WelcomeUser Guide
ToSPrivacyCanary
DonateBugsLicense

©2026 Poal.co

Copied from @Klakks's post: https://poal.co/s/Garden/260290


EDIT: Thanks to points made in the sticky post, I've moved this post to a new, alternate sub for info sheets that contain subjective, opinion-based information. /s/InfoSheetsOpinioned

The information in the image is useful in concept, but opinions and assumptions contained in it make it impractical and unrealistic for direct implementation.

Copied from @Klakks's post: https://poal.co/s/Garden/260290 --- **EDIT**: Thanks to points made in the sticky post, I've moved this post to a new, alternate sub for info sheets that contain subjective, opinion-based information. /s/InfoSheetsOpinioned The information in the image is useful in concept, but opinions and assumptions contained in it make it impractical and unrealistic for direct implementation.

(post is archived)

[–] [Sticky] 2 pts

That graph is so far wrong it’s not even funny. Almost every data point is wrong and missing critical factors.

[–] 0 pt

The information seems to be accurate and logical at face value, but I haven't checked through and researched each of the values to see if they actually are accurate.

If the information is inaccurate, it will be removed or instead given flair such as "Opinion" or "Unverified". However, I would prefer this sub to remain as only factual and accurate info sheets and not have info sheets presenting subjective opinions on topics.

Your comment implies firsthand knowledge of this exact setup and possession of information in how it is incorrect. Could you note which data points are wrong and how they are wrong. Perhaps I could update the image to be more accurate.

[–] 1 pt (edited )

Sure, since this is how I live. It’s fine if this is your first bit of info into the idea, but as you drill deeper you find out it’s more. Infrastructure - solar is fine, highly variable, but you need to think of doubling whatever you need because poor solar days. A hydro power system is difficult a d expensive but pays off long term. Also batteries, likely a big investment. Water, not even mentioned. Collect and purify? Well? More power… Septic. Leave a big patch open for a septic drain field.

Animals, please don’t cram them into a cement pen, it’s gross, is work for you to collect their feed and clean up, and the omega 3-6 balance is terrible on grain.They need pasture, a 1/10 acre per pig is ok, don’t forget a male if you want more pigs…. They do eat kitchen scrap but also may need supplement grain. Corn is not the best.

Chickens or ducks, good but need pasture . A flock of 10 is good on 1/10 acre. May need supplement grain. Don’t do Cornish cross or you just run a feedlot.

Goats. I like goats but you cannot keep them in a pen. Also, a male is needed if you want more goats or milk, kept separate. Depending on your climate and how fast brush grows you need a 1/10 acre per goat. And good fences. You need 3 goats minimum as they are herd animals and can die if alone.

Wheat, likely more (I like other grains like sorghum more but they grow similar, better as both bread and supplement animal feed)

None of this takes into account if you have any failures you need more. Bugs? Better plant double. Neighbors cow escapes Into your field? Better have more. Bad weatheR?better have a big damn root cellar with extras, also not everything does great every year. One year I had a bumper crop of small pickling cucumbers, put a 100 jars of pickles in the pantry. Way things went, that supplied us for the next 3 years when we had hadrdly any.

For the ducks, build a big pond. You can also use it for emergency water in case of drought for crops. No crops the animals may starve.

Paths and roads into your space is usually 10% more also. Space for compost piles, work areas, etc..

Personally, if it’s all good god useful land in a good climate (aren’t you lucky!) I would say 5 acres is bare minimum. Since it’s likely not all perfect, double it.

Them there is the reliance on the grid in general for high tech supplies to keep you going. Being disconnected from the grid is only a small part of the equation, you still use it for clothes, gas, internet, tools, medicines, fertilizer.

Truly off grid can be incredibly rewarding, but it’s also a lot of work. Today I’m clearing treed area to turn into mixed pasture for more goat space, then moving on to expanding my solar array, and building a new smokehouse to process a pig this week. Homemade bacon done right is Incredibly good, and not even available at any price to most people.

[–] 1 pt

Thank you very much for taking the time to share your knowledge on the topic.

The information in the image seemed logical on the surface. I now see that, while it may be useful as introductory to the topic of self-sufficiency, it is actually unrealistic, impractical and short-sighted for implementing as outlined.

After reading your reply, I walked the property and re-visualized how I intended to utilize it with some of the points you noted. After re-measuring dimensions and re-allocating space, things quickly exceeded the 1.5-2 acres noted in the info sheet while not yet accounting for all that I want to build.

I will be re-visiting the information you shared a lot. Thank you again for sharing your knowledge. It will take some time for me to alter my intended plans to account for points you brought up so that I am more likely to do it all the right way.

I've now created a second sub called /s/InfoSheetsOpinioned where info sheets like this which contain subjective, opinion-based information can be posted to. I've also now moved this post there as it is more of a conceptual info sheet as a starting place to build from and not practical or proper for direct implementation.