LOOK: This Is How To Start A Montana Hobby Farm

Starting a small farm, or a Hobby Farm, can be the project of a lifetime or just a big headache. Transforming a big backyard or wanting to buy a piece of land for a farm makes a big difference in how to approach the project - but it can be done.

DO YOU HAVE SUITABLE LAND? This sounds obvious, but large gardens or a small farm needs the right land. Location, elevation, sunlight, wind protection, and enough space all factor into farming.

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO GROW? Are we growing crops or raising animals? Or both? Checking your local ordinances and your property covenant rules about farming is crucial. A big vegetable farm might be fine, while animals might not be allowed.

GROW WHAT YOU ENJOY - Your hobby farm can (theoretically) be anything you want. You can grow roses, corn, squash, herbs, etc. It's really about YOUR enjoyment and if you want to sell your crops.

How you begin also depends on if this hobby farm is truly a hobby, or if you want it to be a business. You could have a roadside stand with your products. You could potentially sell your crops at local farmers' markets.

COMPLETE LIST OF MONTANA FARMERS' MARKETS

DO YOU HAVE ENOUGH TIME FOR A 'FARM'? Any real farmer (or large scale gardener) will tell you that there is never enough time or daylight to get everything done. Weeding, feeding, watering, fencing, building, harvesting, pruning...the work never ends.

If you already know what you're doing when it comes to gardening, talking to someone in business might be the smart first thing to do. If you're starting from scratch, start small and talk to as many local small farmers and gardeners that you can.

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