Self Sufficient GardeningSelf sufficient gardening is becoming more appealing as prices continue to rise and the economy grows more fragile. Is there a way you can raise your own food, even if you live in an area with limited growing space? While you might not be able to raise all of the food you eat, you can raise at least a portion of it, benefiting both your health and your pocketbook. The secret to self-sufficiency is to make the most of the growing space you have, according to John Seymour in his excellent book, The Self Sufficient Life and How to Live it. Obviously, the more space you have, the more food you will be able to provide for you and your family. How Much Space Will It Take?If you live in the city, make the most of every spot you have by using raised beds, containers, supports for climbing plants and hanging containers. If you live on one acre, at least half of it should be devoted to growing food. If you live on five acres, at least an acre or more should be devoted to growing your own food.What Should You Grow?For self sufficient gardening at its best, you should grow a large variety of vegetables, including potatoes, legumes (all members of the pea and bean family, brassicas (all members of the cabbage family) and root vegetables, including carrots, beets, and parsnips, as well as salad items, such as tomatoes and onions.You should rotate your crops every year to keep them from getting overrun by disease and pests. In addition, Seymour recommends using a cold frame in the winter months, to lengthen your growing season. In addition to vegetables, you should make room for the soft fruits, such as raspberries, blackberries and grapes. Grapes are a climbing plant that can grow in narrow areas, such as along a fence. And finally, plant a couple of apple trees, along with other fruit trees, such as pear, peach and cherry. Fruit trees are a long-term investment – you won’t see instant results, but in the years ahead, you’ll reap the benefit of an ever-increasing crop of fruit.
Storing It AllIf you have the space and can afford to hire someone with a backhoe, consider putting in a root cellar. If stored properly, apples, potatoes, carrots and onions will last for months. You’ll have fresh, organically grown vegetables just a few feet from your house. An excellent resource, that includes designs as well as suggestions for the best varieties of storing vegetables is Mike Bubel’s book, Root Cellaring: Natural Cold Storage of Fruits and Vegetables.Return from self sufficient gardening to organic gardening.
|
