living on a slope: the ups and downs of marginal land

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Crafts—which don't usually require flat terrain or a lot of space—are another possibility. Or you could raise goats, or rabbits and earthworms in conjunction. We'd also like to recommend beekeeping as a reasonable way to bring in money with relatively little expense and work. A number of hives and a honey house take up only a small amount of land, and isolation is an advantage because there's less chance of competition from other apiaries. Since you're also less likely to have to worry about contamination from pesticides, you'll be able to produce an organic honey which is in great demand both economically and nutritionally.

AND FINALLY . . .

Even if you do have the money and the inclination for good farm acreage, you'll be wise to consider a tract which includes some marginal land. You could then situate some of your buildings on slopes, where they'd be protected from flooding and wouldn't use space in the more valuable fertile portions. The marginal area could also be a good source of wood and gravity-fed water. Make the best use of the hilly and flat areas on your place, and you'll have a sensibly arranged homestead that eliminates the drawbacks of both.

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