Includes bibliographical references and index.

Hobby farms 101: Heading for the country -- BEfore taking the plunge : is this the life for you? -- Finding your place in the sun -- Getting along with your neighbors -- Down on the fam : getting your property in order: Getting out of the house : outbuilding and enclosures -- Gearing up with the right tools, clothes, and equipment -- Saving, using, and making power on the farm -- Managing and accessing your land and natural resources -- Calling in the critters : what's a farm without animals?: What kinds of critters should your get? -- Acquiring animals for your farm -- Caring for and feeding your animals -- Critter care : providing medical attention for your animals -- Choosing and growing plants and crops: Deciding what and how much of it to grow -- Getting those plants started -- Using the fruits of your labor: Preserving and using food items -- Where's the beef? : from hoof to table -- Preparing fiber and making crafty goods -- Dealing with the less desirable stuff -- The part of tens: Ten opportunities for community fun -- Ten misconceptions about farm living -- Appendixes.