Areas that are visited often, such as the chicken pen and the vegetable garden, should be positioned close to the house. The orchard, stock pens, and sheds, which are not visited so frequently can be placed further from the house. Use plants and animals. Plants and animals can save you energy and do work for you. When enclosed in a weed infested area, they will destroy all vegetation, while turning and manuring the soil.
Plants can play an important role in pest control.
Marigolds and daisies attract insects which feed on garden pests. Ponds attract insect-eating frogs. Garlic and onion tend to repel many insects. Trees and vines, cleverly placed, can provide shade, windbreaks and firebreaks. Make sure that nutrients do not leave the farm or garden, but are cycled through it.