Local Food Security

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44 Comments

Comment by Kevin Ernst on July 25, 2009 at 9:09pm

Hi, this is a short instructional video I made on how to use Ning to build a free local food classified advertising website.

Comment by Heather Valli on June 26, 2009 at 1:04pm

*waves* Hi y'all. I'm new to the whole transitions movement, but it sounds like it has a lot of potential.

Anyway, back to the conversation thread.

Sadly, apartment container gardening can be limited by available sunlight. Almost all veggies and herbs like several hours of direct sun. Oh well--at least the shade keeps the AC costs down. A possible alternative for us apartment dwellers might be community gardening. There's one up the road from me that I'm hoping to check out. It's probably too late for anything this season, but there's always the next.

Comment by Ann Brigit Waters on April 9, 2009 at 12:26pm

I just joined the backyard food garden discussion at
www.onemilliongardens.com...but, I am the only one in discussion about compost - looks like a new site, lets think about how best to use our internet time...is this site it - or should we jump to the garden site? I love that we are becoming more and more on the radar!

Comment by Mel Riser on April 9, 2009 at 11:35am

I think the first thing we all can do is promote local food. Farmers markets, CSA's and growing your own...

there are many who will say they can't grow their own as they live in an apartment, but they can container garden... but that will be more of a hoby than a real food source. I tell them they are growing their own VITAMINS in the container garden and they seem to get that idea.

Local food resilience has to be developed and supported... buy local produce is a good start.

mel

Comment by edible gardens on April 9, 2009 at 9:24am

when you guys are done with the distractions, let get down to business and see how we can help create new local food economies and local seed supplies.
Come join in the backyard food garden discussion with us at
www.onemilliongardens.com

we have an heirloom seed company and we are very concerned about the future of seeds. let's get busy!

Comment by edible gardens on April 9, 2009 at 9:22am

Comment by Deborah Phelan on April 8, 2009 at 9:55pm

thanks, ann. some realy valuable info here ... thanks for ending the distraction ..

Comment by Mel Riser on April 8, 2009 at 9:36pm

I have a freezer dedicated to seeds. Not all seeds take to freezing, but most it will not hurt. The key is sealing them in a good moisture proof bag, and to make sure they don't absorb too much water before you freeze them

One of the keys to look at is are they tropical or not? if they are, then most likely they won't take the freezing well, but if they come from more temperate climates, where there are true seasons, they should to fine.

some seeds have to be planted as soon as they are extracted... citrus, loquats, papaya, cacao etc... and those are tropical in nature... some NEED chilling to get good germination. but regardless, if you store your seeds as close to freezing ( 33 ) or below, they seem to last way better.

If you truly want super long term storage, then look into CalGyl Calcium Glycol... you can google it for details or read about it at Wikipedia....

mel

Comment by Ann Brigit Waters on April 8, 2009 at 9:22pm

Mel - Great and simple reminder....I have been saving seed in the form of wheat, alfalfa, etc...but some of it doesn't germinate well - my alfalfa only has a 30% rate now - after 2 years in cool but not freezing temps...will try a freezer for the garden seeds I don't use this year

Comment by Ann Brigit Waters on April 8, 2009 at 9:19pm

Hey, kids! Go to your rooms for a timeout...this discussion is beyond the scope of this forum, although I admit - it is the liveliest 4 hours we have ever had...
Mike, I am banning you temporarily - when you get a polite attitude we can bring you back...my mom always said - "manners will get you through" and I want to see us at least use some manners if we can't find love in our hearts...

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