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What are you eating?

© Bob Ewing

Monday night, when I noticed the Northern Lights, while looking out the bedroom window, I knew the temperature was getting uncomfortably low. We only see the Lights when conditions are just so and that means temperatures close to zero. Time to harvest the tomatoes. I was tempted Tuesday morning to leave them, bright sunshine was lulling me into a false perception of safety. I shook it off and went out back. A half-hour later, I had 20 pounds of tomatoes picked. A number were still green but I wasn't going to lose them. Overnight temperatures dropped to 4 degrees Celsius and today, it is grey, cool and wet. Harvesting was a good decision.

The decision to grow your own food is also a good one, however, it does carry considerable responsibility. One, as I've previously mentioned, you need to pay attention to the weather, especially at the beginning and end of the season. Be careful, weather watching may become obsessive. A day can make a major difference. There are many reason why I believe that people need to be actively involved in the field-to-table process and in previous articles I have explored most of them.

Today, designer foods are giving me another reason to want to either grow my own food or at least know exactly how the food I am purchasing was grown. Now, I'm not out and out condemning all designer food but I do feel that there is a greater need for consumer than at any other period in our agricultural history. Whether it is chickens or soybeans, somebody, somewhere is experimenting and we may well be the guinea pigs.

Plant breeding has an extensive history and the attempts to improve plants is both an industry and a hobby.

If you are or want to become a serious gardener then you may well want to learn more about plant breeding and to develop your ability to produce varieties that are particularly suited for your microclimate. This way you know exactly what you are eating and do not have to rely on labeling laws to reveal your food's contents. You also can strengthen your personal food security as you increase your skills. Next week we will continue our exploration of what you are actually eating when you buy food at your chain supermarket..