I think it all started with a peach tree. The tree was a beautiful, double blossomed dwarf white peach that I had planted at the edge of our patio. Each spring, the pink blossoms would bloom and (provided there was no late frost) tiny fruits would begin to emerge. Throughout the summer months, they would continue to grow and when the sun would hit them, the backyard was filled with the sweet smell of peaches. The scent was heavenly. Then, late summer, I could walk out the back door and pick a tree ripened peach right off the branch.... it doesn't get much better than that. Biting into the fruit, the juices would run down my arm it was so ripe, and the flavor was incredible. The ones in the store didn't even come close. The whole experience was magical.
I think it was that experience that "planted the seed" into what has become a 'growing obsession' of mine. Gardening, growing our own food and just simply getting my hands into the earth.
I get to take part in every step of the plants growth: from the purchasing of seeds, placing the seeds into the seedling starter, assisting their germination, transplanting them and then nurturing the plant along until it's ready for harvest.
I think now, more than ever this is becoming increasingly important. With the development of new Frankenfood's hitting the market every year and ingredients we can't pronounce making their way into our food, people are beginning to question where their food comes from. I think we as humans are awakening to the tipping point.
Times are changing and America is about to eat its way back to food freedom. Bite by bite and garden by garden, we will get back our food independence from corporations like Monsanto that are destroying everything pure, good and natural. People are saying "NO" to GMO foods. This is the beginning of the greatest grow- your- own food revolution in the last hundred years. In fact, the number of gardeners in America has doubled in the last two years.
(OK, I'll get down from my soapbox now.)
Our part in this revolution could be as simple as sprouting a few greens on the windowsill, digging up part of our lawn to plant a few tomatoes or 'digging in' and growing a vegetable garden that produces food year around.
I have started this blog, to share my journey, my ideas, my 'growing' obsession, some photos and maybe a recipe or two.
I hope that it may inspire, help or maybe just 'plant the seed' for a lifetime of growing your own great food.
David
