As weeks go by and we head into Spring, more and more people are becoming interested in maintaining their own garden. It may be because of current world circumstances, or otherwise.
Nonetheless, I think it’s fantastic! It’s something I wish more people took pride in doing, learning about, and starting. In fact, when Chris and I first started adding produce to the farm, it became my dream to one day mentor people and show them how to “garden” right in their back yard. Whether you live on 5 acres or .5 acres, you can do this! There’s something so rewarding in planting, watering, nurturing, growing, harvesting and consuming your home grown goods.
I truly believe this turn of events that we face today is forcing us ALL to slow down, remember our roots, remember where our food should come from, spend time with the people we love, doing the things we love, picking up old hobbies, realizing we are more than capable of training our kids, bringing back home economics, and genuinely enjoying a slower pace. I’m always asking myself at what point did we become so busy? So busy we can’t eat a meal together. Or learn a new trade. Or create. Or grow our own food. It seems as though many people like the busy, non-stop lifestyle…. or do they? Now we are all being forced to stop, think, slow down and just be. And I think it’s extremely good for the world.
Maybe you have tried heading to the grocery store like I have only to see that they are completely out of stock on most common groceries. Meat, breads, pastas, veggies, and don’t even get me started on the tp situation……
While wandering through the aisles it hit me like a ton of bricks. I am SO thankful I know how to grow/raise most of my own foods. I didn’t always.. although I believe it’s in my blood. My grandfather was into gardening and took much pride in his herbs and homemade sauces. He even made red wine vinegar himself. I wish he was still around to see our farm and give me more tips and fun facts about all we are growing. I vividly remember running through the greenhouse aisles when I was just a kid (Caiden’s age) where my head was just barely taller than the tables in there. And the smell. Oh the smell of fresh clean dirt, potting soil, tomato plants.. Every time I walk into our greenhouse now, the smell reminds me of him and those days I would pull up a stool and help him make pasta sauce simmering on the porch stove all day long using fresh ingredients he grew himself. That was normal to him.
I believe my passion in homesteading, growing my own food, knowing where it all comes from and how it’s raised, came from him. The desire and fascination runs through my veins and on day like today, I am so grateful.
So if you find yourself wanting to start a garden this year (as one of the easiest, simplest ways to be more self-sufficient) here are my top recommendations that are easy to grow from seed. And if you cannot find seed in stores or online, we will be doing a plant sale end of May/beginning of June selling baby plant starts.
TOMATOES:
Cherry/grape tomatoes, beef steak varieties, roma tomatoes make a GREAT pasta sauce.
ZUCCHINI:
Both green and yellow summer squash are easy and FAST. They also freeze well so plant extra.
RADISH/TURNIPS:
Best direct seeded and now is the perfect time/temp as they are a cool weather crop.
BEETS:
Super easy and fast.
CUCUMBER:
Both for slicing and pickling
LETTUCE:
Almost all varieties are super easy to grow and make perfect potted plants that can be brought inside for extended season growth. Our favorite are red/green lettuce mix, romaine, butterhead, buttercrunch.
SPINACH:
Another perfect cool weather crop that grows fast and freezes well.
SUGAR SNAP PEAS:
These grow very fast and need some sort of fence to climb. Cool weather crop only so start them now!
KALE:
This is my fave! It grows fast, and one plant will keep growing and producing leaves all year long. Even after multiple cuttings!
MELONS:
Start those closer to may/june.
MICROGREENS:
These little unpopular beauties are often over looked or sadly not heard of, but they are SOOO nutrient dense! They are basically the baby plant of any veggie. They contain 10x the nutrients as when the veggie is mature. And bonus, they only take 8-20 days to grow and can be grown right on your window sill!!
Eventually as the summer goes on you will want to grow things like corn, green beans, egg plant, pie pumpkins, bell peppers, hot peppers, and much more.
You do not need to have a greenhouse to do this or a large back yard. If you’re just starting out, pick a few that you know you definitely want to have (think preserving, freezing, canning, remember we are trying to be more self sufficient and not depend so heavily on the grocery store chains to supply our fresh foods) and start with those. Almost all of these can be grown in large pots right on your back deck too! Even the peas and zucchini! There are ways to do it.
If you ever need help or need variety suggestions, just reach out to us! I am always happy to help. These are my top veggies that I always recommend people try to grow themselves because in small quantities like back yard gardens or pots, they really are easy and minimal work involved.
Quality dirt, sun, water and a little TLC and you can have your own garden this summer. Involve your kids and try it out! Packets of seeds are super cheap right now.
I hope this post inspires you to begin looking into homesteading and seeing what more you can do yourself, grow yourself and raise yourself. It really isn’t as daunting as it sounds. I love that this slow lifestyle right now is forcing us to dig deep and return to our original roots.
Learn how to garden. Learn how to make bread. Learn how to make butter. Learn how to teach your kids. Learn how to make your own soaps and cleaners. Support small businesses and farm. Get to know your neighbor. Figure out where your consumables come from. Every little bit is important and will benefit your family.
I plan to do a lot more blogging now that I have the time…. hehe.. this is one thing I am “picking back up” now that we are attuned to a slower pace. I will be sharing more posts about specific veggies as well as how to preserve them and the best methods. How to cook/eat them too! If there’s anything farm related that you’d like me to share and talk about, let me know!
And as always, we are here if you ever need help with anything!
Berryhill
