One of the base elements of being Self sufficient is the ability to grow crops. suprising this is also the one item alot of the younger generations have not experienced and in the older generations, a talent they have forgotten as it has become easier to go to the store than to grow it.
Most people think about growing in March or April when in reality especially with outdoor growing one needs to start in January. Around the first of the year, one needs to take a good look at where they are planning on growing or have their garden from last year.
First thing is to break up and loosen the soil to allow air and water to enter the soil and start to enrich it. Also near the end of January is when one should start to add any fertilizer or soil altering materials (leaves, soda, worms etc.. etc..)
After this one should ensure to mix the soil a least once a week until planting. In February one should map out and purchase the seeds for their garden. If planting from seeds or spourts ensure that you have areas when enough sunlight or a greenhouse to start the plants. An important item is to look at the growing times of the crops one plans on producing to ensure that you have enough growing time and also to grow multiple crops if desired.
Lastly after the last frosts, in NC usually around first of March start bringing the seedlings outside to get them accustomed to the weather, a couple of hours every day slowly increasing the time until they are ready to plant. If a late frost occurs, cover the plants with straw, plastic or leaves.
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