Seeds, self-reliance and you.© Bob Ewing
Jul 23, 1999
We have just returned from a ten day trip to southern Ontario, in particular, the town of Courtice, just outside Oshawa and Ottawa, Canada's capital city. The weatehr was hot and humid, 34/35 degrees Celsisus each day. The air quality was poor. I enjoyed the visit, it's good to see family and friends but I am glad to be home, although it's getting warm here as well. You may think that I'm obsessed about the weather. Each week it receives a mention, yet, anyone who wishes to develop their gardening skills needs to become intimate with weatehr and its properties. Next week we'll take a closer look at weather systems, for now we'll return to the beginning, the seed.
I have mentioned. in previous articles, that there are several threats to our food supply which begin with controlling seeds both their production and their distribution. There are some distinct advantages in saving your own seeds. If you wish to become self-reliant you will need a seed surplus, then you may not have to worry about this threat. Gardening is not a complicated business but it does require certain basics and there is nothing more basic than the seed. Seeds are also excellent barter items. Heritage seeds will help you insure that you are starting with the best quality.
Seed saving and the preservation of heritage seeds is a global activity. There is a seed savers assocaition in Ireland as well as Australia and Canada. If you buy hybrid seeds from the major seed houses, you will be forced to continue to do so each year and at whatever price the seller sets. Picture a prolonged emergency and food becoming scarce, how much will seeds then cost? Can you afford this risk?
Seed saving is where you can begin to move your table closer to the field and to improve you and your family's food security. If you are a new gardener or haven't been able to save any seeds this year, you will want to think about using heritage seeds. The use of heritage or heirloom seeds has certain advantages, especially when you are seeking self-sufficency.
This article gives you a good start and as you visit each site your ability will grow.
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