Growing your own Food: Resources

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It's important to make sure you are avoiding sterile seeds if you want to regrow from your scraps. Sterile seeds in this sense means the seeds will not produce a new body. It does not mean sterile In the sense of sterilization from contaminants.  You can understand more about rather or not your produce is grown from sterile seeds by looking up the company name and looking for who their suppliers are. If you want to understand further look into their  parent companies, associate companies, and subsidiaries,  among other things. 

Look into your food and the history of these practices here.

• Look for non-hybrid varieties: Seeds labeled as "open-pollinated" or "heirloom" are more likely to produce viable seeds that you can save and replant.
• Check seed descriptions: Seed catalogs or packets often indicate whether a variety is a hybrid or open-pollinated.
• Support Native Communities. The land you are on likely hold sacred significance to a tribe near you. There is no soul who wants things done naturally and properly more than they. 
• Support seed saving initiatives: Organizations and communities that promote seed saving often offer non-hybrid seeds. 
• Research where your food is coming from. Support Native farmers.  Support local farmers. 

Many restaurants and businesses throw away produce that does not fit their aesthetic needs, and simply just scraps. Identify the restaurants opening/closing schedule and assume the dumpsters have  prep waste from 3 hours before opening to opening. 

Identify the resources available and the method in which you need to use to regrow it. 

When getting food from dumpsters to regrow it does have less dangers than retrieving food to eat but you still need to keep multiple factors in mind. 

-Chemical waste from cleaning 

-Broken Glass 

-Rotten Food 

-Maybe rats and raccoons 

Closing shifts often throw out more chemical waste that could be of harm to your health and produce re-growing probability.

Environmental disasters happen much more often than we realize and companies pay big money to cover them up. Throughout all of the years of industrialization in the United States many things have gone un reported to homeowners and renters alike. I highly advise that you research environmental contamination into watersheds and top soil near you if you can not test your soil. 

What to do:

1. Research your property's history: If you know what the land was used for in the past, it can give you clues about potential contaminants.
2. Soil testing: Look for tests that specifically check for heavy metals and other chemicals. Some labs offer comprehensive packages.
3. Consider a "bioassay": This is a simple test where you plant sensitive plants in your soil to see if they grow normally. It can give you a general idea if something is inhibiting growth.
4. Contact your local extension office: They can provide advice on soil testing and potential issues in your area.
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6. If you live in a well populated area it is best to assume you have contaminated soil.  This simply means having raised garden beds, hanging pots, etc are advised for health purposes. Odds are that the soil is probably contaminated and the effects from contaminated food is not advisable. 

1. Know Your Soil's pH: pH measures how acidic or alkaline your soil is. Most plants thrive in a slightly acidic to neutral range. If your soil is too acidic or alkaline, plants can't absorb nutrients properly, even if they're present.

At-Home Soil Testing: Mix one-half cup vinegar with a scoop of soil. If it fizzes or bubbles, your soil is alkaline. Mix one-half cup water with a scoop of soil, then add baking soda. If it fizzes or bubbles, your soil is acidic. If neither reaction occurs, your soil is balanced, or neutral

Ph tests are typically less than 15$ in stores as well 

2.Nutrient Levels: Soil tests reveal the levels of essential nutrients like phosphorus and potassium. This helps you determine if you need to add fertilizer and how much, preventing over- or under-fertilizing. 

can also be found in stores

1. Identify Problems: Testing can uncover issues like high lead levels or poor drainage, allowing you to take corrective measures before planting.