How much food do you need for a year?

Hello again, and welcome back to Coverin’ the Bases! I hope this column has been as much help to ya’ll as it’s been fun for Deb and me. In this column we’re trying to share what limited knowledge we have in regards to actions we’ve taken personally in our attempt of Ridin’ Out the Recession. We hope so far we’ve at least gotten you to consider the importance of becoming more self-sufficient in your own lives.

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So far our reader response has been phenomenal in regards to suggestions being made, and advice and knowledge being shared. But by far, the most satisfying to us literally, has been the love and concern shown for our fellow friends, neighbors and family. This being done by people from all over the U.S., and Canada--even one from Panama. I have to say, that to be involved in a project such as this is truly, spiritually uplifting. To see firsthand the warmth and comaraderie exhibited so far, has been a blessing to Deb and I, and very, very rewarding as well. This so far has really been a testament in the virtues that have made our Country so great! Only one of which is the ability to prove to our government, that yes, we are indeed capable of running our own show, and if it means stopping to help our “brothers and sisters” along the way, so be it! Through these tough times, this project literally is displaying to one and all, the goodness, the concern, the sharing of ideas and knowledge, the love of God and Country, and the power bestowed upon us through the unity… of WE THE PEOPLE! We’d like to say thank you for passing along your knowledge and ideas, insuring our continued success with Coverin’ the Bases, in order to keep us one and all, Ridin’ Out the Recession! Once more, thank each and every one of you from the bottom of our hearts, and God Bless America! I’d like to share with you one quick, handy contraption, in regards to putting food up, or food storage. This is put out by the Church of Latter Day Saints and calculates the amount of food needed if you’d like to put up a one year’s supply. You put in the number of people in your family…instantly it gives you the amount to store. It’s amazing to me the variety of different food types they cover. Click on the link and check it out! Okay, let’s look at some gardening ideas!

Different Strokes for Different Folks:

We’ve been discussing in Coverin’ the Bases, gardening. Not the pretty, flowery, showy variety, but the fill your belly, go to bed content, life is so goooood, food gardening! Deb and I have hands on knowledge and actually produce plenty for our family, some friends, ourselves, and still can quite a bit to put up, or store. By no means are we experts in this field, so, just like you guys, we’re learning as we go and are “all ears,” in regards to others sharing their knowledge and experience with us, too! We’ve a couple ladies, Bonnie and Kathleen, that correspond with us pretty regularly, and both I believe can “shuck the corn,” or explain to us many helpful tips in regards to their own gardening experiences! Remember their names, and if you see any comments or tips, recipes, whatever, you better pay close attention or you’ll miss out on something valuable, I promise you. When those two are talkin’…if you snooze you lose! Well knowing everyone has different circumstances in regards to their climate or soil content, their knowledge of gardening, their work ethics, and do they live rurally or in an urban environment? Do you live in an apartment or condo, home with a yard, or live on acreage? All these things have a bearing on what you personally may like to do when it comes to the subject of gardening. What I said earlier…different strokes for different folks! Today across the country, people are becoming more involved in gardening. With this being the case, many have reached the point of doing away with lawn areas in order to create more space…to raise food producing gardens. Here’s an example.

This garden is in a more rural setting, and by the way, the mountains in the background are beautiful. Evidently a beautiful country Canada! I envy you that fact for sure, but dad-gum it must be cold there. I talked with Judi and Brian one evening…they said it was -20 degrees, but they had in fact “shut their winnders.” I thought to myself, “Really, I’d a shut the whole dern house up, much less the winnders and headed south like a striped a…well, I’d a shut the house up anyway.” This garden is for all our Canadian Friends, you listening Craig…Rachel? RedneckHillbilles…in Canada???

Now, I found this interesting…growing vegetables on a fire-escape in Manhattan. Doing what you got to do!

This next video is a raised bed garden. Just build the boxes and fill with soil, compost, mulch, etc. Deb and I are probably going to build a couple these to try out…I’m kinda curious now! She’s growing some really nice vegetables, for sure!

This last example of “different strokes,” is called “square foot gardening,” although in a raised bed. Also as in the first comment or two under the video, I loved the song! Simple effective gardening! (video) I hope this has helped you guys out a little more. If anyone has any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask! Also if you have any input, please share it with us! Also go to our Gardening Reader Comments section and read Kathleen’s and Bonnie’s “expert” advice! Thanks once again, and God Bless! Dub and Deb…out!