Survival Gardens By Herbal Pagan

In the bad le days of the Great Depression and WW2, people got through the hard times by having a "Victory Garden". I say, we should have a "Survival Garden"! The word came out the other day that seed purchases were up this year by something like 126%. I anticipate that this will mean some shortages come spring. Go on line and bookmark the seed companies now, so that you an start as soon as the new one comes out in January. (I'll post some of my favorite links closer to that time).
Now is the time to start planning your garden. If you are an old hand at gardening, then just plan to increase it a bit if you can. If you are planning to grow a much bigger garden, now is a great time to turn over the soil in preparation for next year. If you are new to gardening, now is the time to read up on it. Libraries are full of great gardening books that you can read for free. Tr and get the ones on organic if you can, as it is much healthier.

If you don't have space for a garden, then there are several things you can do.... first, check to make sure you really don't have space. A garden should ideally have 6 hours of full sun a day, but many veggies can get by with less (if shad is your problem). You might also have space to grow somethings in with your regular landscape plants. Roses, garlic and potatoes grow quite well together, with the potatoes and garlic adding a heavy mulch around the base of the roses!
If you are an apartment dweller, or have a tiny yard with no space, then perhaps you and a couple of friends can talk to a family member, neighbor or friend who does have a bigger yard; you can barter fresh veggies, or a share of the work on their garden in exchange for the space. Another option for you might be a community garden, or if your community doesn't have one, then perhaps START one. Many companies see the value of allowing some of their land to be used in this way and many cities see it as a good use for some parts of parks and rec centers. Hospitals frequently sponsor space for a community garden and garden space for their employees. Talk to your employer about that option for you! Last, but not least, consider container gardening. One of those fancy indoor micro gardens can be bought in most department stores and you can grow a whole salad bar on your kitchen counter! If you have windows, then you can probably get something to grow for you! Remember, every little bit helps.

If you don't think you have time to garden, then consider this: with the country going into a near depression, money will be tight. Many will be losing jobs, and certainly if you have two jobs, then your chance of loosing one is greatly increased. With money so tight, gardening makes for a healthy and practical past time...in other words, you may not be able to afford some of what currently takes up your time right now. Gardening makes for a good alternative.

It is definitely more easier to garden when you have your own place! However, it IS possible to do some gardening in an apartment. A community garden, doesn't have to be on the rooftop, and you aren't trying to row everything you need, just to supplement. Growing plants in pots does require some different techniques from ground planting, but changing the dirt is not one of them! Potting up to a bigger pot, may be needed, but not changing the dirt. When planting in pots, you should use potting soil, not regular garden dirt, and use a pot big enough that you shouldn't have to repot more than once. Liquid fertilizer should take care of your nutrition needs for the growing season. There are many books on container growing that will help you find a way to do this.
It is easier to container garden when you choose specific varieties of vegetable plants, and choose containers carefully.

Good luck, and don't give up!

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