Theresa A. Husarik

If you’re thinking about taking up farming as a hobby, educate yourself about the responsibilities. Research hobby farming by using local resources (like the library and neighbors), using the Internet, and volunteering at a farm. When you decide to plant, make sure you know your area’s growing season and to rotate your crops to maintain soil and plant quality.

Deciding which crops to plant depends on how well things will grow on your farm. The length of the growing season is vital because you want your plants to produce fruit before the first frost. Determine the best times for growing by checking the back of seed packets or by consulting the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone map.

If you decide to leave the hubbub of the city for farming, remember that farming involves tasks that aren't part of the responsibilities of city jobs. Here are some ways to lessen the learning curve if you decide to take up hobby farming: Do some research so you can make a more informed decision. Besides all the pencil-to-the-paper research, like on the Internet, you can do some feet-to-the-pavement research — get out on the streets and go to the local businesses, the local library, the local county building, and so on.

Rotating the plants (crops) on your farm enhances plant health and soil quality. To rotate your plantings, divide your garden into several sections and plant each section with a different family of plant. Next year, plant something from the next family. For instance, plant squash in section one the first year; the next year, plant peas there; next year, plant tomatoes; and well, you get the idea.

What's a farm without animals? A hobby farmer who wants to raise animals must understand that he or she is responsible for their care. Animals need food, water, exercise and clean shelter everyday. Good hygiene and care can deter health problems. This is the minimum care you should give your farm animals: Provide clean (and unfrozen) water daily.

Finding information about farming (hobby or otherwise) isn't hard — plenty of resources are available. After you've exhausted all of the books at your library and scanned the Internet for information about farming, try these other sources of agricultural information: Your local cooperative extension office Your local county office Your state's official Web site (www.

A hobby farmer, like a commercial farmer, must keep an eye on the health of the farm animals by checking them routinely. Daily observation tells you the animals' habits, and will help you determine if something is wrong or if your animal is sick. The following signs are warnings that your farm animal has an illness: The animal is lethargic or just not very active.