Gardening When It Counts

1. Grow food in hard times: Adapt to resource scarcity

Gardening When it Counts is a magnificent synthesis of garden science, original garden research, and agricultural history.

Urgent need for self-sufficiency. As resources become scarce and economic instability increases, growing your own food becomes crucial. This book provides practical knowledge for producing substantial amounts of nutritious food with limited resources.

Adapting to constraints. Learn to garden effectively without relying on expensive inputs or technology. Techniques focus on maximizing yield and nutrition while minimizing water use, external fertilizers, and pest control products. This approach builds resilience and self-reliance in uncertain times.

Historical perspective. Drawing from traditional farming wisdom and modern research, the book synthesizes time-tested methods with scientific understanding. This blend of old and new creates a robust framework for successful food production under challenging conditions.

2. Design an efficient garden layout for maximum yield

To produce a lot of food you have to use a fair bit of land.

Space requirements. A productive vegetable garden requires more area than many realize. Aim for at least 2,000-4,000 square feet (185-370 square meters) to significantly contribute to a family's food supply.

Layout optimization. Design your garden for efficiency:

• Use raised beds or wide rows for intensive planting
• Allow sufficient space between plants for optimal growth
• Incorporate paths for easy access and maintenance
• Group plants with similar needs together
• Plan for crop rotation to maintain soil health

Vertical gardening. Maximize space by growing climbing plants like pole beans, peas, and some squash varieties vertically on trellises or supports.

3. Master soil fertility management for healthier crops

Composting decomposes organic materials before they are put into the soil so they have become instant plant food.

Soil health is paramount. The foundation of successful gardening lies in maintaining fertile, well-structured soil. Focus on building organic matter and balancing nutrients for optimal plant growth.

Organic matter management:

• Compost kitchen scraps and garden waste
• Use cover crops to add nutrients and improve soil structure
• Apply well-rotted manure or compost annually

Nutrient balancing:

• Test soil pH and adjust with lime if necessary
• Use organic fertilizers like blood meal, bone meal, and wood ash
• Practice crop rotation to prevent nutrient depletion

4. Water wisely: Conserve and optimize irrigation

Watering lowers the soil temperature. If the water is cold, it can take quite a few hours before the sun warms the earth back up.

Water conservation techniques:

• Mulch heavily to retain moisture and suppress weeds
• Water deeply but less frequently to encourage deep root growth
• Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses for efficient delivery
• Collect rainwater for use during dry periods

Timing matters. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and allow foliage to dry before nightfall, reducing disease risk. Avoid watering in the heat of the day or late evening.

Plant selection. Choose drought-tolerant varieties and group plants with similar water needs together. Consider using native plants adapted to your local climate to reduce irrigation requirements.

5. Compost: Create your own organic fertilizer

Composting manure just as you would other forms of manure, except for two things. The C/N of the manure is well under 10:1, so you'll want to prevent huge losses of nitrogen by mixing it with enough vegetation to bring the starting C/N of the heap to about 20:1.

Compost basics:

• Balance "green" (nitrogen-rich) and "brown" (carbon-rich) materials
• Maintain proper moisture and aeration
• Turn the pile regularly to speed decomposition
• Monitor temperature for optimal microbial activity

Advanced techniques:

• Use compost teas as liquid fertilizer
• Create specialized composts for specific crops
• Incorporate beneficial microorganisms for enhanced nutrient cycling

Troubleshooting. Address common issues like odors, pests, or slow decomposition by adjusting the compost mix, moisture levels, or aeration.

6. Pest management: Prevention and natural solutions

Sir Albert Howard, founder of the organic farming movement, believed that before a plant is attacked, it has already become unhealthy.

Prevention first. Focus on creating a healthy ecosystem that naturally deters pests:

• Promote biodiversity to attract beneficial insects
• Practice crop rotation to disrupt pest life cycles
• Use companion planting to repel pests and attract beneficials
• Maintain plant health through proper nutrition and care

Natural solutions. When prevention isn't enough, use organic pest control methods:

• Handpick larger pests like caterpillars and beetles
• Use row covers to physically exclude pests
• Apply organic sprays like neem oil or insecticidal soap
• Introduce beneficial predators like ladybugs or parasitic wasps

Integrated approach. Combine multiple strategies for effective pest management without relying on synthetic pesticides.

7. Seed selection and saving for self-sufficiency

To make the best comfrey tea, loosely pack a barrel three-quarters full of freshly cut leaves and then fill it to the brim with water. Allow to steep for a week or two.

Choose wisely. Select open-pollinated varieties adapted to your climate and growing conditions. Prioritize disease resistance, productivity, and flavor when choosing seeds.

Seed saving techniques:

• Allow plants to fully mature before harvesting seeds
• Properly clean and dry seeds before storage
• Store seeds in cool, dry conditions to maintain viability
• Label seeds with variety name and date collected

Maintain genetic diversity. Save seeds from multiple healthy plants of each variety to preserve genetic diversity and adaptability.

8. Crop-specific growing techniques for success

Potatoes need not be merely starch. They can contain up to about 11 percent protein, matching the protein content of human breast milk.

Staple crops. Focus on high-yielding, nutritious staples like potatoes, winter squash, and dry beans. These crops provide substantial calories and can be stored long-term.

Continuous harvests. Plan succession plantings of quick-maturing crops like lettuce, radishes, and bush beans for ongoing fresh harvests throughout the season.

Season extension. Use techniques like cold frames, row covers, and selecting cold-hardy varieties to extend your growing season and increase overall production.

9. Extend the harvest: Storage and preservation methods

Root cellaring is not generally regulated by building codes and requires no permits nor adherence to any prescribed construction techniques (other than the requirement that it not collapse while you are inside it).

Storage crops. Focus on growing vegetables that store well without processing:

• Root vegetables: carrots, beets, parsnips
• Winter squash and pumpkins
• Onions and garlic
• Potatoes and sweet potatoes

Preservation methods:

• Canning: High-acid fruits, tomatoes, pickles
• Freezing: Most vegetables and fruits
• Drying: Herbs, fruits, and some vegetables
• Fermentation: Cabbage (sauerkraut), cucumbers (pickles)

Root cellaring. Create a cool, humid storage area for long-term preservation of root crops, apples, and hardy vegetables like cabbage.

10. Build resilience through diversity and adaptation

There are a few soils (usually clays in arid places) that need gypsum and do not receive much benefit from agricultural lime.

Crop diversity. Grow a wide variety of vegetables to:

• Spread risk of crop failure
• Provide a balanced diet
• Adapt to changing conditions

Continuous learning. Experiment with new varieties and techniques each season. Keep detailed records to refine your approach over time.

Community connections. Share knowledge, seeds, and surplus produce with neighbors to build a resilient local food system. Consider participating in or starting a community garden for shared resources and expertise.

Last updated: November 18, 2024