In troubled economic times many families are finding it increasingly difficult to afford the high cost of groceries. Extreme weather conditions can sometimes cause crop failures domestically and abroad. This often results in inflated prices at the supermarket. Rather than depend on commercially available produce, more and more people are opting to grow their own fruits and vegetables. Not only does doing so save a great deal of money, but it also allows people to experience the ultimate sense of self-reliance. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Determine how much space you have to devote to your survival garden. Apartment and townhouse dwellers can grow several types of vegetables in self-watering containers or Earthboxes on the patio or porch. Herbs, strawberries and dwarf vegetables can be grown in window boxes. Even in a small space it is possible to grow several pounds of produce each season. If you have a back yard with ample gardening space, it can be divided into individual plots to accommodate different types of crops. Raised beds are another option for keeping vegetable patches neat, tidy and easy to maintain. If the climate in your region allows, you may also want to plant some fruit bushes and trees.
2. Choose the crops that you would like to grow. Your choices should reflect produce that your family not only likes, but also that will grow well in your particular climate. Staples such as lettuce, tomatoes, peppers, carrots, corn and green beans are popular choices. Perennials including artichokes, garlic, horseradish, shallots and yams need to be planted only once and they will return each summer to provide a new crop. Fruit bushes and trees are also good choices if you have the space for them. Both fruits and vegetables can be preserved and enjoyed the rest of year in the form of jams, jellies, sauces, pickles and more.
3. Purchase your vegetable seeds. These can be found locally at garden centers or home improvement stores. Whenever possible, consider buying open pollinated or heirloom varieties because the seeds can be saved at the end of the season. That way you do not have to purchase seeds next year. If you are planning on growing fruit bushes or trees, check the store's selection to see if it matches your survival garden needs. If it does not, there are several online vendors who specialize in fruit bushes and trees whose products may be more suitable.
4. Start your seeds indoors, taking care to follow the growing instructions on the packet. Once the danger of frost has passed, the seedlings are ready to be planted outside. If you are planting directly into the ground it is best to till the soil manually or with a rototiller to promote aeration and good drainage. After the earth is tilled use a small hand held garden shovel to plant the seedlings. Place any fruit bushes or trees in the yard in a sunny location. Water everything regularly and fertilize the soil, if needed. Keep an eye out for signs of insect damage. There are many organic pest control sprays on the market that can help to eradicate bug damage. These are readily available from garden centers.
5. Harvest your fruits and vegetables when they are ripe. The fresh produce can be enjoyed right away and some can also be preserved for future use. Not only does the food you've grown help to save a good deal of money, it also provides good nutrition and a sense of accomplishment.
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