1 ACRE FARM PLAN

1 ACRE FARM PLAN
Your dream to live self-sufficiently, closer to the land and more economically is within reach. The rewarding and healthful lifestyle of small-scale farming can be yours on as little as one acre of land, rewarding you and your family with sustenance, satisfaction, and valuable life lessons. The key to success is not size. With some basic understanding, planning, organization and efficient operation, your 1-acre farm will flourish.

• First you need a plan
You’ve got the land, the will, and the commitment. Now you need a plan. Without one, your farm may become a series of frustrating blunders, wasting time and money. So, start by thinking a few things through and writing them down.

• Goals
Exactly what do you want from your small-scale farm? Is it a hobby farm, a weekend effort, or a true subsistence farm? Depending on your needs and desires, each is a valid option for small-scale farms. Your goal will define how you use your available space. For our purposes, we will assume that your intent is to become self-sufficient. You can modify this plan to suit other farming goals.

• Land and Soil Characteristics
Are there water sources? Land with water may reduce the cost of pumping or buying water to provide for crops and livestock. Is there adequate drainage? Animals and plants need water but generally don’t thrive in a marshy environment. Farming techniques and crops vary from region to region for good reason. Become familiar with your regional characteristics.

• Visit local farms to see what crops are grown successfully in the same soil.
Shallow-rooted leafy vegetables, pumpkins, squash and heavier plants requiring firm root support (cabbage, Brussel sprouts) can do well in dense soils like clay. Clay retains moisture better than other soils but requires preparation and augmentation.
Rich, loamy soil is good for many crops, but if it is too loose or has high sand content, it will dry out during the hot, dry summer months.

• Irrigation costs may be higher to sustain crop growth.
In some cases, the soil may be so poor initially that you will plant your subsistence crops in raised, prepared beds. Remember that over time you will improve your soil. Last year’s crop remnants, livestock manure, and vegetable refuse from your personal use will be recycled into your garden plots to increase fertility. With proper management, poor soil today can be rich, fertile and productive in a relativity short time.

• Climate
Be familiar with temperatures and rainfall. These determine when and what to plant. Climate can also influence your farm structures. Colder regions often require sturdier buildings and may even necessitate a greenhouse to extend the growing season.

• Budget
How much money is available for your start-up and operating costs? Don’t break your budget. Better to start small and expand as you grow in experience than have your farm efforts end for lack of funding.

• Lifestyle
Consider your lifestyle preferences. What foods do you and your family prefer? Find ones suited to your climate and soil and grow crops you will enjoy eating. Vegetarians may want to forgo livestock production but think twice. Livestock waste, rich in nutrients, returns to the soil much of what was taken from it in growing your produce. It is an important part of improving your growing plots. If you are opposed to eating meat, consider raising your livestock for sale. Retain the manure and sell the meat.
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• Layout and Design
Consider convenience, sanitation, and your personal living space. Placing animal pens near your compost pile and the pile near your growing areas will eliminate unnecessary hauling. A centrally located barn adds to convenience. Animal pens, chicken coops, and compost piles draw flies and emit odors.

Contact Greenroot limited for your agribusiness ideas and support services . We have affordable lands at Aburi Amanfo , Asutware Junction and Kwaomoso for farming and real estate purposes. There is easy access to water , electricity ,ready market for your farm produce and tarred road. Indenture and site plans are free. We have different crop investment packages for you to choose to make over 100 % return on investment .Agriculture is wealth