SELF-SUFFICIENCY ON JUST 1/4 ACRE Most people think you need acres of land to grow your own food, but the truth is you can create an amazingly productive mini-homestead in a typical suburban lot. With smart planning and efficient design, a quarter acre can provide: 塞 Vegetable garden 2,000 sq ft with 6-8 raised beds for year-round harvests Orchard space 1,000 sq ft with dwarf fruit trees and berry bushes Herb garden 200 sq ft for culinary and medicinal needs 凜 Staple crops 2,000 sq ft for calorie-dense foods like potatoes and corn Small structures for storage, animals, and season extension Space for chickens, bees, and even small goats Water management systems like rain barrels and greywater reuse Renewable energy sources including solar panels The key is permaculture zoning – placing elements strategically to save time and energy while maximizing productivity.