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Adventures in Sustainable Living Podcast

Episode 247

Home Food Production Action Plan

You may think that home food production is a thing of the past but you would be wrong. Despite our modern culture and all of our wonderful technology, having some control over your own food supply is more important than ever. Yet the trend of our present culture is to depend on someone else for most of our basic needs. That is a mistake.

No matter where you live and what you do, it is possible to produce a certain amount of your own food. Yes it takes time, commitment and maybe a small learning curve, but it is not difficult at all. In this episode, I am going to focus on how we can reverse this trend of dependency on industrial agriculture and why that is so important.

Welcome back everyone to the Adventures in Sustainable Living podcast. This is your host Patrick and this is E247 Reversing the Trend: a Home Food Production Action Plan.

In this episode I am going to focus on why so many of us stopped producing our own food, why it is important to reverse that trend and I also want to give you a workable plan on how to make that happen. The main reason I want to focus on this is that so many people these day are truly missing the point of all of this.

But before we get to that let’s first talk about the good news story of the week.

Virtual Reality Experiences Can Beat Pain Killers for Relief

As you probably know by now there is a significant amount of scientific research that supports the health benefits of spending time in nature. But new research on pain relief techniques has shown that virtual reality experiences and better than pain killers.

Scientists and Britain’s University of Exeter are are using VR experiences to study how the brain reacts to pain by showing  participants breathtaking natural scenery while shocking them in the arm.

The effects that they observed were as strong as pain killers, and even lasted longer than the 45-minute VR experience. They were also twice as effective.

“We’ve seen a growing body of evidence show that exposure to nature can help reduce short term, everyday pain, but there has been less research into how this might work for people living with chronic or longer-term pain,” said Dr. Sam Hughes, Senior Lecturer in pain neuroscience at the University of Exeter, and leader in the study.

Not everyone is able to get out for walks in nature, however, particularly those living with long term health conditions—like chronic pain. But the results of their study suggest that nature scenes delivered using VR can help change how pain signals are transmitted in the brain and spinal cord during long-term pain conditions.

Dr. Sonia Medina, of the University of Exeter Medical School and one of the authors on the study said the clear hypothesis is that VR experiences are so stimulative and immersive that it had a greater effect in reducing pain.

The stronger the perception of being in nature, the stronger the pain relief. I do find it so interesting that scientific research repeatedly reveals the benefits of being in nature, which of course is something we are progressively being separated from due to increased urbanization.

Now let’s move on to this weeks episode regarding the home food production action plan.

As a general rule people tend to toss forethought and planning right out the window. Instead we tend to go the route of reactive panic. And this is something I have seen over and over again. Whenever a major winter storm is predicted, that is the time people choose to flock to the supermarket and stock up on supplies. People wait until the hurricane is bearing down on their location to purchase bottled water. The COVID-19 pandemic is another perfect example. People reacted to the shut downs in panic, supermarket shelves were empty and basic hygiene supplies were no where to be found.

Most people never realize there just might be a better way. There just might be a way that you could be more self sufficient and produce a significant amount of personal security. I my opinion, the best way to do that is to produce a certain amount of your own food. What you cannot produce can be purchase in bulk ahead of time and set it aside for a rainy day. But, as I always like to ask, how did we get here?

There are several overlapping reasons why many people, especially in industrialized societies, have stopped producing their own food. These causes are related to various social, economic, technological, and cultural influences. For example:

1. Urbanization and Space Limitations

•  More people live in cities and apartments with no yard space or no available land for gardening.
•  Urban zoning and housing design often prioritizes buildings, roadways and parking over green space or other open areas that would permit gardening.

2. Shift Toward Industrial Agriculture

•  Mass-produced, inexpensive food in supermarkets has made home production seem completely necessary.
•  With globalization of our supply chains we now have year-round availability of most foods. This reduces  seasonal dependence.

3. Time Constraints and Lifestyle Changes

•  Modern work schedules, commuting, and busy family lives leave little time for gardening.
•  Convenience foods and ready-to-eat meals are faster than homegrown and home-prepared options.

