tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1785724931249096583.post1843638815469029342..comments2023-04-13T08:58:48.849-04:00Comments on Growing Human: Tracking the Costs of Reclaiming the Good LifeChristyACBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18396628757148282551noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1785724931249096583.post-88907681282034195002009-02-06T18:37:00.000-05:002009-02-06T18:37:00.000-05:00I have pretty decent soil and have gardened all of...I have pretty decent soil and have gardened all of my life.Although I am making some expenditures this year, I really didn't have to buy any seeds because I have plenty from previous years. I also could have opted to just plant a larger garden rather than some of the new things that I am adding, like chickens and tilapia.<BR/><BR/>With that being said...Many people who live in my city are starting to see the benefit of gardening. Many will be starting small due to the poor economy. Their handtools may come from the dollar store, or maybe they will re-purpose a spoon from the kitchen to plant tomatoes in a flower pot on a porch. But once they have success with a couple of plants, they will feel empowered to do more next year.<BR/><BR/>A lot of the tools that gardeners use are not necessary...just nice to have. As an example, I don't have an outdoor spigot for a hose in my yard. It can be time-consuming to carry water, but that is exactly what I do! I am also careful about what I plant and make sure to mulch around everything to keep the moisture levels up. This year, I plan to have water barrels with hoses attached to assist with watering. If I run over my budget and cannot afford them, then I guess I will go back to catching water off the roof in 5 gallon buckets and watering with a bottle like I did last year!Carolyn Evans-Deanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17120659538069120105noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1785724931249096583.post-67311476740765951132009-02-06T10:19:00.000-05:002009-02-06T10:19:00.000-05:00Melissa, Thank you for the wonderful support! I do...Melissa,<BR/><BR/> Thank you for the wonderful support! I do love the square foot method. It is somehow less imposing and intimidating than a large undefined area. It sort of says to the new gardener, "See, just these few squares. You can do that much."<BR/><BR/>Of course...then we double, triple..well, you get the idea.<BR/><BR/>It is wonderful that you are volunteering that way. Via the trickle down effect, you'll have a positive impact on so many lives.ChristyACBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18396628757148282551noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1785724931249096583.post-79024670429982480752009-02-06T09:57:00.000-05:002009-02-06T09:57:00.000-05:00I'm finding (via what my kids tell me when tal...I'm finding (via what my kids tell me when talking to their friends) that we are just about the only family in our school that gardens and cans the excess. Only 1 other church family we know of (out of hundreds) has chickens. I agree, people need to learn these skills NOW before they HAVE to know. My first few years of gardening were disasterous. There is always going to be some crop failure and now I know to plant a little extra "just in case". And, due to late season hail storms, I know to only put out a few of the tomatoe & pepper plants so I don't have to replace them all when their leaves become swiss cheese. I am now volunteering at a local community garden - it's one that helps people start gardening. We teach the square foot method. It can be as small as 1 square foot. Materials are usually salvage. But, once they get going, they quickly expand. I have started excess tomatoe seeds in an attempt to have plants to hand out. I think blogging about the experience will be a great way to get the word out. You never know who you might reach! Can't wait to see how your garden grows.Melissa ~ Mom to 6https://www.blogger.com/profile/02298290484388042867noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1785724931249096583.post-82764327487227390742009-02-06T09:13:00.000-05:002009-02-06T09:13:00.000-05:00I'm like Judy, very fortunate to have good soil. ...I'm like Judy, very fortunate to have good soil. We also have an endless supply of manure on hand, and well water. I like your tenacity. I can't wait to see your garden grow! <BR/>I will post pictures of mine, no actually it's my brothers. We gave my brother (who lives in town) a lot to plant his garden on, then he shares his harvest with us! Works for me!<BR/><BR/>That pressure canner is a new one for me. I also bought a ceramic top stove and I'm wondering what I was thinking. Hmmm....I may have to check into that. <BR/><BR/><BR/>Sorry I'm not much help with answering your questions.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15642967022028132751noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1785724931249096583.post-13048718190062057232009-02-06T08:20:00.000-05:002009-02-06T08:20:00.000-05:00Judy, You are VERY fortunate to have good soil! My...Judy,<BR/><BR/> You are VERY fortunate to have good soil! My area is nothing but very tightly packed clay. You could make dishes from this stuff.<BR/><BR/>I'm still very lucky that I can continue building my garden and it looks like you are doing very well also!<BR/><BR/>Would love to see pictures of the upcoming garden season at your place. 2 families...that is a lot of tomatoes!<BR/><BR/>Thank you for commenting. :)ChristyACBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18396628757148282551noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1785724931249096583.post-84267807077348812872009-02-05T21:35:00.000-05:002009-02-05T21:35:00.000-05:00I'm so fortunate that I live in an area where our ...I'm so fortunate that I live in an area where our soil is fabulous already so my initial outlay was limited, mostly just labor (MINE). I did spend about $80 on seeds and potato starts this year, need to get new trellis material for my peas, and at least one new bulb for my seed starting lights. But I'm pretty much set for the year. Of course, I also figure that the food produced will be feeding 2 families so it ends up being pretty reasonable.<BR/>JudyJudy Thttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01121300109427407095noreply@blogger.com