With this rotten piece of news ringing in my ears I have paid careful attention to my garden planning for the year ahead. I've purchased a wider variety of seeds to ensure a long harvest window. Early types will be eaten over the summer and canned, frozen, pickled and fermented. Later crops have been selected for their ability to stay in the ground or store well. In some cases this means two crops over the season or, with something like the peas, a massive sowing as soon as the soil allows followed by late root vegetables. Right now I'm consumed with various ideas on how to ensure good soil for my ambitious plans.
Now, with a bit of luck, I'm going to stay ahead of the game. Even if I end up having to buy (hyperventilating noises), I'm fortunate enough to be able to increase my budget.
Another 40% number for you. 40% is the number of families with young children in our area who live at or below the poverty line. They don't have the resources to absorb the increased cost of food. They will give up buying nutritious food in favour of cheaper alternatives that provide bulk but little else.
Now you know I have my finger in a few community pies already. I might have complained once or plenty about the workload. I have sensibly planned to withdraw from the most time consuming position in April, so I have time for more enjoyable pursuits. Regardless, I can't stand by and not do something. A number of like minded individuals have begun to drift into a loose group with the intention of helping people grow their own food.
A frugal beginner gardening workshop is confirmed for March. A list of mentors has been created by the garden club. On the "to do" list: a tool sharing system, a garden sharing project, reactivation of the community garden, free seeds and canning classes. Next post I'll discuss some of the things we are learning. Meanwhile I would be interested to know what is happening in your communities.
I have begun to make noises about raised beds - we had them at Pondside and I'd like some here. Like you, I looked at the forecast and started to think about growing my own. Visions of my mother's pantry in late fall came to mind - jar after shining jar of corn relish, tomatoes, beets, beans etc.
ReplyDeleteI haven't heard of any particular initiative in our community. There is certainly a lot of empty space that, with a little work, would make good gardens. I'll be paying attention now.
The only canning I had done previous to moving to our little farm had been in Home Ec class. I expect it will feel easier as I gain more experience. I hope you get the raised beds.
DeleteWhat a good idea to encourage vegetable growing in your community. I was shocked by your statistics for families on/ below the poverty line. Often young families have not been given the chance to develop the skills they need to grow their own food, so a chance to learn these would be invaluable. The high prices you mention are great motivation for everyone to 'grow their own'!
ReplyDeleteSkills, cost of tools, energy all come into play. Fortunately we have a strong core of knowledgeable growers who are willing to help.
DeleteGood for you! Growing your own food and helping others is a great thing to do.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Laurie
DeleteI refuse to pay $6 for cauliflower but have noticed some stores selling them for $3 as loss leaders (Quality foods this week and they are reasonable size). I intend to grow more this year, that is fore sure.
ReplyDeleteI think the cauli thing has calmed down a bit-no one was buying them at that price. Glad you will be growing more.
DeleteThat is a wonderful idea. We could use it in our area - it is woefully lacking in home gardens and we are in an agricultural area! Lots of poverty, too. I thought $5 was expensive for a cauliflower! I've broadened my garden variety this year, too. I will be following your progress in spreading the word (and knowledge) very carefully.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Susan. Canada imports a significant amount of food from the U.S. With our dollar 30% lower than yours and the producers facing drought conditions vegetables are going to get very expensive.
DeleteI have done the same thing, and have planned out how to seed my garden successively for later and fresher crops. I have finally found the perfect carrot. Harvested in October, we are still enjoying them fresh from the cold room in February!!! I'm so happy about this! Best of luck with your planning!
ReplyDeleteWhat is the name of the carrot? Autumn King is my go to. I'm trying
DeleteBerlicummer for the first time this year.
The nearest gardening club to me folded last year, but it was just a fluff club, not into vegetable growing. I visited them on April 1, and they were calling for volunteers to model nude in a fund raising calendar.LOL I've been growing vegetables for 43 years and have started tomatoes, eggplants, and peppers under lights, soon I will plant peas, favas, and cole seeds outdoors. My favorite vegetables are beans, I'm There is a woman, "aftermidnight", who lives in BC who is on the Gardenweb (now Houzz) legume forum.
ReplyDeleteHannah I think this is the funniest comment I have ever received re the nude calender. I might have to take the idea to our library fundraising group. I am very lucky to have found an excellent garden club. It ticks the boxes on many levels.
DeleteWhat a great thing to do. So much money saved when you grow your own and also helping others in the process. I just joined your blog and am looking forward to reading more. Have a great day, Kelly.
ReplyDeleteWe are noticing a huge difference in approach to food and gardening since we moved here to very Rural Kentucky from Virginia. People here garden a lot even the "English" as we are referred to by the Amish. The Amish sense of sustainability permeates the community.
ReplyDeleteThe Powers that be say that inflation is low but food costs are going up exponentially! We have got to accept that cheap food is going to become more scare as so much more food is imported ever year from countries with lower standards of chemical use. Oh I am ranting....sigh. I am enjoying your blog!