Hobby Farming (the joy of) – a Book Review

Posts on this site may contain sponsored content, paid link placements, or affiliate links. I may earn a commission or fee if you click a link or purchase through these recommendations at no additional cost to you.

Thirteen months have passed by and we’re still sitting happily on our 1 acre of land- and to tell you the truth- it hasn’t done all that much for me… yet.  BUT, I’ve got big plans, big plans I say!  One of the plans this year is to watch food prices rise and plant a vegetable garden.  I was given the opportunity to review a new book published JUST this year- its called “the joy of hobby farming, -grow food, raise animals and enjoy a sustainable life“ by Michael and Audrey Levatino.

What I think of the joy of hobby farming

Now, I’m not the greenest mom out there (although other writers for AOM live that life, I’m just not there yet) but I do KNOW that food grown in your own garden tastes the best, and food labeled organic usually has WAY more flavor, so I cracked open this ‘sustainable’ book.  About 200 pages long, with plenty of color photos, the joy of hobby farming is a pleasurable jaunt through the recommendations of a couple who have sought after the hobby farming life. I have really read the book (well, 2/3rds through it so far) and really enjoy reading it (so has my husband, my kids even flipped through to see the colorful pictures).

My family enjoys gardening, we are eagerly awaiting putting in our garden. My kids are excited about the vegetables we will grow. We missed out last year due to moving and remodeling. Here is a picture the year before with zucchini from our garden. My kids love helping with gardening, even eating the broccoli right out of the garden!

Their recommendations are descriptive enough for you to lay out a decent plan for what it takes to maintain a ‘mini farm’  from a 1000 foot high view.  Mind you this is about HOBBY farming – which means you can grow food for others- but that you can’t quit your day job.  I found it cute that they mentioned the ‘don’t quit your day job’ idea SEVERAL TIMES in the book.  The point is to enjoy the experience, work with the land (and the harvest and the animals) and use simple, reasonable and what seem like time-honored techniques to make the most of your soil, choose the best plants to grow, and how many animals to raise.

I really found the book to be honest.  It mentions the authors’ pitfalls, and how they’ve succeeded despite them.  This is a really endearing part of the book which makes you feel you are there WITH them.

Now, I’m not going to be buying a herd of sheep (although the Spicy Lamb farm in Peninsula has done so!) but the gardening concepts are a real treasure trove.

Where to buy the joy of hobby farming

You can buy the joy of hobby farming on their website for $14.95 or Amazon.com.

Win the joy of hobby farming (5 giveaways!) (Closed)

Updated: 4-25-11 Winners Announced: Laura, Mary Gardner, Amber, Rachel Benson, and Anne

5 lucky winners can own their own copies of the joy of hobby farming.

30 Day winning rule does not apply to this contest. For complete contest rules, please see our Contest Statement and Blog Disclosure.

Contest ends at 11:59pm EST on April 19, 2011 when a winner will be drawn at random and announced the next day. When commenting, please include your email address (not visible to public). I will notify the winners and they will have 36 hours to respond!

This was not a paid post. My own opinions were used based on my perceptions and experience. Thank you to The Joy of Hobby Farming who provided the product for review and giveaway.

Cindy

Founder and Lead Blogger at Akron Ohio Moms

Cindy is the top Akron Blogger with her own take on awesome brands for families, where to vacation for families, a beat on local activities and family fun, a knack for getting moms to share , and a house that is always 2 weeks away from a complete remodel!