Limit outside sources and grow more food locally

Now that the hectic pace of the holidays is behind us, maybe it's time to slow down and thumb through all those seed catalogs that have been piling up. It's never too early to start planning next season's garden.

Just keep in mind when you order your seeds to look for heirloom or open-pollinated so that you can save your own seeds. Tomato, corn, squash and bean are all really easy to save.

Staying away from hybrid vegetable seeds help promote seed species diversity instead of supporting all the seed companies. A few companies like Seed Savers Exchange actually encourage folks to save their own seed and will explain how to do it. I like that kind of integrity in any business, don't you?

Also, to learn more about regional food growing, backyard gardens, etc., you can go to www.sandpointtransitioninitiative.org and see what the "food group" is planning. This is an inclusive local organization and all are invited to get involved. Our purpose is to grow more food locally and become less dependent on outside food sources.

Happy growing.

SHAKURA YOUNG

Elmira