Neighbours talking over the garden gate has long been a tradition. They share gardening tips, complain about the weather and pests yet are ever eager to discuss their gardens. That is what I had in mind when creating this blog. So stop by my garden gate to find out the latest happenings in my garden.

Happy Gardening!

Garden Gnome
"All my life through, the new sights of Nature made me rejoice like a child." ~ Madame Marie Curie"

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Food in Uncertain Times

I've been following a discussion about the 5 crops (foods) that should be grown for sustainable living in uncertain times.  They are: potatoes, corn, beans, squash and eggs.  My gosh I have to say I disagree with the potatoes and corn.  I will be discussing this in greater detail on my cooking blog but from a gardening perspective you really do need a fair amount of space to grow enough potatoes to make it worth your while even if growing in sacks or garbage cans.  For most home gardeners corn takes up too much space for the yield and does not lend itself well to growing on a balcony. 

Here is a list of fruits and vegetables that I would consider necessary for sustainable living space permitting of course:

  • tomatoes 
  • peppers
  • lettuces
  • chards
  • onions
  • carrots
  • squash
  • pole beans
  • peas
  • rutabaga
  • fruit bearing bushes 
  • fruit bearing trees
Some animals take up more room than others and depending on location may not be allowed by the municipality.  Consider too that animals are a 24/7 commitment so may not fit in with your lifestyle.  Here is a list of animals tthat would be nice to have for sustainable living in smaller spaces:
  • rabbits
  • chickens (laying hens only)
  • goat
  • fish (eg. trout)

Happy Gardening!

Garden Gnome
©2006-2010


Posted by Garden Gnome at 7:00 AM
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1 comment:

  1. LindaG8:53 AM

    Definitely not an easy thing to decide.
    Peas and beans are definitely easy to grow most anywhere, as I guess are tomatoes and peppers, too. The only time I tried growing tomatoes I ended up with lots of splits. Was hot that summer, too, and I am clueless.
    But yes, space and tastes are definitely all considerations.

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