Some people have natural green thumbs. While many people use this skill to grow plants, flowers, or vegetables in a backyard garden, those with larger plots of land may want to consider starting a hobby farm. As with any larger project, it’s nevertheless important to stay open-minded to the process. Use these first-time tips for how to start a hobby farm to stay on track and avoid burnout.
Plan Out the Acreage
The first step to creating your hobby farm is to plan out the acreage. Typically, hobby farms are small, and independent farms are between 50 and 100 acres. It can be smaller if needed. Most importantly, start small. You don’t want to burn yourself out with an overwhelming number of livestock or crops. Don’t expect to make a profit after year one, either. This is something you do for pleasure, so only invest in a few animals or crops at a time to help manage your wellness.
Consider Which Crops and Animals You’ll Grow
With that, consider which animals and crops you want to grow. Some of the best farm animals to raise for a hobby farm are rabbits, chickens, goats, or pigs. Animals require their own care and needs, so do your research ahead of time. Rabbits and chickens are smaller but require proper feed and shelter. While they still require proper shelter, goats and pigs are larger, so you’re fine with only a couple at a time. Additionally, some of the top crops for hobby farms include lavender, herbs, and berries. They’re easy to handle for anyone regardless of farming experience.
Use Sustainable Structural Materials
Although wood, brick, stone, and concrete make for exceptional structural materials, consider using a sustainable alternative. For example, there are many reasons why plastic wood is replacing traditional materials in farms. It’s cost-efficient, durable, resilient to external forces, and pest-resistant. You save more time and money on HDPE plastic wood than traditional materials that require constant maintenance and upkeep. Better yet, HDPE plastic wood is made from recycled plastic polymers. That way, you don’t contribute to greenhouse gas emissions or unfair trade with this material.
Monitor as You Go
An equally important first-time tip for how to start a hobby farm is to be patient. Monitor your progress as you go. Remember, this is not a sprint. There are no shortcuts to farming, and if you fail at first, that’s okay. Agriculture is a time and labor-intensive practice. Talk to local farmers for tips and tricks on how to increase yield production and minimize losses. Hobby farms require flexibility. Remain open-minded, calm, and patient as you assess and work on your hobby farm for the years to come.
