A Beginner's Guide to Getting Back to the Land
Have you ever dreamed of gathering fresh eggs from your own backyard coop or growing vegetables just steps from your front porch? Starting a hobby farm can be a rewarding way to live more intentionally, enjoy the outdoors, and develop valuable new skills — all while increasing your self-reliance.
Whether you have a few acres or a large backyard, here’s a beginner-friendly guide to help you take the first steps toward hobby farming with confidence and purpose.
Step 1: Define Your Hobby Farm Goals
Before buying chickens or planting your first seeds, take a moment to consider why you want to start a hobby farm. Ask yourself:
- Are you looking to grow fresh food for your family?
- Do you want to raise animals?
- Are you hoping to create a source of extra income?
- Or is your goal simply to enjoy a quieter, rural lifestyle?
Your goals will influence the type of hobby farm you pursue and help guide your decisions along the way.
Step 2: Take Inventory of Your Resources
Next, assess what you currently have available:
- Land: How much space do you have? Are there existing structures like barns, sheds, or fencing?
- Time: Can you commit to daily chores and seasonal tasks?
- Budget: How much can you invest upfront in tools, seeds, fencing, or livestock?
- Knowledge: What do you already know, and what are you excited to learn?
You do not need everything figured out on day one, but being honest about your resources will help you set realistic expectations.
Step 3: Start Small — Grow as You Go
This may be the most important step: start small. A common mistake new hobby farmers make is trying to do too much, too quickly.
Instead, begin with something manageable, such as:
- A small vegetable garden
- A few laying hens
- A single beehive or raised bed
Once you’ve gained confidence and experience, you can expand gradually — perhaps adding goats, fruit trees, or a composting system over time.
Step 4: Learn as You Grow
Hobby farming is as much about the journey as the destination. You’ll face challenges — weather, pests, and trial-and-error are all part of the process — but each season will bring valuable lessons.
Consider using resources like:
- Local extension offices
- Online homesteading forums and YouTube channels
- Workshops or classes at feed stores or co-ops
- Conversations with local farmers
Don’t hesitate to ask questions. The homesteading community is often eager to support newcomers.
Step 5: Celebrate the Lifestyle, Not Just the Output
Success is not measured solely by bushels of produce or dozens of eggs. Hobby farming invites a slower pace, a deeper connection to nature, and the joy of creating something meaningful with your own hands.
Enjoy your morning coffee on the porch, watching your animals graze or your garden grow. That, in itself, is the reward.
Ready to Start Your Hobby Farm Journey?
If you're considering purchasing land for a hobby farm or want to learn more about the homesteading lifestyle in West Tennessee, our team at Southern Lifestyle Properties would love to help. We specialize in rural and lifestyle properties that are ideal for small farms, gardens, and country living. Contact us today at (731) 613-2354!
Let us help you plant the roots of something truly meaningful.