As I've gotten older, I've found harvesting and processing produce is getting more difficult each year. I'm looking for someone who will come in and help with the canning and processing, but it is hard to find any help as others have mentioned. My donations to the local food bank have increased significantly the last two years because I just can't handle nearly all that I can grow... and cutting back is not an option, for now.
Otherwise, my garden soil is superior which virtually eliminates problems with insect, fungi, and even weeds. My techniques for organic gardening are pretty much automated. I have long argued that it is far easier to garden in a large space with proper equipment than it is to garden in a small space limited to manual equipment. I rely on equipment and techniques to extend my ability to grow nutrient dense produce. Extensive cover crops, plentiful well composted cow manure, crop rotations are integral to my garden. No synthetics are ever used.
I had thought that by this point in time, I would be confined to container gardening but thus far I haven't cut back on anything. The HK container techniques I continue to develop have added a great deal of flexibility to my gardening including growing things I could never grow in the past such as leafy veggies and winter veggies.
I'm at the point where I only do things I wish to do. As a result, I've leased out the cattle operation (retaining all the compost) and have plenty of time to take care of other things on the property including the garden.
Now if only I can find someone to help with the canning...
