Inspiration yields...

Went to a talk last night at UW by Jonathan Foley, a scientist and writer of food policy. There are 11 articles you can read by him in Scientific American here. He was very optimistic despite data he is working with (you have to be I guess) and I am so glad their are thinkers like him working on these issues. His general philosophy regards our global responsibility to feed everyone while eradicating damage to the planet. So there are many agricultural practices to work on needing the involvement of farmers, consumers, policy makers, agri-business. One thing I took away from his talk was the necessity of enhancing efficiency and yield. It made me think of the square-foot gardening method which is fully focused on maximizing yield.

A few days ago I picked up a few gardening books from the library, one of which is titled small-plot, high-yield gardening by Sal Gilbertie & Larry Sheehan (Ten Speed Press, 2010). I'm skimming it, like I do most textbooks. Paying particular attention to the section on growing tips and also the section for novus growers. One thing lasting in my mind is their recommendation not to go purchase-crazy on seeds, don't spend $80-100 on seeds in the first year, and don't jam too many crops in one space. My budget is a good constraint for my overambition. I've narrowed my original wish-list of 30 varieties down to 17, and am ready for the seed buying party tonight. Updated bed plan is on the way.

Also related to this whole "maximizing yield" concept arrives Mark Winne's talk next Tuesday, co-hosted by Sustainable Ballarda at Sunset Hill Community Association, 6 PM! Lettuce Link posted something about the event in their blog. I haven't read his book Food Rebels, Guerrilla Gardeners, and Smart-Cookin’ Mamas but am stoked to have this inspiration to look forward to. Yay food!