Agriculture?

   As many of you may know Matt is the agriculturalist in our family. Although I did grow up having a love for gardening, Matt's love and knowledge has really surpassed my own. Matt's is not only just a love for agriculture but more of an obsession. A calling in life if you will. It's funny to see peoples reactions when they ask Matt, more of a surfer than a farmer,what his degree is because he doesn't quite fit the part for an agriculture student.

   But although Matt has never lived on a farm, let alone work on one, he has more knowledge about farming techniques and practices than anyone I know! Matt, bless his heart, has kind of an obsessive personality and when he has an interest in something he cannot help but learn everything possible about that subject. Food and sleep become second and third on the list to his obsessions. At times I have wondered how Matt would make it in this industry not having the knowledge and background that most people in this field do, but to be honest I think it is to his advantage. Matt has not be indoctrinated to believe that there is only one way to agriculture. Matt has spent hours and hours on studying alternative and sustainable practices to agriculture, please ask him about it because he would love to talk your ear off about it. (Love You Babe).
   Well, with this whole new obsession of his, and with his new decision to stay in Logan and farm rather than go to North Carolina, we are looking at a fun and plentiful summer. This week Matt and I dug up our square foot garden and are preparing it to plant radishes, peas, lettuce, arugula, onions and spinach this week. We also look forward to in a few weeks planting beets, carrots, swiss chard, tomatos, beans and everything else you can imagine. Basically Matt and I are going to see how sustainable we can be. We are going to plant a garden and try to live as exclusively off of that as we can. Matt has already drawn up plans to turn our greenhouse into a chicken coop:

Stay tuned to see what the Landlord says. I think it is really cool what Matt does and I think in the near future agriculture is going to take a huge turn and become a much bigger priority. With the economy the way it is and gas prices where they are I really do believe that becoming more self reliant is a MUST! I agree with, I believe it was President Benson, that everyone should have a garden. It's amazing the money that it has saved Matt and I in years past to have a garden. Not only does it save money but it is so fulfilling to be able to go out and pick the fruits of your labor. Matt and I also look forward to learning ways to preserve produce throughout the winter through bottling, pickling and even a potato cellar. If you are feeling overwhelmed by gardening and don't know where to start, start by thinking of what vegetables you eat on a regular basis. Then go to any local store that sells seeds or plants and ask someone there! If you are worried about not having enough space google urban farming or intercity gardening. It is so popular right now! Take all of your green waste and table scraps and compost them for richer soil. I'm just saying, there is so much we can do and it can be really fun. Feel free to contact me or Matt with any questions or ideas! Also check out Matt's blog at www.alternativeag.blogspot.com. He is always updating it with fun ideas and agricultural ideas. Remember, just like Matt you don't have to be a farmer to grow anything. Good luck!

Oh and randomly for those that care, here are some updated pictures of our little family:

 Lillie with her cousin Greyson