2. Annual Vegetable Needs
• Using the calculations from “A plan for food self-sufficiency” by Cindy Conner
(2012), my vegetable needs are provided below:
CROP SERVINGS/Y
EAR
LBS/YEAR # OF 100 SQ FT
BEDS
TOMATOES 156 67.8 1
ONIONS 208 10 1/10
PEPPERS 52 9 1/10
CUCUMBERS 26 6 1/10
CARROTS 26 9.3 1/10
BEETS 26 9.3 1/5
LETTUCE 208 31.5 1
SNAP BEANS 52 11.8 1
BROCCOLI 26 8.4 1/5
GARLIC 260 2 1/5
3. Annual Grains/Calorie
Crop Needs
CROP SERVINGS/YEA
R
LBS/YEAR # OF 100 SQ FT
BEDS
IRISH POTATOES 260 92.9 1
SWEET CORN 156 91.8 2
SWEET POTATOES 104 33.6 1
4. Annual Protein Needs
CROP SERVINGS/YEAR LBS/YEAR # OF 100 SQ FT
BEDS
KIDNEY BEANS 260 20.2 5
LENTILS 156 11.8 4
CHICKPEAS 156 13.2 3 1/2
5. Annual Fruit Needs
CROP SERVINGS/YEA
R
LBS/YEAR # OF 100 SQ FT
BEDS
STRAWBERRIES 78 13 1/10
APPLES 156 55.7 1
CHERRIES 78 23 2
GRAPES 156 82.1 3
WATERMELON 52 19.3 1/3
6. Dietary Assessment
• For my annual food needs, I would need (27) 100 square foot gardening beds. This
would be about .6 acres and I think it is manageable for one person. I have always
wanted to farm on three to five acres of land, so I would probably increase my
production and continue to put food by through canning, freezing, and dehydration
methods. I’ve always found ways to produce at least some of my food needs in my
unique living conditions in the military with various methods such as windowsill
gardens, container gardens, and rooftop gardening. I think that it would be an easy
switch for me to become a producer rather than just a consumer because right now
the only thing holding me back is my military obligations such as the time being
away from home when I’m deployed. Once I am retired, I plan to take my hobby of
small gardening into a much larger scale on my homestead. My main challenges will
be that I am single and I have to do most of the chores on my own. I could hire help
or have friends help out though. Another challenge is that I never lived on a farm so
I will be learning a lot though trial and error. I will take advantage of the opportunity
to plant seeds that I have collected from various parts of the world through my
military travels to plant different species and practice broadcasting seeds to see
which ones survive and adapt best to my climate, soil and environment. I also have
the opportunity to live wherever I choose when I retire, so knowing my needs before
I purchase property will give me the freedom of choosing the land that best fits my
needs.
7. Permaculture Principles
• Bain (2012) teaches that the permaculture principle of “Choose Small and
Slow Solutions” means steady progress, and setbacks that do not ruin us
(pg. 37). I plan on using this principle in my homestead to slowly add the
crops that I wish to replace my grocery market meals. My first year on the
homestead does not mean that I have to immediately plant every crop that
I listed earlier. This principle points toward making steps toward my
ultimate goal and learning from mistakes that I am sure to make along the
way. I can start by using hand tools, and as time continues then I can
graduate to more complex tools and machinery use. I can plant a few
crops from my large list and learn if I am able to grow them and harvest
them efficiently. I will slowly add more crops from my list each year. I will
need to learn the amount of work I am able to handle on my homestead
that doesn’t overwhelm me and exhaust me. I will also plan to work in my
homestead with a focus and purpose, so that I concentrate my efforts on
the simple biological beauty and designs of nature providing sustenance
for my body.
• P. Bane, 2012. The permaculture handbook: Garden farming for town and
country.
8. Conclusion and Final
Thoughts
• Some additional things that I will need to consider when planning for my annual food
needs, is to plan for what grows best in my region instead of focusing only on my
favorite foods. I have to open my palette and mind to be creative in preparing foods
so that I can eat from the crops that are designed to grow there.
• I was somewhat unsure of my actual yearly food requirements and I don’t think that I
realize how often I use, for example, onions or garlic when cooking. I tend to eat
fresh vegetables that are in season so I have to learn to eat more preserved foods if
I live in a region with a shortened growing season.
• EACH ONE TEACH ONE: Bane (2012) points out that permaculture’s designs and
systems are not trivial and are to be shared. What better way to share the concepts
than by sharing a portion of my annual food harvests. I would like to ensure that I
have enough planted in my garden for my own needs, but also to share with my
neighbors and help educate friends on the principles and design concepts of
sustainable agriculture and permaculture. Food is a way to the heart, soul, and
mind. I can capitalize on this to spread the word by sharing by harvest and bounty.
• P. Bane, 2012. The permaculture handbook: Garden farming for town and country.
