To say that the Covid 19 pandemic caught the average person by surprise is an understatement. Every area of life has been disrupted. The dramatic loss of human life has been devastating. Millions of people are at risk of falling into extreme poverty. This pandemic has taught us that health is wealth. It ’s now more important than ever to leave our children with a legacy of health and wealth. One way to achieve such a goal is to empower ourselves by growing our own food.
It ’s now more important than ever to leave our children with a legacy of health and wealth. One way to achieve such a goal is to empower ourselves is by growing our own food.
Our first garden
My family and I started our first garden in the midst of the pandemic. Many people with a garden live in the suburb with a backyard. However, we were living in an apartment. We contacted our local county and were surprised to learn that garden plots was available to county residents. Unfortunately, all of the plots had been assigned. We were placed on a waiting list.
We were disappointed, however, we were determined. A few weeks later, we were presented with an opportunity to lease a 20×20 lot for 25 dollars per year. To say we were exited is is an understatement. With zero practical gardening experience and hours of YouTube videos under our belt, we set out to conquer our first gardening experience. We did not have much expectation except to grow something. What a journey it was!!! The outcome was beyond what we could have expected. We grew and harvested corn, beans, squash, tomatoes, peppers, and more. We had so much cucumbers, we were giving them away. It was epic, for us, at least.
The gardening experience was a liberating feeling and more importantly, we had a sense of being producers rather than mere consumers. As the pandemic presents an unprecedented challenge to public health and the food system, I believe gardening is a must for every family. I want to share 5 important tips we learned on our journey to leave our children a legacy of health and wealth by growing our own food.
5 gardening tips
- Plan – I did not know this when we started but planning is the key to our gardening success. I consider the outcome of our first garden a success, however, as I look back, I see how we could have doubled our yield with proper planning. For example, there are plants that do well next to one another. There are plants that do well in the shade. Do a little research before you drop the seed in the dirt.
- Utilize the environment – Make use of all organic matter such as leaves, hay, wood mulch, grass clippings, sawdust, and kitchen compost, etc.
- Water – Plants are made up of 75% water and a well watered garden will yield healthier foods.
- Weed control – If you don’t have a plan for weed, it drive you out of the garden. Consider and look into mulching. It will greatly reduce.
- Frost dates – Understanding frost dates will save you from a thousand headaches and frustration. It’s imperative to know the last average spring frost date and your first average fall frost date. A very good life principle is applicable here: Timing is everything.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is educational and general in nature. Neither Plant Sustained, nor author intend this article as a substitute for medical diagnosis, counsel, or treatment by a qualified health professional.