MAY 2022 - 1
Feature Intro: Gardening 101: Herbs and Spices for the Home Gardener
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According to the USDA, food prices are at a 14-year high. In March of 2022, food prices were 8% higher than March of 2021, and inflation is projected to rise even more. For many of us, that means higher bills at the grocery store. Milk now costs nearly $4.00 a gallon (more for organic) and a pound of ground beef averages more than $5.00. In addition to higher costs at the grocery store, eating out at restaurants is on the rise as well. According to the USDA’s Economic Research Service report, which came out in March of 2022, the cost of dining out for Americans has risen 5.5-6.5%. Although the United States doesn’t have the highest inflation rates in the world (Venezuela tops the chart at 1198%), there is no doubt about it: products and services are getting more expensive, and food is chief among them. For many Americans, the idea of self-reliance is making a comeback. Victory gardens, popularized during the two world wars, are growing again (no pun intended). People are turning back yards, roof tops and even company grounds into food-producing gardens. While gardening may have seemed inconvenient or time consuming in the recent past, growing food at home is making a comeback. With this growing interest come questions, concerns and even a few fears about starting, maintaining and using a home garden. To that end, ONC reached out to local herb whisperer and teacher Keith Wells for advice, tips, tricks and encouragement on all things herbs and spices. We appreciate Keith’s willingness to dig into the ins and outs of getting started and what to expect as we explore herb gardens of our own.
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CONTENTS ASK THE EXPERT: THE CARE DECISION FEATURE: GARDENING 101: HERBS AND SPICES FOR THE HOME GARDENER RECIPE: CILANTRO MINT PESTO