I think this is all a big fantasy and activities like this should not be prmoted by the president unless as an interesting hobby. You will never be able to feed a growing population this way

The Maryland Master Gardeners have begun a formal teaching program “Grow it, Eat It!” to help people learn how to garden. <<>>

The National Project of the new president of National Garden Clubs is about getting children involved in food gardening. (They are slow in updating their website, so no link yet.)

Maybe the American people are ready to relearn what we’ve forgotten.

Everyone is entitled to their opinion, however I do not see the point of hurtful comments towards people that are actually trying to make a difference?

Also, I think that the additional costs taken out—and this includes energy such as gas and coolers and truck wear and tear—down the supply line would help the economy as well. It’s the “Walmart effect”. Everyone “hates” Walmart, but ever notice how much money they save the ordinary consumer? Similarly, if you buy a trowel, a hoe, a few bags of fertilizer or a composter, and put some elbow grease, these are either one-time costs, or else activities that do a body good, i.e., make you grunt and sweat, and just might put a few more years onto your life, or make the ones you have left less sickly and, thus, perhaps less burdensome on the overall health care industry.

It’s like seat belts. I remember when they first came out, then the laws came out. Lots of older folks said they’d never wear them. Yet thousands of lives have been saved. Same with backyard vegetable gardening. As to the seed costs: the $200 is for the entire year—not just the first sowing. Perhaps they might’ve spent less. I don’t know the precise cultivars they purchased, since they were sourced from several places that specialize in older, historical varieties. That was their choice, as befits a “White House” period setting. (This is why I suggested they test their chops out at Camp David.)

My point remains that the conservative ratio is 1:25 for seed and fertilizer costs (mainly seed) to costs of vegetables bought. And, John, this is a comparison of “home-grown” to “store-bought”. Maybe you can do the math, but do you also get the point? Taste buds?

“Have Seed, Will Save You.”

My brother works in the RV Industry, or what’s left of it. He actually works for the number one manufacturer and they are down to 32 hr weeks, twice a month. Last year he planted a garden and he estimates that the benefit was very close to 1:100. When the on-slaught of tomatos and cukes came, he made the rounds to other employees and the senior center. This year he has doubled the size of his garden and invited others to plant there as well. He also got his two boys involved and they think they are farmers. Keep up the good work Mr. Ball and all the others out there trying to make a difference.