4. Loss of Skills and Knowledge

•  Generations have grown up without learning gardening, food preservation, or seed saving.
•  Cultural shift toward “buying” rather than “making” food.

5. Perceived Cost and Effort

•  Starting a garden can seem expensive (tools, seeds, soil amendments) compared to buying food.
•  People may feel discouraged by early failures due to pests, plant diseases, or crop failures. Of course, there is a learning curve.

6. Marketing and Consumer Culture

•  Aggressive advertising tactics promotes convenience foods, fast food, and packaged meals.
•  Cultural association of farming with “hard work” and rural life, which many may see as and outdated lifestyle.

7. Changes in Education and Policy

•  Schools rarely teach gardening or home economics anymore.
•  Policies and HOAs in some places actually restrict front-yard or visible food gardens.

8. Perception of Food as Abundant

•  Since grocery stores rarely run empty, people feel food production is “someone else’s job.”
•  Lack of awareness of the vulnerabilities in modern food systems.

All that being said, it is easy for me to debunk every one of the above reasons that we no longer tend to produce our own food.

-Just because you live in an urban area with space limitations doesn’t mean you can’t produce some of your own food. Container gardens and vertical gardens are fantastic options for those with a limited space.

-Industrialized food production may make home grown food seem unnecessary, but home grown is far more nutritious, contain few if any pesticides and taste tremendously better. Additionally, if you think globalization makes your food supply more secure you are sadly mistaken. It actually makes us more vulnerable.

-I will admit that our lives are busier than ever these days and we seem to have little or no time for gardening. However, that is nothing more than a product of our high octane culture that stresses productivity and being constantly busy. That is something you have to step away from because life does not have to be that way. It is far healthier to simplify and have a slower pace of life that focuses more on the things you value.

-It is true that globalization coupled with our fast paced culture fed by convenience foods has produced generations of people that have no knowledge of gardening nor do they see the value in it. But, these skills are easily learned. There is an over abundance of websites and social media groups that focus on gardening and homesteading skills.

-Starting a garden is going to require some investment up front in tools and supplies. But most of this is a onetime cost. Yes there is a learning curve. But that is why you need to start small.

-You need to learn to ignore today’s aggressive marketing and advertising tactics. Companies promoting their convenience foods are out to make money and couldn’t care less about your personal health and well-being. Gardening does require a bit of work but it gets you outside, reconnects you with nature, and improves your physical and mental health

-Now the last thing I want to debunk is this perception that food is abundant and producing the food we eat is someone else’s job. The first thing I want to say is think back to the pandemic. Grocery store shelves were empty. The second thing I want to point out is something I have said again and again. As long as someone else is in control of your resources they are in fact in control of your life. I would strongly suggest taking back that control.

Now it is entirely possible to reverse this trend, take back a substantial amount of control over your own resources and start growing much of your own food. I want to give you a blueprint of how as individuals, and as communities, we can regain self-production skills and habits. However, there is a learning curve.

1. Awareness and Mindset Shift

Highlight the Benefits

1. Health Benefits

•  Nutrient-rich: Freshly harvested fruits and vegetables retain more vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants compared to store-bought produce that loses nutrients during transport and storage.
•  Chemical control: Growing your own food allows you to avoid harmful pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, and preservatives.
•  Physical activity: Gardening is a form of exercise that promotes cardiovascular health, flexibility, and mental well-being.
•  Mental health: Time outdoors in nature reduces stress, anxiety, and depression while fostering mindfulness and a sense of accomplishment.

2. Cost Savings Benefits

•  Lower grocery bills: Seeds, compost, and tools often cost less than repeatedly purchasing produce at retail prices.
•  Reduced food waste: You can harvest what you need when you need it, reducing spoilage.
•  Long-term investment: Perennial plants, fruit trees, and seed-saving practices provide ongoing returns year after year.
•  Preservation and storage: Surplus harvests can be canned, dried, or frozen, stretching savings even further.

3. Taste Benefits

•  Superior freshness: Homegrown produce is consumed at peak ripeness, leading to richer flavors and better texture.
•  Variety: You can grow heirloom and specialty varieties rarely found in supermarkets, offering unique flavors and diversity.
•  Seasonal enjoyment: Eating produce in its natural growing season enhances taste and appreciation.
•  Personal satisfaction: Food grown with care often “tastes better” because of the pride and connection involved.

