[melaluca02]

Anyone here plant their own garden each year? I do and was thinking that in tough economic times like now that people could save a lot of money by having their own garden. I've been told by several people that the family vacations, etc. this summer have been put on hold. I'd like to think that families will do things at home, such as plant gardens rather than travel to expensive amusement parks, resorts, etc, Any thoughts?
Where do most of you purchase your seedlings/plants from?

[Sherylcatmom]

Originally Posted by melaluca02

Any thoughts?
Where do most of you purchase your seedlings/plants from?

I've never gardened but I enjoy the bounty of many friends' home gardens. I have several friends who grow almost all the fresh produce they eat! Others do it just for their favorite foods that would be too expensive to buy someone else's, such as indoor cherry tomatoes all year long and tons of basil for tons of pesto. Some have root cellars, or converted existing cold spaces that don't quite freeze, and have fresh food all year long.

Between friends who grow food, the co-op, the incredible farmers markets, and increasing local farms using winter growing techniques, I've spent the last few years buying only Vermont/New England produce, except for stuff that just won't grow here ever such as avocados, limes, persimmons . . . Mmmmm!

Here's a seed place many of my friends use: High Mowing Organic Seeds - Organic Vegetable, Flower, Herb and Cover Crop Seeds, including Heirloom Varieties

Lots more good info here, including co-op and bulk purchasing: Vermont Localvore - The Localvore Website for the Mad River Valley

[68vette]

We do a garden every year. I have been doing it since I was to small to remember. Forced into it as cheap labor. Most if not all the seeds we have came from my grandmother and mother when they immigrated to the US from Italy. Because we have seeds we grow our own plants(just started them this past week), but there are many good companies to get seed from. Seeds of Change Homepage , Seed Savers Exchange
These are two very good companies. Seed Savers collects seeds that are heirlooms. One of their goals is to preserve as many heirloom varieties. There are so many that have been lost forever.
Vermont is a tough place to get tons of produce. The growing season is just so short here, but even if you grow enough food for a few months it is worth it. There have been many studies done over the last few years about vegetables and their nutritional value. The vegetables grown and sold now are lacking in nutrition by up to 75% compared to the 1950's. This is because the vegetables grown on farms today are engineered for size, quantity, disease control and on and on. It takes more work to grow an heirloom plant, but the rewards are in the fruit.

[Duff in VT]

I've had a garden my entire life. I start my plants indoors for the most part. We grow vegetables and raspberries and blueberries. A rather small garden provides enough produce for my husband and myself with plenty to share with neighbors and family.

I am a huge believer in composting and have a variety of composters. Since we eat lots of vegetables and have a large yard with leaves and grass clippings, I make huge quantities of compost. Thanks to a member of this board, I found a source for food grade barrels and have a nifty new tumbling composter made from a former 57 gal. olive barrel (olives shipped in these from Italy or Turkey) ! It is my pride and joy and everyone who arrives at my house has to have a viewing of my new "toy". Between composting and recycling, we have very little trash for the landfill. Please consider even a modest compost pile to add nutrients to your garden.

My "kids", young Chittenden county professionals, will also have their first garden this year. They have small children and think it will be fun and educational for them. I think this is the year we will see more and more people gardening. Between the high price of produce and the scary headlines of salmonella, etc. it makes a lot of sense.

If you don't have land to garden, even a patio tomato or climbing pole beans on a trellis will provide some home grown produce for your family.

[GypsySoul22]

When I was at Home Depot the other day they were advertising "Save Hundreds and Grow Your Own" at their seed & garden dept.

Good idea but in an apartment, our limitations are herbs and maybe a few tomatoes.

I'd love to 'grow my own' once I get some land.

"Gee, Pa, I have a dream of ownin' some land..."

Where are the days of 30 acres and a mule?

[Sherylcatmom]

Originally Posted by GypsySoul22

Good idea but in an apartment, our limitations are herbs and maybe a few tomatoes.

I saw a workshop for creative ways to grow food in small indoor spaces. The workshop leader was someone who actually grows food in his small apartment! The workshop was at the Montpelier Co-op 75 minutes from me or I might have attended just to learn more about this.

There's a bunch of stuff online about this kind of indoor, small-space gardening. Here are a couple:

Can't Garden in an Apartment? Think Again!

Apartment garden | plant types | climate | size | guide

[Duff in VT]

For those who don't have space for a garden, may I toss out some ideas? My parents never had room for a big garden, but traded my dad's professional skills (lawyer) for the right to pick at a local farmer's huge garden. One year he let them have space to plant their own. He tilled and fertilized. They did the rest. I know older people who have given give up their garden as they could no longer do the hard work and now the space lays fallow. Perhaps senior citizens would let you garden in exchange for fresh produce? Or offer to help out a friend with a garden in exchange for some of the produce. Almost everyone who gardens has abundance to share.

[Sherylcatmom]

Originally Posted by Duff in VT

For those who don't have space for a garden, may I toss out some ideas? My parents never had room for a big garden, but traded my dad's professional skills (lawyer) for the right to pick at a local farmer's huge garden.

That is such a great idea! A few people who shop at the farmers market have started picking and gleaning at local farms.

Another thought for those who want to grow: Rutland and many other towns have community garden space. You can reserve a plot and grow away.

[tkln]

Stowe started their community garden two years ago as well...I know that one of the local farmers tils the soil every spring and they have a water supply as well. When we do end up moving, I'm hoping we have enough land for a garden, but if not, hopefully our town will have some community plots. I garden here in NY, obviously the growing season is shorter in VT, but you can still save a ton of money, especially if you can/freeze fresh summer produce for winter!

[GypsySoul22]

Thanks for the links, Sheryl.