smalfarm – Artisan Sotheby's International Realty

Have you ever wanted to live off the land? Become a crusader in the “farm to table” lifestyle? Get your hands a little dirty to reap rewards that give life to you and your loved ones? Maybe, just maybe, you are ready to take the next step and own and live on (and off of) a hobby farm or small homestead.

One of the main parts of having a small homestead is growing food. This food can stand as a supplement to shopping at the market, or be the only food your family eats! There are so many reasons to start growing food on your property that span from the political, economic, to the environmental. But with increased exercise and healthy eating, it’s hard to argue that the benefits aren’t huge! What’s the best part? All of this is more than possible even when homesteading on a small property.

As with many things, a well-researched plan can make for an efficient homestead. There are a few key elements to understand before beginning your hobby farm.

Know your property – Climate and soil are just as important to a well-working homestead as is the layout of your acreage. Both organization (where living, gardening, and animal-keeping will occur) and environment can factor into, not only a productive property but also an efficient one. Also, what type of different buildings are on your property? What are your neighbors like? How is your land zoned?
Make realistic goals – This well-known advice applies to hobby farms as well. Understanding your end goal will help plan your homestead. What size garden can you manage successfully? Will you keep animals? Will those animals be productive (chickens), or aid in the care of the farm (horses)?
Research what to do once you have produced something – Start learning now what grows seasonally and how to preserve food if there is a surplus so you can enjoy your food all year around. Do you know how to milk a goat?
Be patient – Be patient with your plans, your goals will be ever-changing. Be patient with yourselves, you’re learning and changing, too. Be patient with your seedlings, your chicks, and your property. Things take longer than we expect and there is a good reason for that. Meditation in order to learn and change, yet again.

So, if you’re ready to make a healthy change and you already have a property, go for it! If you are looking to make a move and start your self-sufficient life, something like our Petaluma listing is perfect since it has a little bit of room for everything, with 80 gently rolling acres, an original farmhouse, caretakers homes and half acre pond. Additionally on the property is a fully equipped horse property featuring three large barns, four smaller barns, paddocks, round pens, 7 cross fenced pastures and over 60 acres of fenced pastures. You’ll be ready to hit the ground running… or planting.