportunities, allowing players to cultivate crops that were previously inaccessible. This expansion enriches the farming experience, making it more dynamic and rewarding for both high-level and aspiring farmers.
Exploring the Seas for Farming Benefits
Sailing introduces new islands and resources, offering exclusive materials and crops. Players can discover rare seeds, unique farming tools, and untapped opportunities. Exploring these maritime regions allows farmers to access previously inaccessible areas, enhancing their ability to grow high-value crops. This expansion not only diversifies farming strategies but also provides new ways to maximize XP and profits, making the seas a vital part of a farmer’s journey to 99.

Common Mistakes to Avoid
Ignoring optimal routes and wasting resources are common pitfalls. Ensure efficient farming by planning routes and using resources wisely to avoid unnecessary losses and delays.
Wasting Resources
One of the most common mistakes in OSRS farming is wasting resources by planting seeds or saplings without proper planning. This can lead to unnecessary costs and slower progress. Always ensure you have enough space, tools, and time to manage your crops effectively.
Additionally, failing to optimize routes for tree or herb runs can result in wasted time and resources. Plan your runs carefully to maximize efficiency and minimize losses, ensuring you get the most out of your farming efforts.
Ignoring Optimal Routes
Ignoring optimal routes for farming activities can significantly hinder progress. Players who fail to plan efficient paths for tree or herb runs often waste valuable time and resources. This can lead to slower XP gain and reduced profitability, especially at higher levels where efficiency is crucial. Always research and use established routes to minimize travel time and maximize productivity during farming sessions.
Mastery of OSRS Farming requires dedication and consistent effort, but the rewards, including the prestigious skill cape and high profits, make the journey worthwhile.
Final Tips for Reaching 99
Reaching 99 Farming requires dedication and consistent effort. Focus on tree runs for maximum XP, and use high-tier seeds for optimal growth. Join a community for support and guidance. Regularly check patches to minimize wasted resources. Stay committed, as consistent training yields the best results. With patience and persistence, achieving the prestigious Farming skill cape is within reach.
The Rewards of Maxing Farming

Maxing Farming at level 99 unlocks the prestigious Farming skill cape, a symbol of dedication and mastery. It also grants access to exclusive high-level content, such as advanced quests and activities. Players can enjoy the financial benefits of growing rare and profitable crops, making it a rewarding skill for both XP and in-game wealth. Achieving 99 Farming is a significant milestone, offering a sense of accomplishment and enhanced gameplay opportunities.