Growing your Own Vegetables in the Credit Crunch
As people dig deeper in their pockets is it true that they are, in turn ‘digging for victory’ as our earlier generations once did in times of war?
I must admit to wearing a wry smile at reports of record purchases of vegetable seeds and requests for allotments this year. These reports suggest that families are turning to the land to provide their meals as the financial burden increases and the calls for increased provision for allotments grows ever stronger.
But what is the actual reality of all of this I wonder? In my experience the average lifespan of an allotment/small holder is about twelve weeks! Once the cozy dream of owning a vegetable patch hatched during those long winter nights turns into digging out weeds from rock hard soil in the blazing sun then there is usually a distinct change of mindset. Working a piece of land regardless of size is not easy, it requires a lot of hard work and dedication and, just as importantly, money.
If you are going to try and provide food for yourself then you need a plot large enough to hold a number of varieties of vegetables, fruits and salads, this means a lot of digging and weeding. If you are in full time employment then consider the amount of hours you need to put into your new venture and times that by your hourly rate of pay. Then add in your gardening equipment, compost, seeds, pots, hosepipe, water and allotment fees, petrol to get there and back and you soon get the idea.
Now go to the supermarket and look at that bag of onions you can buy for 50p and is that back ache really worth it all? Personally, if I had the time I would still do it because I do think it’s worth it but not for financial reasons as it makes no sense at all. There is much to be gained from growing your own but a fair bit to be lost at the same time. I would love to think that this current situation would encourage a new generation of allotment and small holders but sadly I just don’t see it sustaining itself. As a nation we’ve grown lazy and that’s why the supermarkets are laughing in the face of the economic downturn.
Miles,
Good points, all — and perfect timing. Especially after spending the past few days working and planting a small garden and then waking up this morning finding it in shambles because my dog decided to dig it all up. I should have known when I let him in the house at 4:30 this morning and he had dried dirt crusted on his nose. Bad dog!
I put everything back in its place, but my poor chard and purple mizuna may have been traumatized beyond repair. At least my CSA (community supported agriculture) delivery starts soon (26 weeks worth). I will let the real farmers grow my food. You’re right, it’s cheaper and much easier.
:-)
Melissa
May 19, 2009 @ 2:17 am
Miles,
an interesting and timely subject - hope the discussion will stay on topic.
I agree there is little financial benefit nowadays in growing vegetables.
I think I could have my veg flown in by private jet and save money on growing my own.
I think planting some veg, or something edible, in your own garden is worthwhile though - probably more sustainable both practically and mentally than a full on allotment.
For me the biggest benefits are satisfaction, taste and the whole lifestyle idea of it.
For those yet to try it then I would say
Give it a Go !
It will change your relationship with food and eating - for the better !
If it takes the credit crunch to do that then let something good come out of The Depression and yes . . .
Dig for Victory !
Cheers
Rod
May 19, 2009 @ 8:12 am
Melissa,
Doing battle with Mother Nature is one of the more unfortunate aspects of growing your own vegetables, everything wants a piece of the action so it would seem!
Good luck with your dog!
Miles
May 19, 2009 @ 9:12 am
Rod,
A great comment, thanks. Sticking with the theme of the post (!) I agree with what you say in that if your home circumtance allows you to grow even just a couple of things then it is worth doing. The idea of being self sufficient is, for the majority little more than fantasy but as an interest to wile away the time both fascinating and rewarding.
Miles
May 19, 2009 @ 9:15 am
Miles,
Humans recognize (even that’s questionable) the fruit and vegetables in shops. Most wouldn’t have a clue what to eat from the wild or how to grow their own. In our rush to fill childrens minds with academic facts and figures, we have forgotten to teach them how to live… an appreciation for nature and a general knowledge of farming in the widest sense, is essential I think.
I am more than happy to visit my grocer because I know the hard work and time involved in growing your own. It’s a great shame more people don’t have access to a good grocer with a wide range of fruit and veg… it might encourage them to cook as well!
Cid
p.s. GDave, I haven’t spotted a burdock plant in the wild yet but am convinced I will eventually… when I find a bit of ‘wild’ in which to look! Perhaps Miles will stumble across these while he’s walking in his favourite woods and let us know.
May 19, 2009 @ 9:57 am
Cid,
Wise words indeed, it is a great shame that so many young people ‘leave the nest’with no understanding of the art of feeding oneself.
Support your local greengrocer!!
Miles
May 19, 2009 @ 7:40 pm
Miles,
I have tried in the past to interspurse my plants with little vegetables but was always disappointed. They either did not come to much or something ate them.
Only this week a blackbird threw all my parsley seeds out of the new bed.
I put a tomato plant in a pot and it had a go in that one.
A vegetable garden requires total dedication and time and is therefore a favourite for retired people.
I don’t believe that money can be saved that way. However, quality and satisfaction would seem to rate highly.
Anne
May 19, 2009 @ 8:11 pm
Anne,
I have a fairly mature parsley growing in the garden which you can have with pleasure. It’s the one herb I’ve never really taken to, don’t know why when everyone else seems to love it and it’s the main event for the boil in the bag fish folk
Have you established that the culprit is definitely a bird and not your eldest son? Let’s look at the motive here in a crime fiction sort of way…. the black bird is grazing for insects under leaves etc., he’s not bothered about the seedlings whereas number one son is, by all accounts, tremendously proud of his kitchen garden and might not take kindly to competition. CCTV footage reveals a pair of skinny legs hopping along so obviously further investigation is called for before final judgement
Cid
May 19, 2009 @ 10:19 pm