Living off the land?

Question

Was wondering, how much land would be needed to keep 2 adults completely self sufficient in vegetables (and maybe fruit) indefinately?

Answer 1

I have 25 acres and three of us grow virtually everything we eat. Have a huge garden, fruit trees, pecan trees,figs, grapes, blueberries, blackberries, and strawberries. Grow everything in the garden from asparagus to zucchini. Also have chickens, turkeys, ducks, and geese. And a few cows. Additionally, I put in a 3 acre lake a few years back, so there are fish available. When we go shopping we buy coffee, sugar, and that sort of thing. (Actually I trade duck eggs for a lot of those items with a bakery not far from here. Duck eggs make wonderful cakes!) Also have a bit of land left over for growing hay. Gotta feed the cows in the winter. We can, pickle, preserve, and freeze stuff all season long. My garden is 360 feet by 180 feet and feeds us all, as well as my oldest daughter, her hubby, and 2 children. Hope this helps.

Answer 2

In the northern Northeast US, two people can be entirely self-sufficient in vegetables with a 40 foot by 80 foot garden (speaking from experience). This includes all potatoes, beans, peas, cabbage, broccoli, asparagus, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, garlic, corn, carrots, etc. You will need a freezer and some canning equipment and a food dryer, especially if your gardening season is only a few months a year. For winter greens, you can depend on sprouts or a small greenhouse.

If you want to add fruits and grains, another acre or two would be useful. You could plant an acre in rye or oats. And put fruit trees close together around the house, with borders in berry bushes.

If you want to add animals, then another acre or two would be useful, especially if you want to grow at least some of their food.

Answer 3

There are groups of people that have the same concerns. They live in groups in various parts of the country. I know that there are a couple of groups in Missouri, and they have websites. They are looking for more like minded people to join their groups. Living off the land would require less than 2 acres. If you have the ability to can and freeze foods, that's all you need. If you don't want to can or freeze food, then you will need more land. Good Luck

Answer 4

this can be done on 5 acers or less,in the winter( if you live in a place where it gets cold) build a green house,you can have all the food you will need,also can your food in the summer, or freeze every thing,thats the best, fresh taste when frozen

Answer 5

purchase your own land, set up image voltaic, etc. if you're in a city/city, you've zoning regulations, e.g. problems with windmill towers. human beings are already doing such issues as this in countless countries. purchase your land!

Answer 6

http://www.rivercottage.net/index.jsp I think bloke tries to. he has a prog on uktv food i think.