Creating a Garden - Shortmeadow: Building the “Mini-Barn” (Phase 1 - Prepping the site)

Creating a Garden

Jan 15

Follow Along as We Build the Mini-Barn!

Over the coming months (hopefully not seasons), I'll be posting updates that cover the various phases of the building process for what I'm calling the "mini-barn".

Why a "Mini-Barn"?

Our property size and layout/use of the backyard doesn't leave enough space for a large barn...we also don't have large farm animals or a need for a large barn, but we do have a need for some small barn-like space. In reality, it's probably a cross between a loafing shed that has been fully walled-in and a storage shed. But I think it will be a perfect outbuilding that meets several "needs" all in one structure.

Step 1: Mini-Barn Design and Layout

The original intention for the spaces within the mini-barn included a potting room, potting supply storage, rabbit room, chicken coop, and covered chicken run. That has changed a bit as I will be building a standalone potting shed on the other side of the yard. So, the covered chicken run area will grow in size. Overall, the mini-barn will be 10 feet deep and 40 feet long including the covered chicken run — which is an absolute must given the number of birds of prey that go back and forth across the area every day. I still intend to let the chickens out into the orchard and free range while I’m working in the area. I’ll keep my fingers crossed that we don’t have any incidents.

Step 2: Scrape and Clear Area for Mini-Barn

The first step out in the landscape was to measure and mark out the area for the mini-barn. Then, we scraped out the existing turf and excavated to accommodate 4-6" of road mix (sand/gravel). Some existing sprinkler heads were also relocated.

Step 3: Pad Prep for Mini-Barn

We had our friendly local landscape guy place and lightly compact the road mix since we will be building this in a sort of pole barn style with posts in the ground and no load bearing on the gravel pad. I think we’ll end up pouring a concrete floor in the chicken coop and rabbit room that will be covered in pine shavings. That should make the rooms more secure and the process of cleaning up and refreshing the bedding easier.