What do you grow?

[AngusThermopyle]

I wasn't sure which topic I should post this in but this one seems the most appropriate. This a decidedly "Green" topic

So what do you grow? If you grow anything at all.

Where do you grow it?

And, how do you grow it?

Do you use organic methods, or perhaps you prefer artificial methods, maybe a mix of both? Do you agree with herbicide/pesticide bans? Do you think totally organic is the way to go? Or do you think we need more research and development of both chemical and natural pest control?

Since I moved back to Ontario (some of you may remember that I was living in Alberta last year) I've found a really nice place on about an 1 1/4 acres in a really nice location. The earth is very rich and black, prime growing dirt actually. So my girlfriend and I decided it would be a true waste not to use it, that mean't planting. I like to grow things that I can use rather than flowers and shrubs so we decided to concentrate on growing plants that are both practical and beautifull.

So far we have the place divided up into sections, we have an area prepared and tilled for the Lettuce, Muslix, Squash, Watermelon and some Tomato's amongst other things. Then we have part of that area segregated for the Herbs and Spices. Altogether this part totals around 20' *80'. We also have an area about 25' * 100* that is reserved for sweet corn of several varieties, a hardy plant, out behind the house we just finished building a 12' * 10' Greenhouse that will house the more exotic/delicate plants.

In order to prepare the land we first had to eradicate the natural growth, I will admit we did use some artificial substances to do this, but once the land was ready to till we used only natural additives, two truck loads of sheep manure to be exact, plus one of cow. This involves a lot of tilling and garbage/weed picking from the soil but I think it will result in some nice plants with the least practical or long lasting disturbance to the land (actually if you drive your hand into it you'll find yourself with a nice handfull of black earth interspersed with marble sized balls of manure and dirt). Given what we've planted I'm projecting a surplus of about 2 to 3 hundred percent above what we'll consume this year. We'll disburse of this surplus through friends and a few modest sales by our neighbour who sells vegetables and fruit.

The ramifications of this are that we will have a lower "Carbon Footprint" and actually be acting in a manner that will, presumably offset this quasy mythical concept. By growing our own vegetables and herbs etc. we are reducing the use of fossil fuels (just ask my aching muscles), by growing a surplus we are reducing that same fossil fuel use for others. Some of our friends can now eliminate a trip to the grocery store to get vegetables, with all the associated costs that the trip entails. Things like the fuel used by the guy growing this stuff in the first place, then the fuel used to harvest it and ship it.

This brings us to those who live in major metropolitan areas, what can they do? Well they can plant and grow, there are now many Tomato strains that grow well in large pots, even indoors. Herb and spice gardens can grow indoors or in limited space outdoors. For those lucky enough to not have to live the heart of major metropolitan areas there are much more varied options available, those people usually have a least a small piece of land they can use.

So for myself I realise that much as I would like to be the "Green" practical grower I have to bow to reality and as such I realise that I do have to use some artificial means to accomplish that goal. In order to offset those artificial means I strive to use methods and practices that will replenish the land. That means a lot of tilling and also hands on digging prep work. Personally I believe most people don't like to do this sort of thing because it means they'll get their hands dirty.

But thats just my opinion.

[DogOnPorch]

I'm generally just a gardener, but I do grow cucumbers on the sunlit side of the fences. They grow super fast, but need a TON of water...but don't really like a lot of rain. This year I have about a dozen coming up and that should cover the entire fence (fully netted). With some luck, by late August or early September, they should start producing actual cucumbers rather than just seed balls. I'm too far north for anything too exotic....

[Sir Bandelot]

We grow dandelions, clovers and milkweeds. Also late summer wildflowers. Food for bees and other pollinators.

My parents live in a wooded area and their property has many trilluims. I tranplanted a few to my backyard. I think it might be illegal to do that, dunno. So sue me

[Melanie_]

I'm a farm girl transplanted to the city, so my tiny backyard is full of produce! We got lots of rhubarb and raspberries this year, some blueberries and strawberries, and a good amount of broccoli. But too much rain/not enough sun for most of my other "crops" - the tomatoes are still tiny, no pumpkins on my vines yet, and just a few jalapenos and peas.

[DrGreenthumb]

heheheh no comment