5 Fall Mini Farm Projects

Like many small-scale farmers, you’re probably always looking for practical ways to make the most of your land. It doesn't matter if small-scale farming is how you get back to the basics and connect with nature or it's your way of connecting with your local community; your mini farm project options are endless — well, at least up to about 50 acres.

So, what can you do to take your mini farm operation to the next level? Whether you're looking to start a new hobby or make some improvements on your property, we've got five mini farm projects that are perfect for this fall!

1. Plant a cover crop in your garden

A cover crop is a crop planted specifically to improve soil quality. After your main crops have been harvested, plant a cover crop such as rye, vetch, or clover. These plants will add nutrients back into the soil and help prevent erosion. Come spring, you can till the cover crop into the soil to provide your garden with a boost!

Cover crops such as rye, vetch, or clover add nutrients back into the soil and help prevent erosion after your main crops have been harvested.

2. Build a chicken coop or hen house

Chickens are a great addition to any mini farm. They provide fresh eggs for your family and help with pest control in the garden. And you can even sell eggs to your neighbors! But before reaping the benefits of raising chickens, you need to build them a home.

Many different chicken coop plans are available online, so take your time and find one that will work well for your farm. Keep in mind that your chickens will need access to both food and water, and they'll also need a place to roost at night.

Chickens are a great addition to any mini farm.

3. Install fencing around the property

Consider building a fence around your property this fall to keep animals out (or in, depending on what you're farming).

If you have livestock, it's important to keep them safe from predators. Many different types of fencing are available to achieve this, so do some research to find the best option for your needs.

But, right out of the gate (no pun intended), a few essential supplies you'll need include:

• Posts (made of wood, metal, or plastic)
• Wire (welded wire or chicken wire are both popular options)
• T-posts or U-posts (for support)
• Fence staples, clips, or ties
• Shovel
• Posthole digger

4. Set up a compost bin

If you're already producing your own food and reducing your carbon footprint and reliance on grocery stores, composting is the next logical step. It's the best way to recycle food scraps and yard waste – and even improve the quality and biodiversity of your soil. Composting is easy to do on a small scale, and you can begin reaping these benefits just a few weeks into fall.

You'll need a bin or container to store your compost to get started. There are many different bins available, or you can even build your own. When building your compost pile, aim for three parts carbon for every one part nitrogen. It might help to remember this ratio in colors:

"Brown" materials are your carbon suppliers and low-moisture, non-living contents like dead leaves and twigs.

"Green" materials are your moisture-rich nitrogen suppliers and include fresh contents like food scraps and grass clippings.

Composting is easy to do on a small scale, and you can even build your own bin or container to store your materials.

Once you have your compost area, add your compostables and let nature do its thing! But remember, while you can compost just about anything, avoid meat, bones, dairy, oils, and feces from any meat-eating critters on your land. On the other hand, the chickens in your new coop are good potential nitrogen providers if you compost properly!

5. Plant some trees that will thrive in the fall

It might not have been your first thought, but fall is an excellent time to plant trees. The cooler weather and rain aren't only more bearable for you; they help reduce the stress on young trees, and the roots will have plenty of time to grow before the hot summer months arrive. And once your trees grow nice and tall, they will be a vital source of shade and shelter for any animals you have.

Just be sure to choose trees native to your area that will thrive in the fall climate. A few popular trees to plant on a mini farm include:

• Maple trees
• Birch trees
• Crabapple trees
• Dogwood trees
• Hawthorn trees

The cooler weather in fall reduces the stress on young trees, giving the roots plenty of time to grow before the hot summer months arrive.

And, of course, there's always Christmas tree farming if you're in this for the long haul. But it's okay if you don't have the big space or dreams for an operation like that! No matter how big or small your mini farm, there are countless ways to grow it. So roll up your sleeves this fall and get to work!