What You Need to Know About Hobby Farms

If you’ve ever felt curious about starting a hobby farm, you’re definitely not alone.

More and more people, including retirees looking for a peaceful way to spend their time and professionals seeking a break from the corporate world, are turning to farming as a way to reconnect with nature and slow down life.

For many, it’s a chance to escape the stress of their daily routine and enjoy a simpler lifestyle.

So, if you're thinking about starting your own hobby farm, here’s what you need to know to get started.

What is a Hobby Farm?

A hobby farm is a small-scale farm that people run because they enjoy it, not because they need to make money.

It involves raising animals, growing food, or working with the land in their free time.

Unlike large farms that are focused on generating income, hobby farms are more about creating a lifestyle that aligns with personal interests and provides a fulfilling, enjoyable activity.

People start hobby farms for all sorts of reasons.

Some want to grow their own vegetables, while others enjoy raising animals like chickens or goats.

Many are drawn to the idea of becoming more self-sufficient, while some simply seek a quiet, peaceful escape to enjoy in their free time.

What Can You Do on a Hobby Farm?

Hobby farms can be as simple or involved as you like. Most people mix and match activities depending on what they enjoy and the time they can commit.

Here are some things you might do:

Raise Animals

One popular activity on hobby farms is raising animals.

Chickens are a great choice if you want fresh eggs, and they don’t require much space.

If you’d like to learn more about how to raise chickens in detail, check out our guide to help you avoid common mistakes.

Goats are another excellent option, especially if you’re interested in fresh milk or experimenting with making cheese. Some people even keep bees for honey or raise ducks or rabbits.

When choosing animals, consider how much time you can dedicate to their care. They require daily attention, including feeding, cleaning, and ensuring their health.

I recommend starting with just a few animals that suit your available space and your ability to manage them.

If you're unsure about which animals are best for a smaller space, you can take a look at our guide on 1-acre farm animals for some helpful ideas.

Grow Crops

Growing your own food is a common practice on hobby farms. You can plant vegetables like eggplants, tomatoes, and peppers, or grow fruits such as berries or apples.

Some people enjoy cultivating herbs for cooking or medicinal purposes.

If you're looking for something simple and quick, you can also grow microgreens—they're easy to grow, fast to harvest, and can be cultivated almost anywhere.

You don’t need a large area to start gardening. Raised beds or even a small corner of your yard can work well.

Grow Flowers

If you enjoy flowers, you can plant colorful flowers like sunflowers, daisies, or tulips to make your farm look beautiful and attract bees and butterflies.

Try Gardening in Raised Beds

If you don’t have a lot of space, raised garden beds are a great way to grow vegetables, herbs, or flowers. They’re easy to set up and perfect for small areas.

Raised beds also improve drainage and make gardening easier on your back.

To find inspiration, you can explore our 20 raised garden bed layout ideas and learn about the best raised bed sizes to fit your space and needs.

Make Homemade Products

Some hobby farmers enjoy creating homemade products like jams, honey, or soap from what they raise or grow.

It’s a wonderful way to make use of what you have and share it with others, whether you choose to sell these items or give them as gifts.

The good news is that there are plenty of free tutorials and guides available to help you learn how to make these products.

Try New Skills

When you’re farming, learning new skills is a great way to improve your homesteading routine.

Composting

Making compost is a good skill to start with. It’s a simple way to turn food scraps and yard waste into rich soil that helps your garden grow better.

You can compost things like vegetable peels, coffee grounds, and leaves that would otherwise end up in your garbage.

For a more efficient method, you could try the Berkeley method of composting, which speeds up the process and provides you with nutrient-rich compost in just 18 days.

Preserving Food

Preserving food is another useful skill. For example, canning fruits and vegetables, making jams, or pickling are all excellent ways to store your harvest so you can enjoy it later.

It’s incredibly satisfying to have jars of homemade food that you can enjoy year-round, especially if you’ve grown everything yourself.

Building a Greenhouse

Building a greenhouse might be something to consider if you want to extend the growing season on your hobby farm.

A greenhouse allows you to grow plants in a controlled environment, protecting them from extreme weather and helping them thrive year-round.

It doesn’t have to be a large or expensive project—you can start with something simple and scale up as needed.

If you want more ideas on useful homesteading skills, check out our list to get some inspiration.

You can focus on one skill or try a few, depending on your interests and how much time you have.

How Much Space Do You Need for a Hobby Farm?

When you're thinking about starting a hobby farm, one of the first things to consider is how much space you’ll need.

The good news is that you don’t need a large amount of land to get started. A hobby farm can be as small as an acre or two, depending on what you want to grow or raise.

If you’re looking for ideas on how to make the most of that space, check out our 1-acre layout for some helpful tips.

For a garden, you’ll need a bit more space to grow enough food for yourself, but even a small plot can yield a lot.

A good rule of thumb is to start with what you have and expand as you learn what works best for you. It’s important to work with the space you already have and plan around it.

Container gardening, vertical growing, or keeping a few chickens are excellent options for smaller spaces.

What to Consider Before Starting Hobby Farms

Before starting a hobby farm, there are a few things to think about to make sure you're ready for the work (and the rewards).

Time

First, think about the time you can commit. While hobby farming is enjoyable, it does require time and effort. You will need to care for plants, animals, and the land regularly.

Make sure you have enough time to give it the attention it needs.

Cost

Next, consider your budget. Starting a hobby farm can involve some upfront costs for things like equipment, seeds, and animals.

It’s important to plan for these expenses and ensure you have enough resources to get started without overextending yourself financially.

Skills

The last thing to think about is the skills you'll need.

You don’t have to know everything right away, but learning the basics of gardening, animal care, and equipment use will set you up for success.

Take it slow, learn as you go, and don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it. Joining community groups can be invaluable for advice and tips.

There will be challenges, but each one is an opportunity to grow your skills and confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)