4. Resilience Benefits

•  Food security: Homegrown gardens reduce reliance on fragile global supply chains and supermarket shortages.
•  Emergency preparedness: A stocked garden and preserved harvest act as a buffer against inflation, economic downturns, or disruptions.
•  Local adaptation: Gardens can be tailored to thrive in local soil and climate conditions, strengthening community resilience.
•  Skill-building: Gardening builds knowledge and hands-on abilities that can be shared across families and communities, increasing collective self-reliance.

II. Skills and Education

Community Gardening Workshops

•  Offer beginner classes on soil preparation, planting, and pest control.
•  Partner with local libraries, schools, or extension services.

1. Health and Well-Being Benefits

•  Physical activity: Participants engage in light exercise such as digging, planting, and weeding.
•  Mental health: Gardening reduces stress, promotes relaxation, and boosts mood through connection with nature.
•  Nutrition awareness: Workshops often teach about growing fresh fruits and vegetables, encouraging healthier eating habits.

2. Educational Benefits

•  Practical skills: People learn how to plant, maintain, and harvest food crops successfully.
•  Sustainability knowledge: Workshops share methods like composting, natural pest control, and water conservation.
•  Intergenerational learning: Knowledge passes between children, adults, and elders, preserving local traditions.

3. Social and Community Benefits

•  Stronger connections: Brings together neighbors, fostering collaboration and trust.
•  Inclusion and diversity: Provides a space where people from different backgrounds share and learn together.
•  Shared responsibility: Promotes teamwork and collective ownership of community green spaces.

4. Economic Benefits

•  Cost savings: Participants can apply learned skills at home to reduce grocery bills.
•  Resource sharing: Communities can pool tools, seeds, and compost, lowering individual costs.
•  Potential income: Workshops may inspire small-scale food production, farmers’ markets, or local enterprises.

5. Environmental Benefits

•  Urban greening: Increases green space, improves air quality, and reduces the urban heat island effect.
•  Biodiversity support: Encourages pollinator-friendly gardens and native plant growth.
•  Waste reduction: Promotes composting and responsible use of natural resources.

6. Resilience and Empowerment Benefits

•  Food security: Teaches communities to produce some of their own food, reducing reliance on external supply chains.
•  Emergency preparedness: Equips people with knowledge and skills useful in times of economic or environmental hardship.
•  Empowerment: Gives individuals confidence and agency in shaping their food systems and environment.

Online Learning Resources

1. Educational Websites and Blogs

•  University Extension Services: Many agricultural universities (e.g., USDA Cooperative Extension, land-grant colleges) offer free guides, fact sheets, and seasonal gardening advice.
•  Nonprofit and NGO Websites: Organizations like the American Horticultural Society and local gardening clubs provide resources on sustainable practices, plant care, and design.
•  Gardening Blogs: Personal and professional blogs share tips, tutorials, and experiences tailored to different climates and styles.

2. Online Courses and Platforms

•  MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses): Platforms such as Coursera, edX, and FutureLearn host gardening and horticulture courses, often free or low-cost.
•  Specialized Sites: Websites like Garden Tutor, Udemy, or MasterClass provide structured lessons, sometimes with certification.
•  Skill-sharing Platforms: Community-based learning platforms (e.g., Skillshare) offer practical, video-based classes on topics like container gardening or permaculture.

3. Video Tutorials and Streaming Content

•  YouTube Channels: Thousands of channels cover everything from beginner gardening basics to advanced permaculture systems.
•  Streaming Services: Some platforms host documentaries and series focused on gardening, farming, and sustainability.
•  DIY & Home Improvement Networks: Shows and clips often feature practical gardening advice.

4. Digital Communities and Forums

•  Discussion Boards: Platforms like Reddit (r/gardening), Houzz, and GardenWeb provide peer-to-peer advice.
•  Social Media Groups: Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok host large communities where gardeners share tips, photos, and tutorials.
•  Local Online Groups: Many community gardens and clubs now run virtual groups for resource sharing and Q&A.

