Was wondering if anyone has any idea of what amount of land would be required to become self sufficient with vegetables, fruits. My goal is not to be 100%, as I know there will always be things that will have to be purchased. But what I am talking about is getting as close to 100% as is feasible. I have read books and watched videos that say 7 acres, 12 acres, but most of those came from the Northern states. Given we live in N. Texas and have a pretty long growing season, I'm guessing a smaller tract would suffice. I also understand that there are many variables, water availability, fertility etc......The past 2 yrs. I have discovered that a 15 ft. row of Okra will supply a family of 2 with more Okra that we care to eat, and have much in the freezerHave searched the Internet and yet to find anything that gives a per capita amount, for this area of Texas. Any ideas would be appreciated.....Thanks..

Hear! Hear! I laughed out loud when I read what you wrote about okra. I have discovered -- over the past two years -- that we also get more okra than I want to eat. ('tho hubby will eat it no matter how it's fixed, or how many times it's served).

I hope someone who knows will join this discussion because we would like to know more about this, too.

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God speed!
Cara
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Take time to stop and smell the flowers!
(or... as my ladybug refrigerator magnet says
"take time to stop and eat the flowers!" )

Hi there! Just found your question. We are in Oklahoma and had a garden for the first time last year. I would say our garden was maybe 20 ft by 30ft last year. We had 2 okra plants, 1 yellow squash, 3 tomatoes, 2 green bell peppers and quite a few rows of onions, carrots and peas. We were able to get more than enough for just my husband and I. This year we have made it bigger and will have a wider variety of plants but if you are only attempting to grow for yourself you don't need much space! I found that having only a few plants of each variety was plenty as we were able to eat fresh and not have to freeze as much. We gave away quite a bit as well!