[Project] Microfarming

[GrobbeeTrull2.0]

Ok folks. I'm wrapping up the desk project with some paint and sanding, and will have the first copies out to those who requested them by the end of the week.

My next project I'd like to undertake in my new home is Microfarming. We don't have a big back yard, infact it's probably 30' W x 25' L. I know it's early June, and that means no planting this year, and that's fine with me. I'll need the time to develop and clear the land a bit, gather resources and plan. That way, next Spring, this will be around and mostly populated as a guide for others.

Purposes of this post:

Collaboration

I'd like to start resources for those interested in microfarming, and eventually sustainable living. This post can be used as a resource for others, and will be updated continually.

Development

I'd like to find ways to develop and maintain small gardens for the purpose of growing food, and possibly small greenhouses with "off the grid" power and heating for year-round fruit and veggies. I'd also like to work on finding the best solutions for crop-rotation, layout, spacing, and recycling so that we are getting the most yield in the least space, for the least amount of money. I know there are college degrees in this type of thing, but I think working together we can save ourselves a lot of money and time by compiling it here.

Economy

Whether you're looking to save some money down the road, or make some money from your efforts, this is a way to do both. If you're in to selling your produce, there's a market for organic, locally grown food as people become more aware and wary of "big growers."

My next posts will be reserved and edited as needed for "Information", "Set up", "Planting", "Livestock", and "Maintenance/Care." Please keep the posts here relative to microfarming, or some sort of "tiny" agriculture. If you think it sucks, it's lame, I'm a hippy, whatever, that's cool, but take it elsewhere.

[GrobbeeTrull2.0]

Reserved for future use.

[GrobbeeTrull2.0]

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[GrobbeeTrull2.0]

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[GrobbeeTrull2.0]

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[GrobbeeTrull2.0]

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[Suineg]

First

[GrobbeeTrull2.0]

7th, actually, and I'd ask that you not trash up this thread if you don't agree with it.

[BrotherWu]

Just wanted to mention that it's not necessarily too late to plant stuff this year.

When I started planting gardens in Indiana a few years ago, an old timer told me to just wait until the end of May when it's good and warm. I'm in Michigan now and we still had one or two nights of frost about a week ago so I just got plants in last weekend and I'm about half done.

I just planted tomatoes, a few rows of peppers and some herbs. Still have to plant potatoes, cabbage, squash, beans and some sunflowers.

I'm more of a "just wing it" kind of guy when it comes to this, so rototilling is about all the soil prep I do, other than rotate plant positions.

Best advice I can give you:

- Start with a few things that you are really sure you will eat and add from there.
- Leave plenty of space between plants. You will be amazed how big a tomato or squash plant will be by August. If you leave enough space, you can rototill most of the weeds.
- Weed every other day for a few minutes rather than just weekends.

[GrobbeeTrull2.0]

Thanks for the advice! I've got literally no planting experience of my own, other than being around it growing up. I'll be doing a lot of reading here and welcome any advice others can give

[TheCutlery]

We had a bunch of gardens when I was growing up. Tomatoes, the occasional squash/pumpkin, some corn, strawberries, etc. They were all pretty awesome to have. The only real pain in the ass I remember was the fruit trees. We had a couple plum trees that turned out pretty decently, but I can't remember ever eating an apple we had grown. Pest problems on the trees were much bigger than pest problems on the smaller plants. Just make sure you're mindful of rabbits, keep stuff fenced in whenever possible. Those little bastards sure make a mess of stuff in a hurry.

[Menoz]

About the only livestock you're going to be able to put in that small of a space are chickens and maybe a pig or two, especially if you're gardening there too. A good way to make your garden food stretch all year round is canning. Look into some recipes and techniques for that because it'll definitely be worth your while.

e: Potatoes are a good food to start off with as they tend to produce well with a minimal amount of maintenance.

[Furism]

This is a pretty cool project.

Do you plan to build a fence and build watch towers? You'd be ready for a nuclear holocaust or zombie invasion, whichever happens first, this way.

[Ashes Emberblade]

I'll second the potatoes suggestion. They're easy to grow, and homegrown potatoes are absolutely delicious compared to store-bought. They usually have a better texture.

Edit: Oh, and here's a good link with a lot of valuable research into agronomics: Link

[kegkilla]

why don't you get a horse and go live in the mountains?