Tough Economic Times Call for Home Grown Remedies
My wife reminded me last night that when we were looking for a home, the first thing I did was plan out where the vegetable garden could be. My next priority was what I could do with the garden beds once I found the ideal spot. The design of the house came last on my list. She joked that I did not want a home; I wanted a garden. Blessed with temperate weather here in Houston, TX, I've been able to plant a tomato crop, and harvest onions, kale, peas, chard and beans.
Recently, I came across an article in USA Today about seed sales increasing, mainly due to the concerns that people have over their finances. Growing your own vegetables and herbs may save you money, but more importantly, it provides you with healthy food that is quickly available.
It's all about the herbs
Herbs give the most satisfaction to novice gardeners. My two-year-old daughter and thirteen-year-old son know where I keep different plants, and they are frequently sent off to gather herbs. My wife thinks it is strange that I know the ages of different herbs. Call me crazy, but I plan to have a big party this year, when my oregano is turning ten! Herbs do not always need the care and attention that vegetables need; they can thrive when other plants suffer.
A fresh herb chopped and thrown into a dish at the last moment can create an array of flavors that will dance on your tongue. If you have seen the price of a fresh herb, you will know that growing your own is much cheaper than buying a few sprigs in the store. I love to make sauces with my herbs too, so I think these hardy little plants can be the best buy for a person beginning to grow their own food.
Growing your own veggies
Vegetables need more care, but simple organic growing methods can be cost effective. You need to water them more, and you need to check for pests in any form. My two year old likes picking a tomato when it's green; she will not let them go red.
One easy to grow vegetable is green onions. Those bunches that you buy in the store can be placed in the ground. You can snip off leaves when needed, or you can harvest them whole. You may find that one plant will provide all that you need for one dish. If you are planting seeds, it may be better to start them in a flat. Let them grow in a protected environment before setting them in the garden.
Currently my kitchen window sill is filled with various types of pepper plants. I'm waiting for the last freeze in March before they go out. I also have my okra at another window. When planting, have a good healthy soil and cover the plant bases with mulch to cut down on watering. Your local nursery may have a good book on organic techniques, and they should carry the vegetables that will thrive in your area. For example, Houston is not asparagus country, but there is a variety that does grow really well here; in fact it can take over a bed. That is where local knowledge is important.
With spring coming soon, this may be the best time to start the seedlings indoors, so you will be ready to have them in the ground when the last frosts have passed. I found a good selection of seeds at my local hardware store this morning, but I also go to a store that specializes in carrying a large variety of seeds and organic fertilizers. I imagine that there is one in your city too. Herbs provide the greatest return on investment for the beginner, but you may find that other plants can be just as good when you take the time to learn how to grow them.
Frank Schulte-Ladbeck, is a Houston-based Professional Real Estate Inspector
Equal Housing Opportunity