We can all do it.

Everybody who is able can grow and produce their own food. Its been going on for years, and those who do know the sheer delight when the land the have toiled on and cared for gives up its produce.

Everything from the humble potato to more "exotic" crops such as Aubergine, Jalapenos, or fruits from far off lands can all be grown if given the right love and care.

In recent years there has been an increase in producing ones own food again, simply for economic reasons. However there really is nothing so good as picking those first home grown peas or beans straight from the plant, digging up new potatoes and carrying them home still with dirt on, or plucking a ripe, red tomato and simply savouring the delicious aroma from it.

Everywhere around us is the possibility for enjoying a healthier lifestyle, even using a back garden, window boxes, or if possible getting a small plot of land.

The smallholder can even keep a small number of animals for food and clothing even, and if possible these can have some of their diet supplemented by any excess fruit and vegetables that may be grown. Even the peelings and outside leaves if not used for compost can be fed.

In some countries every part of the animal is utlised for food, for clothing and for leather goods or stuffing pillows .

However its how you care for your animals whilst they grow that is most important. Just because it is not a pet does not mean that it does not deserve the same consideration or kindness. And the truth is that a happy animal produces more, eggs, better wool, better meat. If an animal is stressed it is unlikely to produce anything....although I have to say it is not easy to stay emotionally detached. If however you are going to produce your own meat as well as fruit and vegetables then a certain amount of detachment is neeeded for we frail humans!

Homegrown, oddly shaped maybe, not prepacked, straight from the earth to the kitchen. Simply delicious and so worth all the , yes, hard work, love and attention.

Nobody has claimed that being self sufficient is an easy step to take, and some people may want to but decide that turning half their subarban garden over to growing some fruit and vegetables is all they want to do. However for those of us who grasp the chance to get out of the ever increasing pressures of day to day life have found that it is a more peaceful and often more rewarding lifestyle. Certainly it is healthier, more exercise, better diet and the joy of waking up each morning knowing that you can live life on almost your own terms.