Hello from Northern Canada

[heirloomgal]

Hi everybody,

After spending the last few months on TEG, I was curious about this sister site. I've peeked in a few times now and have enjoyed reading through many of the posts on here. Such a great site! One of my primary interests in self sufficiency is food security, particularly in regards to OP seeds; selecting, ways of increasing/speeding germination, harvest techniques and ideal storage. I'm trying to build a heritage seed ark. I'm about 5 years into 'construction'.

I live in the suburbs, but I'm using up the property as best I can for growing as large a diversity of food and seed crops as I can. I very much try to live by the idea of 'food as medicine'. I'd love to have some chickens, but zoning won't allow it here. Yet! I'm hoping that may change someday as appeals continue to be put forward to that original decision.

Being northerly the shorter season is a bit of a challenge, but I have a small 12 X 8 greenhouse that helps me add a bit of extra time to the season. Overcoming and outsmarting wildlife pillaging my plants and seeds is one of my next major goals!

 

[FarmerJamie]

Welcome!

 

[baymule]

Glad you joined! Because of SS, I bought an All American pressure canner, the ONLY one made in America and not China. I love it and named it The Beast. Also bought a 9 tray Excalibur dehydrator and bought the solid sheets too. I dehydrated the elderberries we picked this year. And I bought a Family Grain Mill, I use it to make cornmeal from the Painted Mountain corn I grow.

I consider each of these to be investments in our food supply and our overall health. They are excellent quality and will probably last my lifetime.

Im happy that you are here, there is lots of information in old posts too. You do so much with the limited space that you have. I admire your beautiful garden and all the hard work you put in it.

 

[Mini Horses]

Welcome from VA. Food security is important and in today's world. I'm truly concerned with chemicals used in commercial enterprises. One day, I'll have a greenhouse! Don't "need" one terribly but, it would be awesome. You are utilizing your land well. I love the seed saving part -- seed acclimated to short, cold season.


Many of us are fortunate to have land that allows animals, to help sustain our food supply. One day you may be able to have your chickens. There's the potential for eggs, meat and fertilizer.

There's several old articles on sufficient living tips on here...search some of them for good information and a fun read.

 

[heirloomgal]

Thank you @FarmerJamie @baymule @Mini Horses! There is SO much to learn here!

 

[Hinotori]

Welcome from Western Washington state!

 

[heirloomgal]

Thank you @Hinotori !

Welcome from Western Washington state!

 

[Alaskan]

Howdy, and welcome!

What latitude are you at?

I am at latitude 59.

 

[heirloomgal]

Howdy, and welcome!

What latitude are you at?

I am at latitude 59.

Thanks @Alaskan ! I'm in Northern Ontario, I believe the latitude here is 46. I guess you and I probably have somewhat similar seasons, at least in terms of length of summer and bitterly cold winters. We don't usually go much below -37 though, and I've read parts of Alaska can go into the minus 50's.

 

[farmerjan]

Welcome from the more western part of Va.... BRRRRR please don't send your weather down this way.....no offense but I have absolutely NO DESIRE to have minus 37 .... we have occasional minus 10... lasts for a day or 2...
One thing though... is your -37 in C or F???? Because your 0 in C is our 32 F.... more or less..... and we get down occasionally to -10 in F.....

No matter, either one is COLD!!!!!

Do you have a greenhouse like @Alaskan for growing plants????
Whoops, just reread your post so yes you do have a greenhouse...