A LEARNING CURVE

The desire and effort to move to a more independent lifestyle and self sufficiency is becoming a world-wide phenomenon as more and more people are discovering their discontent with their current situation.

The reasons for this are as varied as the types of people who are contemplating or making the jump. One of the more common reasons that shows up is the desire to know where their food comes from and what is in it. This is not always the beginning reason, but it will eventually rise to the top of the list as a rationale.

However, since many of us doing this have little to no experience in growing our own food, we are faced with a huge learning curve that can become overwhelming if not approached carefully.

Many are trying to learn by joining various groups dedicated to the independent lifestyle. There they pose their questions—and their sense of overwhelm is only magnified. In a group of more than 800k people, the likelihood of getting the same answer twice is almost nil.

Everyone has their own opinion. Sometimes this opinion is based on experience and sometimes it is not. Regradless, the information given is almost useless for at least two reasons.

1. The person asking the question did not specify such things as location.
   Knowing which growing zone one lives in is a major step forward to understanding what can and cannot be done on your property.
2. The person answering the question fails to specify such things as their location.
   Answering a question from a viewpoint of northern Canada does not help the one who asked a question based in northern Louisianna.

A third reason is the non-specificity of the question. I'm referring to such questions as, "How do I begin?" There is nothing in that question that an intelligent person would be able to answer, but it is a question I often encounter.

As you begin your journey of learning, remember this lesson. ALWAYS be specific with your question and ALWAYS specify where you are located. If the answers do not specify their location, ask before taking their advice.

Asking questions on social media seems to be the new way of trying to learn, but given the difficulties mentioned above coupled with people's willingness to spout whatever pops into their mind as if it is the gospel truth, it should be evident that a more structured path may be desirable.

If social media is your go-to resource and you know of no other way, then by all means learn how to use the media properly.

There is Wikipedia. There is Youtube. There is Google.

Using these methods will help you to focus in on exactly what it is you are wanting to learn.

My go-to learning resource is webinars and books.

A webinar helps me to zero in on what it is I am wanting to learn. A book gives me time to absorb whatever I am learning.

I have recently completed a book that was recommended to me after I asked a question about my poor soil conditions on the property.

It is titled "Dirt to Soil" by Gabe Brown, and it contains his personal story of learning through tribulation and a wealth of information which can be applied for the home gardener or the large farm or ranch.

I am now able to begin an intelligent process of amending the sandy ground I have here in sothwest Missouri.

If growing your own food is important to you, then I highly recommend this book. It is an easy and enjoyable read filled with things you can do 'right now' to begin improving and utilizing your growing space.

NOTE: If you order the book through the above link, I will receive a small commission. The price to you for the purchase is not affected at all.