Living Off the Land

Sometimes I wish that I had a larger property.  Our yard is a good size for entertaining, children playing  and a couple of flower beds, but I would like to plant a vegetable garden.......and maybe have chickens. Do they make chickens that are self sufficient and don't require much work?  I didn't think so.

We do get a bounty of tasty goodness from neighbors, but it would be nice to grow my own.  I plant tomatoes in containers every year, but they do not produce very much.  I was thinking of planting some lettuce and herbs in my containers this year.  Has anyone ever tried planting lettuce in a planter and if so.....how did it work for you?