Mescalin Sprouts. Radish and Swiss Chard are No Shows so far

Some of the mescalin mix seeds I planted in the front flower bed among the landscaping has started to sprout. We had several warm days to get it started, followed by three days of cool temperatures and rain. The Radish and the Swiss Chard I planted the same day have not come out for the party just yet.

Spring in South Carolina used to mean lots of rainy days but the last few years of drought have faded that memory. With luck, this rain will be just one in a series that replenishes the lakes and rivers, ultimately alleviating the drought.

The Best 40 Gardening Dollars I Ever Spent

I purchased a copy of the newest version of the South Carolina Master Gardener's Manual not long ago. While I may never take the course to actually BE a master gardener, the book itself may just be the best investment I could have made in my garden library. You see, while I am a native of the state, I have lived away most of my adult life.

This book is full of information specific to gardening in any region of South Carolina. Important information like when to plant, how to amend the soil, what varieties of vegetables, flowers, lawn and trees are best for the area you live in. It is pretty easy to read though you may need assistance lifting it.

I have found that most, if not all, states have a similar program and a similar publication. If you are new to your area and want to garden, you might want to check out the Master Gardening program in your area.

NOTE: I just tried to find the website where I ordered the book and I can't find it at the moment. I'll have to check again later and then create the link if possible.

Ample Food Supplies

I found an in interesting report in my mother's papers the other day. She worked with the Cooperative Extension at Clemson University back in the late 1950s. The report, which was from the Extension is titled Ample Food Supplies Available for Good Eating and is dated 1957. It goes into some detail saying that there will be adequate food for civilians, who would eat about as well as in the past year. It goes on to say that while vegetable eating is high for the times, they expected the trend to move toward processed vegetables. In 1957, people in South Carolina spent less for food than the average family in the Southeast, but didn't make up for that by growing more vegetables at home.

I wonder what the out look is for 2009? Our local newspaper speculated this week that we would pay more for vegetables this year due to the drought in California. Will South Carolinians grow more vegetables this year to make up for losses and to overcome the rising price of food in the grocery store? What do you think?