Grocery store prices are skyrocketing even faster than a CEO’s quarterly bonus, it might be time to take things into our own hands – or more specifically, your own garden.
Spring gardening isn’t just a hobby for people who like getting dirt under their fingernails; it’s an act of self-sufficiency, resilience and maybe even a little rebellion. You get to grow your own food, watch things flourish under your love and care, and stick it to the man at the same time. It’s time we stand up and collectively agree we won’t be spending $5 on bags of wilted lettuce any longer.
The simple truth is that food inflation hits us all, but instead of just grimacing at the checkout counter, why not fight back by growing your own food? Spring gardening is the perfect solution. With a bit of dirt, seeds and some patience, you can cut out the middleman by growing your own vegetables right in your own backyard, porch, balcony or whatever patch of earth you can get your hands on.
Imagine walking out to your garden, plucking a handful of fresh herbs and vegetables and whipping up a nice home-cooked meal without having to pay for it twice; once with your wallet, and again with your soul.
You don’t need to be a professional – you’re just sticking seeds into dirt. There are abundant local resources at your disposal; perhaps it’s time to visit the local library that you brag to all your friends you love so much. Even if you mess up, at least you’re not blowing $10 on a single bell pepper.
Don’t have access to acres of land? No problem. A small raised garden bed or even just a couple of cheap containers can still yield plenty of fresh, delicious produce. Focus on easy to grow crops like greens, herbs and peppers. If your backyard is more “dappled shade” than “sun-kissed fields,” don't worry, there are plenty of shade-tolerant plants and vegetables ready to rise up against the sun shortage. Your garden can be small, scrappy and effective, just like the best revolutionaries.
If you’re ready to start fighting the good fight (for cheaper groceries and tastier food), check out these local gardening events:
- Durango Seed Exchange, Sunday, March 2, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Head over to the Animas Valley Grange at 7271 County Road 203 for a free seed exchange event. You can bring seeds or take seeds – vegetable, herb, flower seeds, bulbs and cuttings are all welcome. It’s the perfect opportunity to get your garden started without spending a fortune. Plus, it’s free, which is exactly the kind of price we’re all looking for these days.
- The Garden Guys Heritage Seed Sale, Sunday, March 9, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Garden Guys Heritage Seed Sale is back, and it’s happening at the La Plata County Fairgrounds and Event Center, 2500 Main Ave. This is your chance to snag open-pollinated and heritage seeds, including some from local sources like Pueblo Seed & Food Co. Prices range from $1 to $4 – ridiculously cheap for a great cause. You plant, you save seeds, you plant again and you share with friends. Get ready for a season of abundant harvests and lots of happy gardeners!
- Bayfield Farmers Market “Pre-Season” Event, Saturday, March 22, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Head over to Moody’s on Mill Street in Bayfield for this spring preseason event hosted by the Bayfield Farmers Market. Expect food trucks, live music by Rob Webster and a showcase of talented artisans eager to answer your gardening questions. This event is a fantastic way to connect with the local community and learn how to bring even more homegrown goodness into your life!
Growing your own food isn’t just about offsetting rising grocery costs; it’s about taking control in a world where too much is out of your hands. When you’re growing your own lettuce, you’re not worrying about inevitable societal collapse as we know it.
So this spring, get your hands dirty, grow something real and start inching your way toward self-sufficiency. Because if the system won’t help us out, at least we can grow our way out of relying on it.
Dillon Kelly is an amateur gardener peacefully stoking the fires of revolution with his partner Sabina, and dog Clover. He lives in Bayfield.
