By now, you've probably heard the MSM sirens of forthcoming food shortages after Russia's incursion into Ukraine, followed by Western sanctions which effectively cut a huge chunk of the world's supply of wheat, corn and fertilizer from the rest of the world of which Russia and Ukraine together supply some 25% or more. Now, these two countries, along with many others have begun hoarding their crop yields in order to feed their own people in this time of great uncertainty. Expect more protectionism in coming weeks and months as more countries do the same.

The mainstream media is screaming that we're all about to starve and there's nothing we can do about it. Food stuffs at our grocery stores are to become scarce and prices are only going to go higher. Instead of informing us of how we can better prepare ourselves for the coming food shortages, the MSM continues unabated with the Russia, Russia, Russia narrative and it's all their fault. You should know by now these arbiters of truth cannot be trusted.

I'm here to inform you that there is definitely something you can do about it. You can start by getting your hands on as many varieties of non-gmo seeds as possible and get ready to plant and grow your own foods this season, whether it be in your backyard or on your condo balcony or a few plants in front of your window.

I've got dozens and dozens of seeds started already, including lettuce, kale, tomato, butternut squash, carrots, celery and swiss chard. I've also gotten into the habit of planting veggies that keep coming back year after year such as rhubarb, asparagus and chives. Last year, I planted chamomile for the first time and I noticed that they too survived the winter and have started growing again. 

Two years ago, I started growing three empire apple saplings. This year will be their third summer. It takes 4 to 8 years before they start producing so I'm hoping they'll start producing next year or the year after. If you'd like to start growing your own apple tree(s), you can buy some at your local garden center and save yourself a few years waiting time. I'm very patient with my apple saplings and don't mind waiting a bit to bite into my first homegrown apple.

2 summers ago, I purchased a small tree that had five different types of cherry plum grafts. From this one tree alone, I got so many plums beyond counting and they were delicious, bite-size treats. I'm looking forward to another great bounty this year. I'm training myself on how to propagate clippings to get them to grow into their own plants so as to produce even more fruit.

All the information you need to grow your favorite fruits and vegetables can be found on Youtube. Last year, I planted and grew buttercup squash for the first time. While I got a nice yield, I could have done better had I studied on this plant more closely. As it turns out, you're supposed to clip away second and third generation branches as the plant grows, something which I did not do. I let the plant grow wild instead which is still ok but for a better yield, it's better to clip away those extra branches in order to produce more fruit. This season, I'll do it the right way.

As mentioned earlier, I have some butternut squash seeds started. Butternut is also known as winter squash. The great thing about Butternut is that once harvested, it can be kept in a cool, dry place such as your basement for the entire winter and still be edible. In fact, my seeds came from a squash I carved up in the middle of March after it sat for 5 months in storage! Potatoes and carrots can last too when stored properly. Information can be found online on other veggies that can be stored for long periods.

Foods you've grown yourself can be chopped and put in your freezer. For long term storage, canning / jarring is the way to go. Once properly sealed, jars can sit on a shelf for years. I have jars on a shelf in my basement that are  few years old. I opened up a jar of raspberry jam last month and it tasted delicious on my toast. That jar was on the shelf at least 2 years and could have easily sat another few years and still be edible.

Going back to the MSM wailing of coming food shortages, I'd like to say, 'Thanks for the warning'. Yes, it's serious enough to warrant our attention but don't believe the hype that there's nothing you can do about it. Yes, you can do something about it by growing your own food. If you don't have the space, ask a family member or friend who does and ask if you can grow foods on their lot, say in exchange for a portion of what you grow. Some farmers lease out small plots to city dwellers in exchange for a small fee which I think is a win / win situation. Your local want ads should help you in locating some growing space.

Now's the time to get started as we head into the growing season. Start some seeds in a container with a damp napkin and place them by the window in order to get a head start. With a little bit of work and patience, you should get a bounty of fresh fruits and veggies later this summer and fall. The vast majority of city dwellers have never grown their own food and have never, even considered doing so. It's up to us to inform and pass on the knowledge.

No one has to starve and live with an empty stomach. All this mass farming shit is bad for the environment anyways. We must learn to be more independent and grow our own food. As prices continue to rise at the supermarket, this alone should be the kick you need to step outside and start planting.

I also recommend you talk and maybe even sing to your plants. They can sense the positive vibrations emitted from your voice. This will encourage them to grow faster and produce bigger fruits / veggies. I'm not kidding. It really works.

Let this season be the season where you become a backyard farmer. The rewards will feed you and your family throughout the winter and next spring and beyond. Knowing that you produced your own food is incredibly rewarding in itself. Remember, all the planting and growing information you need is available on the internet, right at your finger tips.

Here's to an excellent growing season!