How to Get Started on a Smallholding – Part One
Are you interested in becoming a smallholder? Would you like to find out what is involved in getting set up on a parcel of your very own land? Here is part one in a series intended to help you turn your smallholding dreams into reality!
This post starts right at the very beginning, before you even have your smallholding. There is so much to consider when looking for your ideal parcel of land. I hope this guide is helpful in steering you in the right direction!
Why do you want to be a smallholder?
If you really intend to commit to purchasing and running a smallholding, you first need to explore your motivation for doing so.
As a minimum, take time to sit down and write answers to the following questions.
What do you hope to achieve?
Do you want to grow fruits and vegetables?
Do you want to keep animals? Would these animals be for consumption, or would you be offering them a rescue / retirement home?
Are you aiming for total self-sufficiency? Or do you want to go further, to produce a surplus to sell to your neighbours or even further afield?
Or, are you hoping to start a different entrepreneurial endeavour from your smallholding? Crafting with materials such as willow or wool, perhaps.
Do you hope to achieve your goals alone? Or will a significant other, or other friends or family, be assisting you?
Are you maintaining your current employment? How flexible can they be with hours? Do you need reasonable internet connectivity to work remotely?
Location, Location, Location
The answers to the questions above will be critical in ensuring you choose the right smallholding for you.
Before you can even start searching for your dream property, you will need to refine the desired area.
Your budget may well be the deciding factor in the areas you wish to consider.
But the weather should be your second big consideration! If you’re hoping to grow a productive vegetable garden, you will need to do your research about the current and projected climate in the areas you are considering. The frost dates are a good indication of the length of your growing season.
Thirdly, take time to calculate approximately how much land you will need, particularly if you intend to keep livestock. A stocking calculator such as this one might be helpful to give you an idea of the number of animals you can keep within a given plot of land, with or without supplemental feed.
If crops and/or livestock are on the cards, then there are some important questions to ask when viewing properties.
- What has the land been used for until now?
- Is there any concern that the soil might have been contaminated?
- If significant work needs to be done to the property for it to serve your goals and intentions, does the current owner have any experience or knowledge of applying for planning permission in the area?
If you intend to keep animals, you should do some research about veterinary services and agricultural merchants in the area that you are considering.
And of course, the local amenities for yourself and family, if appropriate. Research the local doctor’s surgery and dental practice. How far away are the shops for essential supplies? And check out the local schools if you plan to send your children.
If you intend to maintain your current employment, what is the internet service like locally?
Or, if aiming for total self-sufficiency, are there local markets where you can sell surplus produce or home-made items?
Smallholding life can be lonely. (But perhaps a little solitude and tranquility is what you are after!)
You may want to give some thought to proximity (or distance!) to friends and family.
When looking at properties – what has the land been used for up to now? Any concerns about toxins in the soil? How much work needs to be done to make the property ready to meet your goals?
Identify gaps in your skillset
Unless you grew up on a smallholding, there are likely to be essential skills that you need to acquire!
Gardening
Gardening does not come easily to everyone. It certainly was not second nature for me! But a successful vegetable garden in the cornerstone of a self-sufficient life. So you will need to become familiar with a typical planting and maintenance schedule for the year.
General maintenance
It is really handy to be able to service and repair household items, machinery and just about anything else yourself. You will save yourself SO much money, as well as time, given that you will not be waiting for tradesmen to come and do the work for you.
So make sure you have a fully stocked tool box and make it a priority to repair items rather than replace them. You will learn so much with each little project.
Animal husbandry
Before your animals arrive, you must familiarise yourself with their general and breed-specific needs and requirements. There are courses available for hands-on experience and tuition would be helpful for you.
Preserving food
Preserving your harvest is the best way to survive the hungry gap. There are many, many ways to preserve fresh produce. Freezing, freeze drying, hot canning, dehydrating, pressure canning, pickling; just to name a few! See if you can find any of the equipment second hand, as it can be pricey.
I hope this has been a helpful guide for taking those all-important first steps towards getting set up on your smallholding. Stay tuned for further posts in this series!
