How to Grow Your Own Food: Weigh In Wednesday

This year my goal is to grow 2,000 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables. I think I can do it. With 16 raised garden beds, a greenhouse, a raspberry patch and a few more planting beds sprinkled throughout our property, I believe growing 2,000 pounds of food is an attainable goal. Even if I do live right in the middle of high maintenance suburbia, and my neighbors think I’m nuts.

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Last week I harvested mostly leafy greens. I went ahead and picked the rest of the gourmet salad I had growing in my pallet garden. With warm weather on the horizon, I decided to replant the former lettuce pallet with Roma green beans instead. I also harvested some spinach, rainbow Swiss chard, chives and a wee bit of mint from the backyard too.

In my opinion, things are moving along as planned.  I know the bulk of my poundage won’t come until the end of summer and early fall.  I am expecting the heirloom tomatoes, pumpkins, and potatoes to be the super stars in my efforts to grow 2,000 pounds of fresh fruit and vegetables in my backyard this year.

All good things come to those who wait… Right?

Here is what I have harvested so far:

Basil 14 oz

Broccoli Rabb 1lb 6 oz

Chives 6 oz

Kale 11 oz

Lettuce 6 lb 2 oz

Butter Crunch 12 oz
Mixed Greens 4 lb 2 oz
Romaine 1 lb 4 oz

Mint 2 oz

Onions 3 oz

Green Onions 3 oz

Oregano 2 oz

Mushrooms 9.25 oz

Shiitake 9.25 oz

Go HERE to read more about how I grew mushrooms.

Radish 11 lbs

Easter Egg Radish 2 lb 3 oz
Crimson Radish 1 lb 5 oz
French Breakfast 7 lb 8 oz

Spinach 8 oz

Sprouts 10 oz

Mung Bean Sprouts 7 oz
Sandwich Sprouts 3 oz

Swiss Chard 2 lb 3 oz

Total Food Harvested in 2012: 24 lbs 15.25 oz

I have spent a total of $$458.47 on seeds, soil, plants and supplies for this year.

To find out more about gardening and finding your inner pilgrim, check out the book Little House in the Suburbs: Backyard farming and home skills for self-sufficient living By Deanna Caswell.  Amazon currently has the book on sale for $15.63.

*Amazon prices can change at anytime.