Growing Your Groceries

Alabama Economy The gloomy economy has got some folks taking matters into their own hands literally.

by Debbie Williams

Published: Wed, February 11, 2009 - 4:27 pm CST Last Updated: Wed, February 11, 2009 - 6:30 pm CST

Diana and Halleck Matthews are doing what a lot of folks are doing these days, loading up on seed for a backyard garden.
"Oh we got potato seed, some corn, bush beans, we got dill," says Diana as she counts out the little bags of seed.
They are not alone according to Lee Racine. She's co-owner of Racine's Feed, Garden and Supply. "We have had customers who have had never grown a garden before want to grow a garden now, wanting a lot of information. Customers that are gardeners that have not had a garden for a couple years maybe or planning a bigger garden."
Folks like the Matthews are finding answers to the economic woes and food scares in their own back yard growing their own groceries. "It's a combination of many factors. The economy and we know what we put into the garden. We know if we have insecticide or all organic whereas at the grocery store you're not always certain what you're getting or what part of the world the food came from."
Former County Extension agent Ed Tunnell says even a little bit of land can make a big difference. "There are a lot of things a homeowner can do on a small scale that will save them a little money and it's excellent recreation as well."
These days watching your garden grow can be as satisfying to your waistline as it is to your wallet.
Experts say now is the time to start preparations to plant fruits and vegetables that will provide food well into the Fall.

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