Frugal Mania

Fuel prices are at record highs, and seem to be increasing every day. Even the solution originally touted as our savior from dependency on “Big Oil” - corn-based ethanol - has caused its own predicaments:

1. The demand for corn has caused many farmers to stop growing crops they may have grown for generations in favor of the highly sought out corn, which makes other produce (like tomatoes) harder to get. End result - the price of produce goes up.

2. The demand for corn for ethanol has made it more expensive for livestock farmers to purchase feed for their animals. End result - the price of meat goes up.

3. The cost of fuel is so high that it has an effect on the cost of all goods that must be transported. End result - the price of everything goes up.

So what’s the solution? Well I don’t claim to be a biochemist with the next great fuel alternative. There are plenty of people with degrees and the salaries to come up with those. Instead, I propose that you grow your own corn. Yeah, corn.

A packet of corn seeds can be purchased for as little as a few cents (I bought mine this year for 30 cents), and can yield plenty of corn for you and your family. It is the perfect time in many planting zones to put those seeds in the ground, too. All you need is about four to five square feet of ground, which is a small price to pay for such a delicious reward!

It is best to plant corn about 12 inches apart. I generally plant four corn plants in each of three rows. This gives me twelve corn stalks that provide fresh cobs of joy that just beg to be tasted. The extra benefit is that they will add some additional temporary privacy, and at the end of the season, the stalks can be cut, dried and used as yard decorations for the fall.

Here are a couple of great links on growing corn:

“How To Grown Corn” on eHow
“Watch Your Garden Grow” by University of Illinois Extension

Give it a try! At worst, you are out a few cents. At best, you will have fresh corn for the summer, save lots of money and eat more fresh, produce that you grew yourself. What could be more frugal than that?

“Clouds and Corn” photo by Dani Simmonds, used with permission.