HARVEST

By now I hope you realize the importance of fresh fruits and vegetables. Of all the ways to acquire these tasty, nutritious gifts of the earth, growing them yourself has the most advantages:

1. Nutrient density-plants are at peak nutrient density when they are first picked, and are picked at perfect ripeness. Store bought veggies are picked before ripening completely so that by the time they reach the dinner table they will be ripe. So not only have they not developed peak nutrient density, they lose nutrient value each day in transport.

2. Economy. Have you seen how much organic produce cost these days?? I spent $5 on a single heirloom tomato! Then I went to Home Depot and bought a good sized tomato plant for $3.50. With a little love, this plant will hopefully yield maybe 10 super delicious tomatoes-and that it estimating conservatively.

3. Safety. You aren’t spraying your veggies with pesticides or genetically modifying them. What you grow is what you get.

4. Sustainable.You are eliminating the energy it took to transport the produce to your door.

5. Rewarding.Gardening is fun. Studies have also shown that it’s healthy for you. Just think about the day when you finally get to harvest that big red tomato or good looking eggplant. You will hopefully be proud of your efforts and somehow feel connected with the earth .

I’m not a big time gardener, but I do grow a modest little garden in the backyard each spring and summer. I also have some herbs that grow year round, mainly rosemary, sage, dill, mint, and parsley. My main veggie yield consists of tomatoes, bell peppers, squash, zuchinni, eggplant, and wild onion.

In addition to plants, I’m also preparing to harvest some chickens. They’ll be mostly for fresh eggs, but every now and then I plan on butchering one for dinner. Raising your own chickens carries several of the benefits or gardening, but chickens have a fun factor that plants don’t. People say they make good pets. I’ll find out when I get some. Chickens are also good for eating kitchen scraps, backyard pests, and fertilizing the yard. They are fairly easy to maintain you just have to make sure some basic needs are met.

I’ve set aside three resources for the wannabe harvester to get started:

This section has some posts, links, and books to get you started with a garden.

 

 

This section has some neat ideas to garden if you have limited space for it, or live in an apartment.

 

 

Some starter tips for raising chickens