How to Buy the Best Seeds for Your Survival Garden
As the world's economy changes and various factors, such as pollution, genetic modification of food, and other concerns, take the forefront, more people are growing concerned about the food supply. Try not to panic. Property owners are planting home gardens, and those who live in cities are using pots for their tomato plants. Indoor gardens may not have enough space, though, if you want to really take care of your family in a crisis. Stocking up on food you trust can be a solution. That means growing your own substantial garden as the best source of food. You can find organic seeds and packaged "survival garden" kits to get you started. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Contact or visit different grassroots organic-seed specialists and organizations. These groups typically have a large amount of information about non-GMO seeds, where to purchase them and other information you may find useful, especially if you are moving toward self-sufficiency.
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Read the information on the various websites that offer packages strictly made for what they deem "survival" in case of catastrophe. The seeds come in the form of a plastic "bank," which can be buried or hidden until you are ready to plant. They are touted as able to last until you need them and grow fastest when you actually plant them.
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Visit other organic seed suppliers in person or through their websites. Many people are growing more conscious about alterations to seeds and prefer to have their own safe versions. Check out organic, green and homesteading magazines, books and online information. As of this writing, the issue of safe seeds in good supply is a hot topic.
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Go to your nearest whole-food grocery store or food co-op. Some of these will have seeds in stock which you can purchase right away. Also check with reputable growers, such as people who share produce at farmers markets. Inquire about their seeds and how to purchase them. Be sure they are organic gardeners, though.
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Buy open-pollinated, non-hybridized seeds for your food. Consider buying seeds for root crops that store well, plus the vegetables you can preserve, can or pickle. Some general suggestions for seeds to include are tomatoes, cucumbers, beans, beets, carrots, spinach, peppers, cabbages, rutabagas, radishes, broccoli, onions, turnips, corn, pumpkins and squashes. Potatoes grow from potato starts, which you can cut from almost any healthy potato's eyes. The main thing is to have good-quality seeds on hand for when you are ready to plant.
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Tips & Warnings
Everyone has a right to healthy food, though not everyone is able to own large properties to grow and preserve it. You can grow some things in apartments, especially those with balconies, but even pots can take up a lot of space and you may not be able to grow enough root crops or things that will last. Consider joining forces with other people who would like to own or rent farmland. Or join a community garden to at least start growing some basics. You can have a small plot to call your own.
While being prepared for emergencies may be wise, letting yourself become hysterical and fearful because of something you feel is beyond your control may not help you or your family. Be discerning when listening to news media or reading articles online -- just because it's there doesn't mean it's true. Conspiracy theories abound, and some may be based on fact, but keep your head and think for yourself. You can grow a garden and share the food in a calm and focused manner.
References
Resources
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