Moving towards a more sustainable life through backyard farming

Our journey to sustainable living started out quite simply. I love a good tomato. That’s what led me to dig my first hole. Through the years, I witnessed the joy my mother and grandmother found in gardening and gladly enjoyed the fruits of their labor. I gladly accepted the vegetables that were offered to me at the end of each visit. But, they were always gone long before the next visit. So one spring I decided to grow tomatoes. I quickly discovered the satisfaction of growing my own vegetables. Under the tutelage of my mother and grandmother, I began to learn and experiment with raised bed gardening, which would produce the highest yield and reduce the number of unpleasant chores, such as tilling and weeding, and reduce or alleviate the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides

It wasn’t long before we established our own little flock of backyard chickens. We didn’t know anyone else raising chickens. So, we made quite a few mistakes and unnecessary expenses. But, our mistakes have resulted in gains for others. We’ve learned how to make caring for a small flock of backyard chickens super easy and inexpensive. We have also enjoyed the relationship that has developed between us and these lovely ladies who regularly provide us with such wonderful protein.

Although our backyard farm has been running for several years, I still haven’t gotten over the excitement of harvesting beautiful eggs every day, making a delicious salad or stir-fry with freshly picked vegetables, or making an omelette out of all these ingredients. Words cannot express how satisfying it is to be able to spend a full day just eating from our land.

As you move towards a more sustainable lifestyle, it’s important to remember that you don’t have to do it all at once. One small step quickly led me to realize that I could do even more. My mind often goes back to what my mother says when I ask if she thinks I can grow a certain vegetable. She says, “I don’t know. Put the dirt in and see what happens. If it doesn’t work out, she’s only going to lose a couple of bucks.” She always points out to me that even though she has gardened for over 50 years, every season she always learns something new. There is always a new method to try. I have found the aspect of gardening and farming to be one of the most enjoyable. I continue to be amazed by the results because I have never been able to master it. Every year, every season has its own challenges and victories. I can participate in the miracle of life, but I do not control it. I think you’ll also discover that you can do more than you ever thought possible, sooner than you ever thought possible.

With the right equipment and soil, you can grow all your own produce on your deck or in your garden in a raised garden. If you want fresh eggs every day, there are good resources available to help you acquire your flock of chickens and provide them with food and housing. Within a month, you can also start developing your own backyard farm dramatically increasing your sustainable lifestyle.