Game Development Reference
In-Depth Information
All crops except cocoa and sugar need their soil prepared with a hoe, converting
dirt or grass blocks into
farmland
blocks. The soil can revert to ordinary soil after
it is walked on, unless you sneak. Planting a raised bed makes harvesting easier be-
cause you don't need to worry about stepping on the soil and can therefore run
down the aisle quickly lopping off the produce.
Use a perimeter fence at least one block high, or two of any other type of block to
prevent mobs overrunning your farm and trampling your carefully grown product.
This won't keep out spiders, but they don't trample crops.
All crops grow better in light. Use torches at night to keep the area well lit to pre-
vent mob spawning and to increase the speed at which your crop matures.
Crops can also be grown underground using the same principals as in the preced-
ing point.
You don't need an enormous farm to become completely self-sufficient.
Figure 6.1
shows one example with every possible crop planted, as well as pens for chickens,
pigs, cows, and sheep. It's about as close as you'll get to having your own super-
market.
FIGURE 6.1
The crop with the lot! A farm this size provides more than enough produce
and has every component required for every Minecraft recipe.
Once a farm is established, it doesn't require constant tending. Matured crops don't
rot or decay and can be harvested any time you need to top up your pantry.
