Going Back to My Younger Years

[Nate66]

I grew up in rural West Tennessee and my family didn't have a lot of money (I still don't). Anyway, we always had a massive veg garden (0.5 acre +) and my mom was always canning and such while my dad and brothers and I were out hunting for meat or fishing to fill the freezer. We rarely had beef or pork for dinner, it was always venison, rabbit, squirrel, or something the like. If we did have beef or pork, it was because my dad or my brothers and I traded venison or fish for beef and/or pork or we did work for local farmers for beef and pork. I would love to go back to that kind of environment but those types of societies are long gone. Anyway, I thought I would start by growing a few tomatoes, onions, and peppers and I have surprised myself at how much information I retained about growing vegs. I built a small greenhouse and started the plants growing then transferred them to my small garden to finish. They look great and are doing very well. I have even gone out and put my name on the waiting list for a local allotment so I can get a bigger operation next spring. I will post some pictures as soon as I figure out how!

[Stasher]

That's lovely. Eating your own is immensely satisfying. Best of luck!

[Lanky Yankee]

Nice one nate. I got my allotment last year, but have no experience with growing. We are started very small last year with a couple tomatoes and some squash. This year we tried to expand our growing area and trying onions and potatoes as well. Our soil is heavy clay so I'm trying to work the soil a bit first.

[Brambles]

I lived that life too, Nate. I still grow and preserve most of our fruit and veg requirements on my 7 pole allotment (don't ask me what a pole is, I have no idea!) I keep a photo diary, and also keep a record of what does well, which varieties we like etc. This is my 4th year and I have finally got the whole plot under cultivation.

Good luck with your endeavours and enjoy your harvest.

[nickdutch]

I dont know if we could ever go back to being like that all the time, but for one thing the blackberries are coming along lovely in the garden Thats gonna be a lovely addition to a smoothie.

[featherstick]

Yep, similar to that in West Wicklow. It leaves its mark, doesn't it? My seven-year-old boy is now asking me how to grow watermelons and sunflowers, so I hope I'm passing it on.

Yankee, may I recommend John Harrison's books Vegetable Growing Month-by-Month, and The Allotment Handbook? No connection etc., I just think they are the best introductory books I've come across (and I have a LOT).

[Brambles]

Yep, similar to that in West Wicklow. It leaves its mark, doesn't it? My seven-year-old boy is now asking me how to grow watermelons and sunflowers, so I hope I'm passing it on.

Yankee, may I recommend John Harrison's books Vegetable Growing Month-by-Month, and The Allotment Handbook? No connection etc., I just think they are the best introductory books I've come across (and I have a LOT).

+1 on the books. I've got them both too.

[Nate66]

Definitely starting small. I have 8 tomato plants, 9 pepper plants (mixed), and a bunch of onions. Maybe next year ( and if I get an allotment) I will go for a few other things like potatoes, cucumbers, corn, and maybe some melons or other fruits. Not a big veg eater myself but the wife likes most. I don't want to run into the fact I have to try and flog a lot of it before it goes bad. Prolly just stick to the basics. If I do get an allotment, will prolly use it as a small BOL as well it the amenities are or can be made satisfactory.

[Nate66]

I lived that life too, Nate. I still grow and preserve most of our fruit and veg requirements on my 7 pole allotment (don't ask me what a pole is, I have no idea!) I keep a photo diary, and also keep a record of what does well, which varieties we like etc. This is my 4th year and I have finally got the whole plot under cultivation.

Good luck with your endeavours and enjoy your harvest.

That's lovely. Eating your own is immensely satisfying. Best of luck!

Thanks Brambles and Stasher. Gonna give it my best shot.

[Nate66]

Figured it out! well sort of!




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