Category: Gardening

Crop failure is a term no farmer or humble gardener ever wants to hear. Nonetheless, it is something we all experience in the agricultural world. Whether you are a farmer, hobbyist, homesteader, or professional gardener like myself, crop failure can be brutal on your stomach, wallet, and ego. So what do you do if all your precious edibles go on to the great beyond? Here's a few tips to help you recuperate. Early Intervention I have to say I am quite fortunate to have two parents who made agriculture their careers. My dad was a farmer, and my mom assisted farmers via Virginia State University (VSU) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Even after their workday was over, both of my parents enjoyed the spoils of fresh fruits and veggies from the garden. This introduced me to the concept of growing my own food, and pre-planning for potential crop failure. Crop failure can come as a result of numerous factors, including fickle...