How much land (how many acres) would you need for a farm that, say, produces enough food for 6 people to survive on?

-- Leo (leo_champion@hotmail.com), November 29, 1998

Answers

WE have 50 acres, a large lake, cattle and put out a garden each year. There are about 9 of us that live on the property. You can grow enough food to feed six people in a small garden in a small back yard. It is the know how that is important.

-- Linda A. (adahi@muhlon.com), November 29, 1998.

Best bet for extremely efficient food gardening is the book, "Square Foot Gardening". I got my copy, only a little delayed by back- orders, at amazon.com.

You can do it in a city garden (if you MUST...) or in a small backyard.It will change the way you think about a "garden."

Now, all you'll need are some non-hybrid seeds and some dedicated elbow grease. A little vermiculite and compost will help, too.

-- Sara Nealy (saran@ptd.net), November 29, 1998.

We produced our own fertilizer for our garden.

-- trying to forget (seenit@ww2.com), November 29, 1998.

THE book to get. "How TO Grow More Vegetables" by John Jeavons, "than you ever thought possible on less land than you can imagine", published by TEN SPEED PRESS 1979, P.O. box 7123, Berkeley CA 94707. This book shows how to double-dig, interleave plants, save water, keep down weeds, etc. You can not imagine how good this book is. A MUST read!

-- curtis schalek (schale1@ibm.net), November 29, 1998.

You all city people can buy your books and theorize about how much and how big to garden and then I suggest you triple the size and and effort because of bad weather, bugs, wrong seeds for area and varmints. We have grown and canned every year for twenty (20) years and we still go to Sam's every week. I just shake my head when I think about the prospect of growing all our food in a one acre plot so next year we will double it and will can several hundred jars more just for the unexpected. Gardening is more work than our city relatives and friends have ever experienced. I have read the books, the easy part of gardening. Have a go at it this next year, it might be valuable experience.

-- George (newsrc@txcyber.com), November 29, 1998.

Leo, I don't know what your local soil conditions are or what the growing seasons offer you. You are in Austrailia correct? I am a farmer both truck farming and livestock. With the right fertilizer and rainfall or irrigation, you can eaisily feed your six on 1/4 acre year round in Georgia where I live. In fact, you would probobly have some left over to sell or barter. We apply liberal doses of chicken s##t and cow manure and behold the bounty of nature! Just like our dear president Clintax! BTW, you think you've got worries, I've got to figure out how to provide for 60,000 chickens, 200 cattle and 150 goats! I'm preparing with a vengeance. Best of luck to you. Doktorbob.

-- doktorbob (downsouth@dixie.com), November 29, 1998.

I've read Square Foot Gardening. He has a lot of good ideas (and encouraging for back yard gardening) I have to agree with the person who posted he's been gardening for twenty years and still goes to Sam's every week. I planted a back yard garden several months ago. You need to plant a lot more than you think you will need, and be prepared to loose who knows how many plants to weather and insects. I did not find Back Yard Gardening helpful in dealing with the insect problem. Experience is the best teacher. If you plan to garden in 2000, you definitely should begin in 99' if not sooner.

-- M.Doe (M.Doe@usa.net), November 30, 1998.

Okay sir doktor - got a problem for you:

1/4 acre, northwest of Atlanta, very hilly, sloping strongly (50+ feet drop) down from the west (high side) to a irregularly flowing creek in the east (so the afternoon sun gets cut off from the sun early), 80+ deciduous trees, (mixed breeds, half in front yard, half in back - so very heavily shaded at midday). Back yard mostly ivy, front hard-packed GA clay, modest grass (now) fairly acidic - what the heck can I garden in the 15x50 foot strip at the top of the hill that gets more than 2 hours of sun a day?

-- Robert A. Cook, P.E. (Kennesaw, GA) (cook.r@csaatl.com), November 30, 1998.

Robert, Know just where you're comming from; my brother lives just off the square in Marrieta. The whole area around there is basically ridge and valley terrain very poor farming potential. Iam in Wilkes county -whole different story. In your situation, I would do my farming at Sam's club or you are welcome to glean the corners of my fields. A friend of mine from Atlanta is preparing to use a small barn on my place as a hideout when TSHTF. I am also preparing feverishly because I know I shall have to feed certain clueless family members. Fortunately, I have two sisters who are actively preparing as well as several friends. Try talking to a landowner about leasing a small plot to garden or trading chores or work for the privelages. You might be surprised at what you can arrange.

-- doktorbob (downsouth@dixie.com), December 01, 1998.