Table of Contents
Introduction 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