Living off the land?

Question

I have been researching techniques and ideas on being self sufficient in the ways of cultivating herbs and gardens of food. I tend to eat moderately healthy, being a vegetarian as well.

How feasible is it to sustain a nice amount of crops and minimize the use of supermarkets and restaurants? I've been reading about the pilgrims and their usage. Very interesting.

Answer 1

I was thinking of setting up a hydroponics garden in my sun room just for this.
Then if all goes well maybe a green house in the yard.
I was also thinking of a small geothermal generator in the yard for power.
But that could be expensive, not knowing how far to drill.
I really think we can do these things, but will anyone stop us, thats my fear.

Answer 2

it is not all that tough to do depending on where you live. Here in Illinois there are many available food sources to be had free from public land (state parks, roadside etc..)
I am not a vegetarian and do occasionally enjoy venison (deer), squirrel, rabbit, wild turkey, as well as fish. However, I do gather quite a bit of other foods. when I go fishing in the spring time I gather morels, wild strawberries, black raspberries, wild onions and many different herbs (several different culinary uses as well as for drinking teas and medicinal teas). as the seasons progress I can also get wild pears, elderberries, wild grapes, black walnuts, Jerusalem artichokes, dandelion greens and sunflowers. I just had a most delicious supper of a fungus called Hen of the woods. It was also gathered in the wild on public lands. There is a lot of food out there if you know what you are looking for and where/when to look. Just do your homework and if you have any doubts about anything you find in the wild- don't eat it. There are also poisonous nasties out there.
hmm don't know about pilgrim's lifespans- most of my family was here before they arrived :o)

edit: and yes I do have a veg garden and can and freeze vegetables. I also have an herb garden and preserve them by dehydrating or freezing them- I haven't bought tomatoes from the store in over 10 years *LOL*

Answer 3

It won't be sustainable to completely eliminate supermarkets. But it is good idea if done in moderation. Supermarkets provide produce that are grwn in different climatic conditions- this won't be possible with a self -sufficient approach. My dad has a small farm in India where he cultivates fruits and vegetables, but he can only grow those are suitable to tropical conditions. You also would most likely have to eliminate grain products from your diet

Answer 4

Unfortunately today its almost more expensive to live off of your crops. I also try to as much as possible. I frees my vegetable and can them. I make preserves as well and I grew dry beans for baking. To be able to keep my potatoes carrots turnips and onions longer I need to build a cold storage in my basement. I could also continue to grow crops during the winter if I built a green house but they can get very pricey. You can sustain yourself all year long if you invest a lot of time and money. Nowadays its sometimes cheaper to go to the grocery store.

Answer 5

mmm fresh food is the best! I'm in an apt right now, but growing up we always had fresh veggies, they were great! Depending where you live when the seasons change you may have to go shopping more, but in the summer it should be fine. Nothings better then going out in your backyard and picking a tomato or something and eating it. No pesticides or other crap poisoning your body :-) Good luck!

Answer 6

Read the average life expectancy of a pilgrim...lots of diseases and germs are controlled by food producers today. Food storage would also be a problem unless your going to be a Tupperware Pilgrim.

go to..personalhealthandwellness.com

Answer 7

Your biggest problem will be storage. You can certainly reduce the need for supermarkets by growing your own but it will be difficult to eliminate it.