Planting a legacy

There was a time when all American farmers knew how to grow food in an organic non-heavily mechanized way. Sadly, this body of information is fast-dying. In fact, beginning with World War II, the number of Americans who know how to grow food has consistently gotten smaller and smaller.

After the war, a new type of farming emerged-a chemical-based farming heavily dependent on machinery and inorganic inputs. A factory-type ethos prevailed in farming as Americans began to require fast food and they would rather watch TV than grow food in a garden. The American concept of leisure has changed and food knowledge has lost out.

We are now dealing with increasing numbers of Americans who don't know how to plant and care for food. If you are alarmed at this trend, become part of the solution by planting a legacy by teaching gardening to schoolchildren. Here is how you do it:

Donate your time. You don't have to volunteer at a school. You can help kids through a community garden. Organize tree planting events. If you truly want to leave a legacy, plant a tree. The tree will live many more decades after we're all gone. Donate with your will. Put food gardening awareness organizations on your will so you will leave a legacy when you have passed on.