I live in Canada, and am currently (June 7) experiencing a snowstorm (which is a little unusual). This is my example of a small change in my food supply – with such a short growing season to start with, little events like this can wipe out a number of my growing beds.

We often forget to think in terms of time – that situations and outcomes have a time line. Perhaps this is one of the downsides to the instant on, always on, virtual worlds we live in (like this blog response).

One big drought in the US prairie states, combined with some failures in irrigation distribution, and the wheat production drops in one season. Prices rise, shortages occur and the system starts again from a crisis state for the next growing season.

Maybe growing corn or soybeans is simple…with modern agrochemicals and mechanized industrial farming methods. So, maybe we could all easily maintain a steady diet of high fructose corn syrup and soy products until the oil runs out. I happen to like organically-grown fruits, vegetables, grains, and nuts, though. Is a forest garden simple?

Real, nutritious and natural food is not simple to grow…at least from my experience.

As for growing stuff I hope to have a better garden next season. We did keep ourselves in salad greens this year which is a start and I do know how to garden although its not my favourite occupation. I prefer orchards really but we only have space for about 6 trees here.

I remember the 70s well. I think some limitation will be ok but the trouble will come when those limitations keep on keeping on and getting worse. I’m hoping that the shift will be gradual enough for things to change step wise instead of the big cliff. However I’m not holding my breath because people have a habit of using things right to the end. Think of the passenger pigeon. There were billions at one time but the hunters said “There are millions out there.” and kept on hunting until there really were none left. The last one died in a zoo of old age.

That could be us too if we continue to over exploit everything.

viv in nz

And, if reports are to be believed, Americans are food-gardening in much larger numbers than at any time in recent memory. Good on us. More of us are paying attention. That’s good news.

Timely and needed.