The time is ripe for vegetable gardening and raising chickens for eggs in Costa Rica!
Maybe you find yourself with some extra time on your hands and a lack of home-based hobbies?
Maybe you could really use the savings and security provided by producing some of your own food at home? Or maybe you’ve always secretly wished for the homesteader life but never had the time or motivation to get started…
Well, we have some good news for you!
Getting started with your own vegetable garden and laying hens is easier than ever in Costa Rica. Read on for more information or skip straight to our Special Quarantine Packages.
How Does Your Garden Grow?
Vegetable gardens require loose, healthy soil; adequate space, and protection from the elements (including your dog or cat). One type of vegetable garden that is becoming really popular now is a square-foot raised bed garden. It requires minimal space yet maximizes yeild. Plus, you don’t need to have land with good soil, or any land at all, to have one. Even a concrete patio will do.
Building a Square Foot Raised Bed Vegetable Garden
We were so inspired by the concept we decided to build our own raised bed vegetable garden using the square-foot gardening method. The one we made includes 16 squares. It sits on the ground, but on top of soil that is hard and infertile. Therefore, the raised beds are essential to hold the nutrient substrate-soil mix that will give our seeds a place to grow.
The design also includes PVC piping and chicken wire in the shape of an arch that lifts up for access. This will keep our cats from climbing in and messing in the soil. It will also keep any squirrels or birds from helping themselves to our harvest.
Build Your Own Raised Bed
To build your own raised bed you will need:
- 8 Meters of Wire Screen
- 3 PVC Pipes (1/2″)
- 4 Pieces of Wood 4′ x 16″
- 2 Meters of Black Plastic (to cover the bottom and sides of the bed)
- Screws and wood glue
- Plastic Zip Ties
- Staples and a Staple Gun (to staple the black plastic to the sides of the bed)
Fresh Eggs from Happy, Healthy Hens
If you want to produce enough eggs for your family to consume daily (and maybe a little more) you’ll need to raise at least three hens. Happy, healthy hens produce the most delicious and nutritious eggs.
To lead happy, healthy lives, hens need a shady space to escape the heat of the day, an enclosed space to lay their eggs, and access to natural ground. They also need a balanced diet that includes grains, greens, and minerals.
Basic Hen House
How to Raise Chickens for Eggs
There’s more to it than having the right hen house. Check out this video by Becky’s Homestead for tips on keeping happy hens:
Special Quarantine Packages
Not ready to be a complete DIY Homesteader? Pick from one of the following packages and we’ll set you up! Each package includes installation and a comprehensive consultation on how to maintain your garden and/or hens.
*Additional delivery charges applied based on your location
