Is it easier to grow food than buy it?

[technophobic]

Originally Posted by include

I was just wondering what the situatin was here. If the environment does go tits up will it be better to grow your own food than buy it from the stores?

Growing your own food Well Yes and No.
I have been growing my own veg (organic) for the best part of 20yrs and TBH I have never enough space on my double allotment. If (like myself) you are lucky enough to get an allotment the number one rule is SHARING. The syndicate I am with is great - we run our allotments by rotation and between us we harvest a reasonable return.
Having said this "It is hard work" you only get out what you put in.
So get yourself down to your local council

[bilsar]

Yeah, growing your own food can be a lot of work, and sure, it is easier to buy it at the store. But, there is so much satisfaction in making food from things you grew yourself... and, it always tastes so much better!!! I also have more peace of mind knowing that my food wasn't sprayed with toxic pesticides, didn't sit in some warehouse for days (losing nutients), or is some sort of GMO that we don't know much about.

[lukerussell]

I have just started this year to grow my own and have started off simple with just peppers and courgettes.

I am having lots of fun doing it and find it relaxing. I have some very nice looking courgettes I should be able to start harvesting some in a few weeks! Looking forward to eating the first one

[Carolyn]

Its' not easier to grow your own, but it is more satisfying, and definately better if you have a big enough patch to grow everything you need. You know it hasn't got nasty chemicals on it, it hasn't been cold stored for months or shipped half way around the world, and it tastes superior

This year I am growing Lettuce, Rocket, Tomatoes, Radishes and Cucumbers. As well as the usual mix of herbs that I always grow.

The Lettuce and Rocket are going great. We have eaten lots already. The Tomatoes are just starting to form, and each day I can literally see the difference in size.

The cucumber and radishes however, are a disaster!. Something has eaten my cucumber plants and we have only had one radish. I had to cut it in half so that we could share it!

[Thais]

Originally Posted by Carolyn

You know it hasn't got nasty chemicals on it

The trouble is (from what I see of allotment areas) - all the patches around you have, not to mention the person who had your allotment before you! Round my area, there are not many who plant organic.

[Carolyn]

Yes, that's a good point Thais.

Although mine are all grown in my greenhouse at the moment.

[World]

I guess growing your own vegetables would be a nice experience to try. Beware the squirrels!

[pollyhop]

Growing your own food can be fun if you have the resources. I have been growing my own tomatoes for a while now and i must admit, it tastes much better than store bought ones. So its better to grow you own food, but definitely not easier than walking to the shops.

[belovedgreen]

I actually do not enjoy going in grocery stores. In the winter yes, we do not have the space to store produce and the only garden I get is an indoor herb garden, but in the summer it is more enjoyable (although I do not know if it is easier) to work in the garden.

[theE]

Originally Posted by technophobic

Growing your own food Well Yes and No.
I have been growing my own veg (organic) for the best part of 20yrs and TBH I have never enough space on my double allotment. If (like myself) you are lucky enough to get an allotment the number one rule is SHARING. The syndicate I am with is great - we run our allotments by rotation and between us we harvest a reasonable return.
Having said this "It is hard work" you only get out what you put in.
So get yourself down to your local council

what if you are not rich and have a tiny back yard. wtf are poor people suposed to do.