Food Security and Traditional Wisdom: A Chat with Melvin York on Daddy Pete Gardening Podcast
On a recent episode of the Daddy Pete Gardening podcast, Melvin York delved into the art of emergency food preparation and storage, drawing on his childhood experiences and gardening wisdom.
Growing up, Melvin recalls, “We canned everything.” The basement, with its earthen floor, served as their storehouse. Despite having freezers, he pointed out the unreliability of power, suggesting, “with power allergies, we might want to go more of the canned method.”
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For those who missed out on winter planting, Melvin recommends visiting local farmer’s markets. He emphasizes the importance of preparing for winter by maintaining a diary of the crops you’ve grown, thus ensuring a diverse supply. Given the unpredictability of weather events, like the approaching hurricane off Florida’s coast, Melvin suggests planning ahead. Procuring seeds, dry goods, and canned food in the colder months can safeguard against potential shortages.
Melvin highlighted the utility of versatile crops like potatoes, notably the Kenny Becks variety. While regular potatoes have their merit, sweet potatoes, with their later harvest time, are ideal for storage in basements or cellars. Beans, too, offer dual benefits. “You can let green beans, pole beans, and other beans dry, can what you may, and also save the seed,” he says, mentioning that similar methods can be used for vegetables like carrots, rutabagas, and turnips.
Highlighting the resilience of old-timey pumpkins, Melvin noted their longevity, provided they are kept ventilated and off the ground. These pumpkins not only provide a food source, but their seeds can also be preserved for future planting. For those who’ve cultivated beets, Melvin advises monitoring the plants to watch them sprout greens in spring. Though these roots become tougher, they remain edible with a bit more peeling.
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He continued, singing praises for easy-to-grow peanuts that, once dried, can be stored for extended periods. Not to be overlooked, peppers, tomatoes, herbs, onions, and garlic are essential components of a winter-ready pantry. “Keep them in a cool, dry area, and you will have them all the way through the winter season,” he suggests.
If you’re new to the art of canning, Melvin advises starting with a three-month supply, gradually adding to it. Such preparedness ensures you remain unfazed during power outages or unexpected shortages.
For listeners eager to explore more gardening insights, he directs them to the Daddy Pete Gardening website, where a plethora of resources awaits. From potting mixes to soil amendments, everything a gardener might need is available. The site also features a newsletter offering free gardening tips. Melvin emphasizes the interactive aspect of their platform, saying, “We have a place there for you to ask questions or leave comments.” True to his commitment, he personally responds to all emails, ensuring that every query is addressed.
In Melvin’s words, “The main thing is we want to help you grow.” It’s a sentiment that not only speaks of cultivating plants but nurturing a community of well-prepared and informed gardeners.
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