How to satisfy yourself that a smallholding way of life is for you.

If you’ve had a bit of a ‘Tom & Barbara’ moment and have decided that getting some chucks in, and growing yoiur own fruit and veg is the lifestyle you’ve been yearning for, then beware. Being self-sufficient, or working towards self-sufficiency isn’t as easy as you may think. Many people can get caught up in the romanticism of collecting eggs, picking fruit to make jam, and cropping vegetables for Sunday lunch. But realistically it’s hard work, and needs to be taken on board as a labour of love, in every sense.

SOMEBODY HAS GOT TO DO THE DIGGING

As a smallholder you’ll need to be dedicated, motivated, organised, and a hard worker. Can you really cut it?

• Mucking out – whether it’s poultry or livestock you’ve decided to keep, there are jobs that have to be done to ensure that everyone lives in a healthy and clean environment
• Are you an early riser? You’ve got responsibilities now, and it’s not fair to keep your animals waiting for breakfast whilst you have a lie-in
• Hard labour – growing your own veggies isn’t a bed of roses! Tending your plants can be physically challenging
• Are you the type of person that can deal with the restrictions that will be put upon you by governing bodies regarding livestock?
• Are you good with paperwork? There are likely to be times when you’ll be filling in various forms relating to your livestock – there’s quite a bit for you to look into here.
• Ibiza here we come! NOT! You’re priorities will change. Looking after animals takes as much care and attention as your children, you can’t just come and go as you please anymore.

Hopefully the above has given you food for thought. But to be sure that you are making the right decision, why not take a holiday on smallholding. You’ll be able to see first hand the nuts and bolts of running a smallholding. It will also give you the opportunity of picking the brains of your hosts and to find out about their experiences and listen to any advice they have to offer.

Check out the Smallholding Holidays available in the Smallholders’ Marketplace.

Alternatively, rather than jumping in to buy your first smallholdihg, you could think about renting a smallholding instead. It’s still a big commitment, but you could look at is a trial run.