A hobby farm presents a great opportunity for anyone who wants to provide for themselves, make a little side income, or simply spend more time working in the great outdoors. Nonetheless, there’s a lot to consider when creating a successful hobby farm. All the logistics of what to grow, which animals to keep, and how to build the necessary land and equipment can be overwhelming. However, with a little research and dedication, you can turn your dream into a reality. To help kickstart your new pastime, here’s a list of things to know when starting a hobby farm.
Start with What You Love
A hobby farm is less about profits and more about passion. You should start small and with projects you enjoy. Raise animals you enjoy or feel like you can handle. Fill your garden with your favorite flowers or fruits and vegetables that you want to eat. When you start with livestock and plants that you love, it’ll be easier to put in the initial work. Then, once you’re more comfortable, you can try your hand at different projects for your farm.
You Need a Plan for Your Yard
Even though hobby farms are more flexible than a full-size operation, you still need to be careful when landscaping. Plan your space now to avoid the hassle of rearranging your yard in the future. Consider the different types of animals you want to keep and what they’ll require. If you’re choosing the location of a beehive, make sure you leave a sunny, level spot in your yard available. If you want to raise chickens, try placing their coop or run near a tree so they can get some shade in the summer. This is also the time to figure out what kind of fence you want. You need something that will stand up against your livestock, their potential predators, and all kinds of weather damage. Fence staples are a great way to create a strong, secure fence that will keep your farm and its inhabitants safe.
You’re Allowed to Ask for Help
One of the most important things to know when starting a hobby farm is that you’re not alone. No matter what questions you have or complications you face, there’s a good chance someone else has dealt with it before. Reach out to other farmers—hobby or otherwise—to get their advice and comradery. It’s also important to remember that you don’t have to do everything yourself. While DIY skills are invaluable, some projects will be beyond your skill level or comfort zone. If that’s the case, hire an expert to do it instead. Though it’s often more expensive, the professional results and peace of mind will be more than worth it.