5. Mobile Apps and Tools

•  Plant Identification Apps: Apps like PlantSnap or PictureThis help identify and care for plants.
•  Gardening Planners: Apps such as GrowVeg and Seed to Spoon assist with planting calendars, garden design, and reminders.
•  Tracking & Journaling Apps: Digital tools allow gardeners to log growth progress, pest issues, and harvest yields.

6. Government and Public Resources

•  Agricultural Departments: Many governments provide free online databases with region-specific advice.
•  Public Libraries: Many now offer e-books, digital workshops, and databases on horticulture.
•  City & Community Programs: Local municipalities may host webinars or virtual workshops on urban gardening and sustainability.

✅ Together, these resources make gardening knowledge highly accessible worldwide, catering to every learning style—from structured courses to interactive communities.

Accessibility and Resources

1. Container Gardening

•  Pots and Planters: Use traditional containers in various sizes for herbs, vegetables, and flowers.
•  Vertical Pots: Stackable or tiered planters maximize growing space.
•  Self-watering Containers: Reduce maintenance and ensure consistent hydration.

2. Vertical Gardening

•  Wall-mounted Planters: Attach pots, fabric pockets, or modular systems to walls or fences.
•  Trellises & Arbors: Train climbing plants like beans, cucumbers, or tomatoes upward.
•  Hanging Baskets: Ideal for strawberries, herbs, or decorative flowers in limited ground space.

3. Indoor Gardening

•  Windowsill Gardens: Grow herbs, microgreens, or small leafy vegetables in sunny windows.
•  Hydroponic Kits: Compact, soil-free systems for year-round indoor growing.
•  Grow Lights: Extend options for apartments or low-light rooms.

4. Balcony & Patio Solutions

•  Rail Planters: Attach planters to railings for herbs and flowers.
•  Compact Raised Beds: Small wooden or metal raised beds fit on patios.
•  Rolling Carts: Mobile planters allow you to move crops for optimal sun exposure.

5. Space-efficient Planting Techniques

•  Square Foot Gardening: Intensive planting in grids maximizes yield in tiny plots.
•  Succession Planting: Replant quickly after harvest to use every inch of space.
•  Companion Planting: Pair crops together to save space and improve growth.

6. Multi-purpose and Creative Solutions

•  Furniture-integrated Gardens: Tables, benches, or shelving units designed to hold plants.
•  Upcycled Containers: Buckets, crates, or recycled materials repurposed as planters.
•  Kitchen Countertop Systems: Compact hydroponic or soil-based kits for herbs and microgreens.

7. Community and Shared Spaces

•  Shared Rooftop Gardens: Collaborate with neighbors to make use of rooftops.
•  Community Plots: Rent or share small raised beds in local community gardens.
•  Shared Balconies or Courtyards: Pool resources with neighbors for a collective mini-garden.

✅ These solutions allow anyone—even in apartments or urban settings—to grow fresh food and greenery, proving that limited space doesn’t limit gardening potential.

Summary

You know, there is a part of my personality that is the source of my motivation for doing many, many things. It is my strong desire to be as independent and self reliant as possible. That attitude was engrained in me from a very young age. We produce a great deal of our own food and froze and home canned any extras.

It is this desire to be as independent as possible that has also been my motivation to be in business for myself for the last 25 years. I do not want anyone else to dictate what I do, where I go, and how much money I make.

In my opinion, our society would be a much better place if a whole lot more people took an active part in the destiny of their own lives instead of allowing someone else to do everything for them.

Home food production is one of the best ways to control a great deal of your own resources. Doing so has far reaching health benefits. It makes you more resilient and increases your preparedness for emergencies and greatly improves your food security.

Even though there are several generations without any knowledge of producing their own food, that is no excuse.  We have easy access to websites, forums, online classes, video tutorials, social media groups, apps and government resources that can teach us everything we would ever want to know about gardening, producing your own food and home canning and freezing. Not to mention community garden clubs and food coops. There is no reason for not taking advantage of all of the health, financial and environmental benefits of home food production.