Step One...Plant some seeds...

This is the year for experiments in self-sufficiency.

In the past, I've dabbled at growing food - with little success except for one or two AMAZING canteloups. My biggest problem seems to be waiting too late in the year to get started! A friend pointed out to me last year that our growing season(s)! are in the spring and fall - not in the summer! My other problems seem to involve tree roots and bermuda grass....

I've created a "real" contained compost pile full of browns and greens - even carted a couple of buckets of the neighbor's horse manure to fuel it. I plan to make another one and end with a third. When the weather warms up, I hope to have them cooking properly!

I've also created a raised bed for vegetables. It will have a greenhouse top to help make it through whatever freezes we have coming - the average last freeze around here is in March... can't decide whether to start seeds outside under the cover, perhaps with a light for warmth if need be - or just start them inside! Hoping to start off with sugar snap peas, carrots and lettuce varieties. I'm still reading and trying to learn - saw something today that said many seed companies hybrid seeds have some type of genetic "timebomb" built in that makes sure the fruit that is produced will not create seeds that can be grown - ensuring that every year you will buy more seeds! So, I'll start looking at heirloom seed companies...


Other experiments will follow, but these two are all I've got for now...