You can grow your own food no matter where you live. Here in the Willamette Valley, our mild winters offer a year-round harvest. It doesn’t have to be complicated and it it very rewarding. You have a space for dirt, you plant some seeds, give it water and access to sunlight, and watch it grow. Growing your own food is beneficial in many ways: It makes you feel good to get your hands in the dirt and to be outside which improves your mood. You don’t have to buy food at the supermarket that was brought there from 1000 of miles away. You can grow varieties of plants that the supermarket doesn’t carry; purple carrots, spicy basil, yellow beets; think of the fun things you can make! Homegrown food tastes better because it is picked fresh. You know your food wasn’t sprayed with chemicals. Food costs are getting so high that even growing a small garden will save you money on food costs. KIDS LOVE GARDENING! It is a lifelong skill and creates fun rewarding activities to do as a family while instilling self efficiency and healthy food relationships. Lastly produce is expensive especially for organic food. By growing your own, especially from seed, you will save a lot of money.
What kinds of seeds should we use? Heirloom seeds are true seeds that have been around for at least 60 years. They are wind or insect pollinated and the seeds can be harvested and planted next year. Hybrid seeds are naturally bred for certain characteristics, such as disease resistance, but their seed is not viable. Genetically modified seeds are scientifically made to insert genetic material into the seed that wasn’t there. These are highly controversial because they were created to resist roundup (a dangerous Monsanto pesticide) which have created weeds super-weeds which farmers in turn spray even more pesticides. Organic seeds are grown, saved and stored all without the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, antibiotics, GMO’s, and food additives. Organic is definitely the safest way to keep harmful food out of our bodies.
Growing plants from seed can be done in two ways; directly into the ground or indoors to be transplanted into your garden later. Some plants prefer to be planted directly in their permeant spot while others need a longer growing season so they must be started earlier. Starting seeds indoors requires soil, water, and light but this can easily be done with an inexpensive greenhouse kit or on your windowsill. I start mine in the greenhouse on a heated plant pad. Starting seed is all about timing. Knowing the first/ last frost date is important for a successful harvest. The Portland Nursery made this really informative planting guide.
