How to get locally grown organic food for pennies…..

February 6th, 2013

This is the time when the sun starts to feel warmer even though it is still -10 outside! My subconscious mind shifts into spring, with the desire to taste fresh maple syrup, local strawberries, asparagus and fiddleheads! Who, in their right mind, is already thinking about growing an organic garden?

Some of you may ask, “What is the difference between organic food and food that is grown chemically? What global impact is organic food having on our environment? Should we consider local? Local organic?” Absolutely!

We need to eat more fruits and vegetables that are grown better, without the use of harmful chemicals and pesticides, whenever we can. Buying locally grown fruits and vegetables from small farms has the lowest negative impact on the environment (ie) shipping/transportation fuel usage and emissions, plus we are helping to create local employment as well as the fresher, nutrient rich foods for our families.

One way to go local and organic this year is to grow your own garden. If you think like a farmer and the change of season that is upon us, you will be deciding … Where will I put my garden? What will I plant? Where will I get my seeds, and how will I fertilize it organically? And most of all, how will I get my kids involved?


Start now, in advance, with a little research and planning. Consider your soil conditions, sun exposure and how you will contain your garden. You can have a traditional plot, or use planters, or build a raised garden like we did last year. Remember; May is right around the corner!

5 Easy to Grow Vegetables

Tomatoes
Peppers
Pole Beans
Eggplants
Peas

Good information can be found everywhere. Try visiting your local garden center and organic or vintage seed suppliers. Why not connect with organic organizations in your community like COG. When looking for seeds to get you started, Seeds of Diversity is a great place to get educated on how to get started.

If you, like me, get to know your local farmers, you can learn a lot about planting at the right time and what organic fertilizers they use. It is likely they will wither share or sell you some for your garden. Bert, my lamb guy, always has oodles of manure that I can use, and Julie, my mushroom gal, has mushroom compost available for me.

Weeds do not have a chance if you plant in raised garden beds. There is simply no room for them once your vegetables start to grow! This is how I get locally grown organic food for pennies.

Would you pay more for Organic foods?

In the meantime, Canadian Maple Syrup Season is around the corner, local and available all year round. Anyone want pancakes?

Always think about your whole foods. How it is grown, and was it grown to be good for you?….something to chew on…

Stacey