Grow your own garden for the coronapocalypse

It’s probably not the apocalypse, but with grocery stores running out of food and toilet paper flying off the shelves, it can certainly feel like it.

There are so many questions that arise in the face of this uncertainty.

What if we can’t find food at our grocery stores? What if the supply chain can’t produce or restock resources fast enough? What if work shortages affect food distribution?

During the World Wars of the 20th Century, households commonly grew what were known as victory gardens. These small plots were meant to supplement scarce food resources, and in many cases, these wartime gardeners kept up the habit throughout their lives.

Whether that scenario is likely or not, considering other options for food may not be a bad idea. And it’s always useful to know how to be self-sufficient.

Growing your own garden might take the edge off the concerns over scarcity that this sort of crisis can bring. Creating a garden where you can grow your own vegetables will give you a reason to be outside in the sun, exercise, and provide the satisfaction of knowing that you can grow your own food. With spring around the corner, there is no better time to start planning your garden than now.

Urban farming was growing in popularity even before the current crisis. It can be intimidating to embark on this project, but urban farming is available to almost everyone, whether you live in a city apartment or on a large acreage of land, and is actually much easier to do than you might think.

Here are some key tips you should know before starting your garden.

Start Small

Consider that a single plant can often produce more food than a single person might need. Plant just as much as you and your household eat. Too many plants results in too much maintenance and more waste. You can always add more plants throughout the season if you want.

Plant Foods that You Eat

Last year, I found a pack of tomato seeds that I had leftover from a previous year. I decided to plant those seeds in my garden, despite the fact that I don’t actually like tomatoes. While the tomatoes turned out awesome, I didn’t eat them. Don’t waste your precious time and real estate on vegetables that you are not going to eat.

Get Creative

Especially in urban areas, it can be hard to envision having the space to grow a garden. The traditional garden requires a plot of land and soil to plant in. In reality though, you don’t even need a yard to grow vegetables. Vegetables can be planted in containers, vertical gardens, and even hydroponic systems with grow lights that you can buy from hardware stores. There are many options to choose from.

Easy Vegetables to Grow

• Tomatoes
• Peppers
• Green beans
• Carrots
• Lettuce
• Herbs: Dill, parsley, cilantro

Whether you are trying to eat more local and organic, discovering a new hobby, or preparing for the apocalypse, growing your own food is never a bad idea. While it probably won’t satisfy your craving for a hot slice of cheesy pizza, it is, at the very least, worth the shot.