Pea seedlings prepare to climb a string trellis. Photo courtesy National Garden Bureau.
Park’s Seed, Burpee, Johnny’s Selected Seeds, Territorial Seeds and dozens of other seed merchants report increased sales of 20- to 30 percent, because we’re growing our own to extend our food budget. We’re also concerned about contaminated produce and how far it has to travel to get to our table. And, we want fresh food that tastes good.
Dirtless? You can tend a plot in a community garden or shop the farmers markets for locally grown food. Another alternative is subscribing to a community supported agriculture, or CSA, program. You pay a farmer an annual fee for fresh food delivered to your door or to a central pick-up spot throughout the season. You get vegetables, fruit, breads, eggs or meat — whatever the farmer produces.
If you’re game for growing your own, here are a few tips:
- Start small. Grow what you and your family likes.
- Vegetables need eight or more hours of full sun a day.
- Vegetables do best in well-prepared soil. Dig the bed at least 12-inches deep and work in compost, rotted manure or other organic matter. A healthy soil grows healthy plants, which are better able to fend of diseases and insects. Or, make a raised bed by bringing in soil to make 12-inch high mounds.
- Vegetables need an inch a week of rainfall or water from the garden hose. Soaker hoses, drip irrigation or a showerhead nozzle on a hose are the most efficient and effective methods. Water the soil, not the plant.
- Apply organic or natural fertilizers, following label directions. These products work in the soil, which nurtures the plants. Synthetic fertilizers do nothing for the soil. Feed the soil, not the plant.
- Harvest the crops as they come on. Regular harvests boost production.
- Lastly, participate in Plant a Row for the Hungry and donate produce to a soup kitchen or food pantry. Second Helpings will again receive donations at 1121 Southeastern Ave. About 1.7 million pounds of food was collected last year, said Joe Hoog, director of food rescue.
