Methodology Inspiration

I've done tons of reading and research on the internet, but there are a couple of books that are worthy reads to get your creative juices and thought processes started. The best in my opinion is the Kindle edition of Brett L. Markham's Mini Farming: Self Sufficiency on 1/4 Acre.
This book got me started thinking about Mini Farming in my back yard. The book has so much good information.

SOIL

It's all about the soil. You need good quality soil to get good results. My thought process on this kept and keeps on changing as I read and research more. Brett shares great information on soil amendment and I was ready for the arduous process of double digging my soil come spring. Then I read the sample of Mel Bartholomew's All New Square Foot Gardening, Second Edition. If you can only get one of these two books, I recommend Brett's book. Brett credits Mel with inventing much of what mini farming is based on, having invented the Square Foot Gardening method. Personally I didn't like Mel's book due to the "look at me" feeling the book's content gave off. Even so, Mel noted one thing in the sample pages that perked my interest enough to actually pay for the full book.

MEL'S MIX

Mel shared the secret to Mel's Mix and most importantly, farming with 6" of soil and NEVER having to till your soil! That alone was worth the $10 for the book. The thought of saving all that back breaking effort is very enticing to me. To be fair, we'll see if Mel is right and it works. I'll let you know at the end of the season.
Even so, I'm going to start a Keys to Success article where we'll keep the list of core crucial things you should do for the greatest success. Mel's Mix will be on that list.