MY HOBBY FARM

View from farm land showing the extinct volcano known as the You Yangs
The Red Flowering Gum is one of my favourite gums
Magpies are a common sight on the farm
My neighbours

When the wind is blowing up a dust storm, without a sign of rain, I can’t help but wonder why I bought this hobby farm. However, on waking to a bright day, full of promise, an optimistic mood soon arises.

My Hobby

Coming from the land always helps when deciding to buy a plot of land, and a love of nature is essential. Not having a good knowledge of farming means much more homework is needed, but these obstacles can be overcome. Having lots of friends and a practical nature will enable you to deal with the everyday problems that will certainly arise on the farm.

A Lifelong Passion

I bought my hobby farm in order to enjoy my lifelong passion for growing plants, especially fruit and vegetables. There is also the health aspect resulting from lots of exercise and of course a chance to get out and enjoy the sunshine and fresh air. Each season becomes clearer and the senses are certainly sharpened by the ever-changing colours, aromas and sounds.

Learning some of the fine details of plant propagation has always been a topic of interest. Some of the most interesting information has been obtained from older migrants who spent most of their lives on vineyards and orchards. Meeting and conversing with other gardeners, and like- minded people, also helps to get things into perspective.

Money In Hobby?

In case you may be thinking there is money to be made from a hobby farm, think again. Most hobby farms being relatively small are inefficient and will cost much more to maintain than any likely earnings. Profits can be made with lots of dedication and a hard nosed approach towards a business, but much care and research will be needed in order to achieve this aim.

If you have decided to buy your own piece of paradise, I believe you can expect a journey with many ups and downs and lots of unexpected turns.

Wishing you all the best in your venture.

Alf Di Bella

My Hobby Farm
My Rural Experiences
About Me
Far North Queensland
The Murray
College Days
Buying A Hobby Farm
Why Buy A Hobby Farm
Farm Challenges
Starting An Enterprise
A Specialist Enterprise
Looking To The Future
Watching The Farm Grow
Hobby Farm First Year
Hobby Farm Second Year
My Re-vegetation Project
Beauty In Winter & Spring
Beauty In Spring & Summer
Hardy Fruits On My Hobby Farm
Carobs
Dates
Figs
Olives
Persimmons
Pistachio Nuts
Pomegranates
Prickly Pears
Quinces
Quandongs
Garden Fruits On My Hobby Farm
Apricots
Peaches & Nectarines
Plums
Hobby Farm Vegetables
Brassicas
Eggplants
Peas
Potatoes
Tomatoes
Hobby Farm Weeds
Weeds
My Weeds (2007)
My Weeds (Jan-May 2008)
My Weeds (Jun-Dec 2008)
Hobby Farm Creatures
Farm Wildlife
Beautiful Bugs
Earthworms
Water on the Farm
Water
Water Harvesting
Drought Management
Hobby Farm Soil Care
Soil
Soil Salinity
Soil Carbon
The Plant Graveyard
Hobby Farm Implements
Machinery & Implements
Hobby Farm Cultivator
Hobby Farm Grader
Hobby Farm Environment
Microenvironments
Wind Management
Shades Of Grey
Christmas Tree Growing
Hobby Farm Recycling
Recycling On The Farm
Spring Cleaning
Stairway To Heaven
Farming Basics
Plants From Seed
Cuttings
Grafting
Farming Philosophy
Life Lesson
The Old Oak Tree
The Four Elements
The Ugly Sapling
Hobby Farm Resource Links
Composts And Composting
Garden Tractors
Greenhouses
Irrigations
Lawn And Garden
Tillers And Culitvators
Hatch Chicken In Incubator
Hobby Links
Reading And Learning
Eco-Renewable Resources