Will you Grow this year?

Any point could be that moment when you make the switch. When you decide that your hands can be used a weapon. It’s not always immediately apparent, but we are in a battle. Yes, people are dying. But if you’re privileged enough to be reading this, chances are, your direct exposure to this fact may be somewhat limited. Pardon me if I’m mistaken. But the growing movement behind food is still largely an obscure luxury: either you have the knowledge, land, time or money. Best part is, this luxury remains in reach for all but a few. As they say, knowing is half the battle.

There are plenty of resources on growing out there, most can access the info, sun, water and soil (usually in that order). Land, despite its abundance, seems for most, to be the greatest obstacle. Although, with the right information, this can be overcome. Seek and you shall receive.

There are organizations in most any major city around the world that is capable and willing to provide the basic information to get you started, and even more online. More importantly, there are ALWAYS individuals that have and are happy to share their favorite tips and tactics. All you have to do is ask.

Since you asked, WeFarm America is committed to providing this info in collaboration with our partners, friends and even competitors, as best we can. Growing food has always been best when it is done as a collective. Handbooks, curriculum, events, advice and advisories are all a part of several initiatives to preserve and spread valuable knowledge, going strong through 2011. Do you have something to share? Something you need? Be sure to let us know, we’ll put the word out.

In the meantime, start asking around. You might be surprised by what you find. Before you do that, visit our growing Handbook. Poke around, you might find just the answer you’re looking for…

We’ve found that growing isn’t as hard as everyone thinks, and even easier when someone gives you a hand.

If there is one bit of info we can impart now that we have your attention, it would be that there is something that EVERYONE needs to do this season:
We all need to grow.
It doesn’t matter where you live, how much you make, how contaminated your soil is, we ALL are capable and absolutely NEED to plant a seed this yr. Can you make that promise? Can you promise that you’ll get your friends to do it? If you can make that contract with us, we’ll tell you how you can do it. Promise?
Ok.
Want a raised bed, here’s what you need 1st:

• Ample yard space (min. 4 x 4 – this includes front lawns, decks, sidewalks, roofs, parkways)
• Min. 6-8 hrs of direct sunlight
• Access to water (rain is the best, plus it’s free!)
• Good soil (compost is great)
• and organic seed (heirloom swaps are always fun

If you don’t have all of the above and can’t get access to a local community garden (you can help start one, you know: Openlands/NeighborSpace), then you just might want to start a small space farm.
Here’s a few ways to do it:

• Self-Watering Container
• Burlap bag garden
• Soil bag garden/Hay bale
• Tilapia in a barrel
• Bees
• Chickens!
• Worms

Think of yourself as a pioneer, if you like. This is important work and remember it’s the small things that make all the difference! Start with the basics and grow from there…