Trump and prepping

[MrsTerryPratchett]

The general MN populace is talking about prepping again. Thanks to our friend Trump.

Any changes to your prepping as we count down to Armageddon? We haven't made any changes except for DH insisting on stealing my Osprey bag for the bug-out bag because he is convinced that the more 'prepped' bags (like those ones with para cord for handles) make you a target.

There is a saying about condoms and guns, "better to have one and not need one, than need one and not have one". I think I am thinking the opposite about iodine tablets for radiation poisoning, "if you need one, better not to have one and neck some vodka and painkillers"

[MrsTerryPratchett]

Well I hope you're millionaires Adora, in case you need medical care in your dotage.

[cozietoesie]

He could be thinking of worse states, Adora.

[cozietoesie]

Rhubarb. You just leave it there and it grows. (We always used to cut off the leaves and throw them back round the plant. I don't know whether that's officially recommended nowadays but we had good, well-drained and clean soil with few pests. The rhubarb patch seemed to appreciate it.)

[AdoraBell]

He's thinking of California MrsTP I'm thinking he's lost the plot.

[MrsTerryPratchett]

[cozietoesie]

X post.

[MrsTerryPratchett]

We get them online but best to see if there's a local supplier because you want local seeds. Where in the US? Because hippy states like Oregon are way better for this stuff!

[cozietoesie]

Well MrsTerry has found them across there.

[AdoraBell]

My fucking DH is talking about moving to the USA for retirement

So where do we get these heratige seeds then? Not sure I have the energy for proper prepping but growing food, or learning to, could be a good start.

[cozietoesie]

Look on the bright (dark) side. If the rain hadn't got them, the slugs/mites or the birds probably would.

[Sodaface]

My strawberries were coming along beautifully until that torrential rain a few weeks back, completely wrecked them all!

I go on holiday tomorrow to Florida.... 😳

[ThroughThickAndThin01]

I'll have a google tomorrow, thanks.

[cozietoesie]

Johnny Applecore was he called?

[MrsTerryPratchett]

Heirloom, I think in the U.K...

[MrsTerryPratchett]

Lots of shop bought seeds are barren for want of a better word. So you can grow one generation but not another. To save seeds, you have to have seeds that produce fertile fruits. Heritage seeds. Also way more likely to be local, hardy, varied so more disease resistant...

[cozietoesie]

PS - and bone up on storage. If you had poor crops this year then that won't be as important but as you improve, the need will hopefully grow.

[ThroughThickAndThin01]

Heritage seeds? Tell me more.

[MrsTerryPratchett]

Heritage seeds?

[cozietoesie]

[ThroughThickAndThin01]

Yes I've bought the books (in case there's no internet to google) and a good supply of seeds (in case of short supply). Getting prepared!

[cozietoesie]

Preparation, prevention, rotation etc etc etc. These are all things to become familiar with when you don't absolutely need the veg. (Imagine if there was no shop to buy the things from!)

[ThroughThickAndThin01]

Yes my tomatoes haven't thrived. Blight, but now I know I could have prevented it, it'll be different next summer. My beetroot have been a triumph! (Hate the buggers though )

[MrsTerryPratchett]

Our summer has been dreadful so all the terrible boring veggies are fine. The nicer stuff like tomatoes are suffering.

[cozietoesie]

Vegetables can be very hard work - especially root crops. Better luck next year.

[ThroughThickAndThin01]

Oh and my vegetables I was happily growing in April as in pp up there ^ haven't fared so well . Many have died! Need to up my game next year .