Grow A Little Extra This Year If You Can! Help A Neighbor :)

 


I have been out of work for over two years now when my company downsized
in this poor economy.  Times are tough and going to get a whole lot
tougher for sure!  I'm very lucky in the respect that I'm 61 years old
and only have one more year to go till I can retire on social security.
That is if that program is still in existence a year from now.  Guess
what I'm really trying to say is:  help your neighbor out a little if
you can.  I'm planting way more vegetables in the garden this spring
than my wife and I could ever use.  The reason being,  I want to be able
to do what I can to help out other less fortunate people in this dire
time of need.  I plan to put a folding table near the curb on my front
lawn and fill it with fresh veggies each day.  I'll also have some saved
grocery bags on the table and a sign that says FREE ......PLEASE TAKE
WHAT YOU NEED BUT REMEMBER OTHERS MAY BE IN NEED TOO!  With unemployment
being as it is,  I would imagine the veggie table will be quite a hit in
the neighborhood.  It may be truly appreciated by some,  others will
take advantage  and some will won't care either way.  This won't deter
me one bit.  Why?  Because I know In my heart that I'm doing the right
thing.  We all need to help each other right now if we can because the
government sure don't give a shit about any of the once middle class
population!!!
May sound like a crazy idea to some but I was just brought up that way
when neighbors still helped neighbors :)

Rich From PA......... Zone 6

 

White_Noise_1@webtv.net (EVP MAN) wrote:

You already figured out that there are greedy bastards.  

Folks where I live used to do exactly what you propose and even placed
very low price tags (really not even enough to cover the costs of
growing, like 10¢ a piece).  This was a pay on the honor system but
still hardly anyone actually paid the few pennys plus they grabbed all
they could leaving little for others.  

I found a much better system for sharing with neighbors is to trade
produce with those who also have gardens... everyone grows a different
mix of crops so the barter system works well, and it needn't be
anything formal... whenever I have extras I leave a bagful at my
neighbor's doors and they in turn do likewise.

 

"brooklyn1" wrote

Same here.  Oh, I havent the spread you do, but I still grow enough excess
in my containers that I bring some over to neighbors.  Last year it was a
bumper crop of tomatoes and heritage bell peppers that I mostly had too much
of.

 



Another option is to donate to your local food bank.

 


The food bank would be a good option indeed.  We have a homeless shelter
about 20 miles away that might be interested in some veggies.  I also
like the idea of a barter system with the neighbors.  I done that last
year with the neighbor right next door.  The only problem is the fact
that we live in town and very few neighbors put out gardens here.  There
are quite a few professionals in our town,  lawyers, doctors, college
professors etc.  I guess many of these folks have very little need for a
vegetable garden or don't really want to rip up a spot on their well
manicured properties to put one in.  Me,  I'm just the opposite!  I
figure what good is a back yard if it can't give you something in
return!  

Rich