It would add some much needed extra gameplay to the housing aspect.
Examples could be -
Butterfly Greenhouse - Butterflies for chance of Butterfly wings - feed with Jasmine Lotus Rose etc for extra output.
Greenhouse with torchbug nest - Torchbugs for chance of torchbug thorax - feed with Jasmine Lotus Rose etc for extra output.
Mudcrab pen - Mudcrabs for chance of mudcrad chitin - fed with fish small game etc for extra output.
Rotting Log Pile - Grow alchemy fungi types - Feed with any foods to increase chances
Raised Flower bed - Grow Dragonthorn, Columbine etc
Pond - Grow Wormwood, Water Hyacinth etc
Then change the alchemy hireling skill, so that the skill leads to more success in these farming activities, and the hireling could also harvest what you manage to grow