Description
Book SynopsisDo you long for the country life? Hobby Farming For Dummies is a practical guide that will show you how to handle all the basics of small-scale farming, from growing healthy crops to raising livestock and managing your property. You'll see how to decide what to farm, provide shelter and utilities, select plants, and protect your investment.
Table of ContentsIntroduction 1
Part I: Hobby Farms 101 7
Chapter 1: Heading for the Country 9
Chapter 2: Before Taking the Plunge: Is This the Life for You? 19
Chapter 3: Finding Your Place in the Sun 33
Chapter 4: Getting Along with Your Neighbors 49
Part II: Down on the Farm: Getting Your Property in Order 63
Chapter 5: Getting Out of the House: Outbuildings and Enclosures 65
Chapter 6: Gearing Up with the Right Tools, Clothes, and Equipment 77
Chapter 7: Saving, Using, and Making Power on the Farm 101
Chapter 8: Managing and Accessing Your Land and Natural Resources 115
Part III: Calling In the Critters: What’s a Farm without Animals? 133
Chapter 9: What Kinds of Critters Should You Get? 135
Chapter 10: Acquiring Animals for Your Farm 165
Chapter 11: Caring for and Feeding Your Animals 177
Chapter 12: Critter Care: Providing Medical Attention for Your Animals 197
Part IV: Choosing and Growing Plants and Crops 215
Chapter 13: Deciding What and How Much of It to Grow 217
Chapter 14: Getting Those Plants Started 241
Part V: Using the Fruits of Your Labor 259
Chapter 15: Preserving and Using Food Items 261
Chapter 16: Where’s the Beef? From Hoof to Table 281
Chapter 17: Preparing Fiber and Making Crafty Goods 287
Chapter 18: Dealing with the Less Desirable Stuff 307
Part VI: The Part of Tens 317
Chapter 19: Ten Opportunities for Community Fun 319
Chapter 20: Ten Misconceptions about Farm Living 327
Part VII: Appendixes 333
Appendix A: Helpful Resources 335
Appendix B: Glossary 343
Index 351
