Hobby Farming For Dummies

Tips on eco–friendly farm management Find your own green acres and live a simpler life Do you long for the country life? This practical guide shows you how to handle all the basics of small–scale farming, from growing healthy crops to raising livestock to managing your property. You′ll see how to decide what to farm, provide shelter and utilities, select plants, and protect your investment. It′s all you need to dig in and start growing! Find and buy rural properties Get along with your neighbors Select and maintain equipment Raise and care for animals Use and preserve food items Avoid common farming pitfalls

Introduction. Part I: Hobby Farms 101. Chapter 1: Heading for the Country. Chapter 2: Before Taking the Plunge: Is This the Life for You? Chapter 3: Finding Your Place in the Sun. Chapter 4: Getting Along with Your Neighbors. Part II: Down on the Farm: Getting Your Property in Order. Chapter 5: Getting Out of the House: Outbuildings and Enclosures. Chapter 6: Gearing Up with the Right Tools, Clothes, and Equipment. Chapter 7: Saving, Using, and Making Power on the Farm. Chapter 8: Managing and Accessing Your Land and Natural Resources. Part III: Calling In the Critters: What’s a Farm without Animals? Chapter 9: What Kinds of Critters Should You Get? Chapter 10: Acquiring Animals for Your Farm. Chapter 11: Caring for and Feeding Your Animals. Chapter 12: Critter Care: Providing Medical Attention for Your Animals. Part IV: Choosing and Growing Plants and Crops. Chapter 13: Deciding What and How Much of It to Grow. Chapter 14: Getting Those Plants Started. Part V: Using the Fruits of Your Labor. Chapter 15: Preserving and Using Food Items. Chapter 16: Where’s the Beef? From Hoof to Table. Chapter 17: Preparing Fiber and Making Crafty Goods. Chapter 18: Dealing with the Less Desirable Stuff. Part VI: The Part of Tens. Chapter 19: Ten Opportunities for Community Fun. Chapter 20: Ten Misconceptions about Farm Living. Part VII: Appendixes. Appendix A: Helpful Resources. Appendix B: Glossary. Index.

Theresa A. Husarik is a writer, photographer, crafter, fiber person, and animal lover who lives on a small plot far away from the heart of the city. When she is not tending to her brood (which includes llamas, alpacas, angora goats, cats, dogs, peacocks, and chickens), she can usually be found either behind the computer writing something or in the craft room making something.