Sunday, January 13, 2008

Garden - Some Questions To Ask

How big of a garden should I plant.? What should I plant?

I've been thinking about these questions for some time, and what I've really come up with is more questions - at least in terms of a place to start.

The size of my garden (and what to grow) really depends on a few key factors:

1) How many people will I need to feed at my homestead?
2) Will I need to provide for any animals (pets and/or livestock)?
3) For how long will this food need to last?
4) Will I have the ability to get fruits, vegetables and grains from other sources?
5) Do I plan to sell, trade or barter goods from my personal garden?
6) Do I have methods of preserving the garden products?
7) What time of year can I plant, and what is the growing season?
8) How much land do I have that is actually suitable for gardening vs. how much land I actually require?
9) Is there a sufficient water/food source for the garden?
10) Is there a seed source, or do I need to stock seeds?
11) How do I deal with pests?

So, now that I have the questions at least laid out, I can start to determine the size and scope of my garden. Over the next week or so I will be putting together some numbers to bring this project into focus. Once done I will get back with you on this.

What am I missing, let me know

4 comments:

Ryan said...

I think that questions of your labor force and time are important. If the bubble went up time would become alot more open.

BigBear said...

Very true,

Also look at pooling resources with neighbors.

Anonymous said...

You might also think about marauding pests that are humans... What do you do if you find a person stealing from your garden?

BigBear said...

Kick 'em in the neck...

I really don't know. It is hard to look at stealing tomatoes as a serious crime. But if I am living off the tomatoes it could be bad if some steals them.