You may have noticed that the price on food, especially produce has
been going up. The quality, not to mention the nutritional value, has
been suffering for quite a while.
Heirloom seeds or seeds that have been passed down for
generations are far hardier and as some studies suggest, have more
nutritional value than genetically modified (GMO) seeds.
I don't sell anything that I wouldn't grow in my own garden. All
of the seeds listed are un-treated, non-hybrid, open-pollinated,
non-gmo, heirloom seeds. Plants are grown using no chemicals.
Anyway, I have been growing my own vegetables and besides the
money they save me the flavor is WAY better than the vegetables
available at the supermarket. It also makes me feel less dependent on
the supply and I know what goes on my veggies.
I put together a few packages of seeds that seem to belong
together and the individual seeds are available also. Food prices are
not going down and growing your own food, especially heirloom veggies,
is a great way to save money and get more nutrition for your
dollar.
Happy planting,
Mary
From
the article, "The cost of fresh produce is poised to jump in the
coming months as a three-year drought in California shows few signs of
abating, according to an Arizona State University study set to be
released Wednesday.The study found a head of lettuce could increase in
price as much as 62 cents to $2.44; avocado prices could rise 35 cents
to $1.60 each; and tomatoes could cost 45 cents more at $2.84 per
pound. (The run-up in produce prices is in line with other projections
showing that overall food cost gains are expected to accelerate this
year.)"
The prices listed
above are most likely an average. Here in Florida, conventionally
grown tomatoes are $3.99 a pound and almost TWICE that if you buy
organic.
What are my solutions for the rising cost
of food? Well, I have several. First...GROW YOUR OWN VEGGIES! It
really doesn't take a lot of time or effort to grow a basil plant or
even salad greens.
Arugula is an easy green to grow and takes
approx 40 days. It needs soil, water and sun. Arugula can even be
grown in a recycled plastic or wood container. No need to go out and
spend a bunch of money.
At Mary's Heirloom Seeds you can purchase a packet of non-gmo, open-pollinated Arugula seeds (300 seeds) for only $3.00!
Heirloom Tomatoes are so delicious and juicy!
Choose
from Cherokee Purple, Emerald Green, Amana's Orange, Cherry and
Beefsteak varieties. Prices range from $3 to $4 for 25 to 45 seeds.
If you've never eaten an heirloom or homegrown tomato you are missing
out!
SPROUTS
are another way to get nutrient-dense "greens" without spending lots of
money or time. Mung Beans grow into Bean Sprouts in as few as 3-6
days. Mung Beans are my favorite! Check out Nutritional Info for Sprouts. SPROUTS can be grown in a glass jar on the kitchen counter. Sprouts don't need light or dirt...Just water!
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I too agree that homegrown tastes much better than the supermarket! With limited space and limited time, I find that while I can grow and maintain a small garden, I find that I can supplement my weekly fruits and veggies with farmer's market finds. This year I decided to keep my homegrown summer vegetables to tomatoes and I hope to make room for pumpkins and winter squash later this summer.
ReplyDeleteI can't argue with the fact that food prices are on the rise. Sure does save money to grow on own on buy local and have safe healthy food. Thanks for sharing on ideas and educating people on the value of growing on own food. It is so much healthier and so good for our environment. Have a healthy happy day!
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