Here are some of the things we are learning as we delve a little deeper into the Grow Some idea.
Rules and Regulations.
Some cities oddly have a thing against veggies in the front yard. Fortunately our council is laid back, for now.
Landlords may be fussy about what happens on their property.
Cost
Seeds may be cheap but soil, fertiliser, tools and building materials are not. We have a tool lending library at the planning stage.
To overcome the costs of setting up I am bravely going to stand up in front of our feisty seniors' club and pitch a garden sharing plan. Muscle in return for mentoring and a share of the harvest. Garden sharing is not as simple as it seems when personalities are involved. A good match is important.
I'm also hoping the seniors might let go of any tools they no longer use.
Education
Our Homesteading School is putting on a frugal beginner gardening course. We have asked for sponsorship to avoid charging a fee.
Garden club is asking for names to go on a mentor list.
Literacy challenges are evident in our target group.
Energy
Single parents holding down two minimum wage jobs, don't have much left over at the end of the day.
Psychological
Apathy, burn out, depression. Poverty sucks the life out of you.
I'll keep you posted as things evolve.
As long as you have a garden and a library you have everything you need
I am getting ready to prepare my soil this week so I can plant in late March or early April (after frost looks out of the question). I'll have to deal with my winter crops which are still in the ground. The old beets and carrots can come out and I'll cut back on the chard and kale to make room for new spring crops. It may not save us much money but I enjoy doing it all the same. I'll keep an eye out for the gardening class. - Margy
ReplyDeleteIt's nice to get cracking on the garden jobs. I'm getting soil too.
DeleteI consider composting a great way to build soil rather than buying it. I've heard of possibly getting spent coffee grounds from Starbucks or other coffee shops to make lots of great compost. The idea to help seniors with a garden in exchange for tools they no longer need sounds like a wonderful idea.
ReplyDeleteIt would be wonderful is we had a free or cheap source of any soil builder. Our town has a community compostor on the books but it may be several years down the road. Two of our coffee shops are good about putting grounds out for pick up but more could do it.
DeleteThis sounds like an enormous, but extremely worthwhile undertaking. All the best you as you clear those hurtles.
ReplyDeleteI am trying to keep it manageable, Andrea. I'm just trying to raise awareness and hope people will take on small projects-many hands and all that.
DeleteI hope that, once you get everyone involved, they will find out how rewarding - on every level - growing your own food can be. Sounds like you're well organized and ready for action!
ReplyDeleteIt is a slow process, mostly because I don't have much time. I dream some energetic soul will take up the mantle.
DeleteI love the Grow Some concept and really hope it's a success
ReplyDeleteSounds interesting!
ReplyDelete