Jeff wrote:
> This year i'm trying to grow rice.
Nice idea. I'd love to hear how it goes. Keep us posted.
> The big question in my mind is: Why do so few people in North
> America grow rice on a small scale?
It is interesting that most people seem to feel that growing beans and
grains, and even onions, potatoes, etc., is a waste of time. I have heard
a few reasons: they're cheap to buy, they take too much room, is too
difficult for what you get, growing more expensive vegetables is more
efficient, etc. Most are good reasons, but I have been thinking of growing
staple foods too. At least to find out first hand what its like.
> This suggests that dry land rice growing might be the best choice.
I live in Northern California with about six months of drought a year. (It
seemed to start about the beginning of April this year, end of May last
year, and will go until late October or November. From what I remember,
rice will not grow during the winter, even here. So, I'd really be
interested in dry farming methods. I'll check out the web site you listed,
Jeff. Thanks.
A friend in Japan is also trying to grow rice this year. He recently moved
to the country side with his family and is interested in Permaculture. He
had to deal with land politics which regulate the amount of rice grown
each year.
Eric:
