During times like these, it’s important to be prepared for anything that comes our way. Everything is uncertain, so if and when society completely collapses, it’s important to have an idea of how to survive on our own. Throughout history, many well-known individuals have supported self-sustainability, including Founding Father and former President of the United States, Thomas Jefferson. A frequent gardener, Jefferson knew how to provide for himself. Here are five ways.
1.) Experimented with gardening
Thomas Jefferson would often trade seeds with those he met during his travels, which resulted in him growing an abundance of different crops. If everything were to go wrong, it would be important to have a variety of crops that you knew how to grow. The specific ins and outs of growing these foods that will inevitably become your source of survival are important to know.
2.) Grew his own food
Similarly, Jefferson ate all of his own food. He was extremely self-sustained, growing vegetables in his garden that eventually made their way to his dinner table. Somewhat of a lost ideal, Jefferson was a supporter of having a personal garden that could provide food for him and his family.
3.) Went natural
He was a major proponent of organic gardening, and utilized manure as a natural fertilizer. Jefferson knew that the best way to ward off insects was by growing strong, healthy plants. The easiest way to do that is by properly fertilizing them.
4.) Tracked his progress
Jefferson kept a personal journal of his trials and tribulations in the garden. Taking note of what did and didn’t work when it came to growing certain crops, Jefferson was a legitimate student of gardening. Having a vast understanding of what does and doesn’t work is of extreme importance when it comes to knowing when, where and what to plant.
5.) Appreciated the culture of gardening
Not only was he a fan of what gardens provide for us, Jefferson viewed the act of gardening as relaxing and enjoyable. He referred to the earth as a form of culture and explored it through growing plants out of the soil. If only the average American respected this planet like Jefferson did…
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