Beans for drying
Our beans for drying have suffered over the past few years. First a virus attack, then the sodden summer of 2007. This year they were enjoyed by slugs just as soon as we put the plants into the ground.
This photo is of the small patch of Horsehead French beans we have left. Our stock of seed has gradually dwindled and the variety is no longer stocked in the seed catalogues. We allow the seeds to dry in their pods and then collect and store. I think we'll need the entire harvest for next years seed.
Its issues like this that make one reflect on the lives of subsistence farmers. If our crop fails, our children will not go hungry. For other growers, in other parts of the world, this small story could mean impending disaster. The climate change that we are propelling forward will have a bigger impact on the fragile existence of my distant and vulnerable growing brothers than it will on me.
My immediate concern is bringing the beans in before the mice completely destroy them. It will be a top priority at the weekend. Does anyone think we are doing even half enough to address the major environmental issue of our age?
3 comments:
Horsehead French....never heard of that variety and I'm into beans! I hope you aren't the only one still growing it.
Frankly, Monsanto will buy up all the seed and charge the farmers twice thier annual salaries to grow food for their families. Unless something is done about it, they will own 80% of the viable seed on the planet. Tell me that's not a monopoly?
And yes, there is something seriously wrong with our environment. Bees, weather patterns, climate change. It's insane. Thank goodness I'm a hobby gardener. If I were a farmer I'd be pulling my hair out without the financial stress!
Reba - Hope you're right about us not being the only seed holders left.
Rich - Monsanto are big players and a huge problem for diversity of all kinds. I guess my only answer is to keep on keepin' on. Together, we must believe we can win the argument and the war.
Rob
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