Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
See how the front yard has been converted into an attractive, edible landscape with fruit and
herb plants together? Set attractively, you can increase your curb appeal while increasing your
productivity at the same time. Figuring out how to maximize your growing spaces in the nooks
and crannies allows you the greatest flexibility.
In this case, the backyard is fenced off to allow free-range of the chickens without the flock
making a mess in the front yard area or escaping onto the road. The garden area has the ability to
be fenced off if needed, giving extra browsing space to the goats. Much less hay would need to be
brought into the backyard farm area if the goats were rotated through the extra grassy areas.
And of course, the extra garden plot in the back allows you to grow additional feed. In the
illustration it shows corn, but you could grow feed beets, potatoes, or other staples or grains as
desired. Wheat could be grown but would produce a smaller harvest compared to more intensively
producing feed crops like cowpeas or beans.
There's also room in this design for a greenhouse or cold frames, if desired. These items aren't nec-
essary, but as you'll see in Chapter 7, they will help you extend the growing season. And a longer
growing season means more food.
Full-Acre Lot
With a full acre in use, you are able to house multiple animals. Rotating pens will keep most of the
animals in grass for the majority of the year, necessitating a smaller hay purchase. The additional
space also allows you to grow some of your own staples and feed crops such as potatoes and beets.
While it wouldn't be possible to be completely self-sufficient in terms of feed for a large number of
livestock, you could get a lot closer with an acre or more in use.
1. Residence
2. Herb garden and fruit trees
3. Goat pen
4. Chicken coop
5. Nut tree
6. Sheep pen
7. Vegetable garden
8. Fruit trees
9. Berry vines (e.g., grapes, raspberries)
10. Greenhouse
11. Strawberry pyramid
12. Garden shed
13. Asparagus bed
14. Beans
15. Pot ato es
16. Corn
17. Beehives
 
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