Light rain this morning with some thunder.
That is my new “rule” for myself concerning plants and the garden. Before, I made a lot of random purposes that just caught my eye. And yes, plants bring me joy just existing without any other use. But I must be frugal, and try to cut some of the ties of consumerism and this is one of the ways for me to do that. It’s impossible NOT to be a consumer. Everything is just exiting. If you are alive, you consume something to stay alive. But I would like to be less of a global consumer. Less things from 1,000 miles away. One way for me to do that is of course to grow my own products and to use local sources as much as possible- like buying and trading from neighbors. And for that those things I do buy, that they have multi-purpose uses.
I was leaving work yesterday thinking about needing to plant some fall crops- broccoli being requested and a favorite of my dear friend and neighbor Jaybird. I considered going the easier route and finding some plants from the stores. It would save me time and effort… but I really don’t want to do it that way. That would cost more, plus bring more plastic pots here that I don’t want. For much less I can buy a packet of seeds, especially this time of year when they tend to go on sale, and plant as many as I want. Extras I don’t need can be sold as plantlets or traded away to cover the cost of the seeds and soil. Extra plants can be allowed to go to seed for future supply.
I’m also keeping track in my little budgeting book of everything this garden and homestead is going to cost so that I can hold myself accountable. I will have to think before every purchase- Is this really needed? Can I do this free? Can I borrow this from someone? Rent it? Trade for it? If I have to buy it, how many things can I use it for? Do I need it now or can it wait?
So far the garden as cost me $25.44. That includes the seeds posted above which I got on sale yesterday and some daffodil bulbs I ordered last week.
You may be wondering what other uses daffodils have other then being pretty. Well, surprisingly there are are a few. Other then they being a delight, they make good cut flowers to sell eventually, and the stems and leaves can be used in weaving. Old timers used them as a deer deterrent in apple orchards. Not everything has to be edible to be useful.
As for the California Poppy seeds, they were technically free as it was a buy one get one deal. I wanted to plant CA poppies in my Dad’s memory garden since he loved them so much. But even then, they are a pain relieving medicinal plant as well and a feeder of native bumble bees to help pollinate the gardens with.
I guess ANYTHING could be given more then one use, technically. But it will get me to stop and consider each thing rather than just impulse buy things that catch my eye.
Keeping track of the cost will help in accountability as well.
Climate Wary Homesteader 