PERENNIAL Perks

Perennials plants can produce and produce if you put in the work upfront.

GROWING OUTSIDE THE LINES

Your USDA hardiness zone isn't the be-all and end-all when it comes to planting what and when.

PEN & TELL'ER

Building a sustainable chicken tractor has its ups and downs.

MORE SUPPORT

Before you hit the ground running, be sure to follow this advice for Individual outbuildings.

POULTRY Plans

There isn't one correct way to raise chickens, as these two families show.

TWO-WHEEL TRACTOR ESSENTIALS

Small but mighty, two-wheel tractors work great for gardeners, homesteaders, landscapers and farmers.

Sweet Corn

Sweet corn is one of the universal tastes of the summer season.

Rats in the Run?!

I couldn't believe my eyes. As bold as you please, a rat walked along the inside of my chickens' run and helped itself to my hens' food.

An Industry in Crisis

The shortage of rural veterinarians can no longer be ignored.

Working the Woodlot

How much wood could a hobby farmer cut, if a hobby farmer could use the wood?

125 Farming Tips

Celebrate the 125th issue of Hobby Farms with 125 handy farming tips.

Meet Felicia

Did you know that you could get free technical assistance for your small farm from the National Center for Appropriate Technology (www.ncat.org)?

breeds you need

Hundreds of varieties of livestock are suitable to raise on a hobby farm! Here are a few more.

Surviving Winter

Winter is often a real nail-biter for beekeepers. We may think our honeybees have plenty of stores to get through the cold winter months, but then we sustain colony losses anyway. Fortunately, from sugar syrup and fondant to candy boards and beyond, you can offer some important extras to help your most vulnerable colonies make it through.

Setting a STANDARD

Certified Naturally Grown offers a grassroots option for responsible agricultural production and guidance.

Prepping for COLD WEATHER

It doesn't matter if the almanac says it'll be frosty, snowing, warmer than average or downright frozen, winter is coming and you and your farm need to be ready.

Farm Wells

While no longer plentiful, family farms dating back multiple generations still populate the scenic valley that I call home. From my farm, it's easy to think of a member of our farming community whose unique expertise lends itself well to the column topics I seek to cover. In each issue, I'll spotlight farming operations whose practices aren't only applicable across the country but that you can take and make use of for your own farm. - Hope Ellis-Ashburn

ATV/UTV Enhancements

ATVs and UTVs are highly capable machines, especially when enhanced with attachments and implements.

Sweet Scene

Will Wanish, an 18-year-old recent high-school graduate, knows W exactly what he wants to do for his future: manage his own business and build his passion for maple syrup. While some 2022 graduates are planning for college or working for someone else, Will is an entrepreneur at-heart and has been shaping his future for at least five years-driven and dedicated to securing "liquid gold" from maple trees.