Do you can?

I lived in MN a few years ago and had the space for a good sized garden, so I was able to put up quite a few jars of bread n butter pickles. We had enough tomatoes to eat, but not much more to do anything else with, although I think I put up a jar or two of salsa. I froze plenty of squash and green beans too. They are so much better than what you get out of a can from the store. I think I had enough bell peppers freeze a few of those too, but mostly used them in daily cooking. I wish I had the space for a proper garden now. The things I have growing in containers will probably provide enough for what we're eating now, but not to put up for later. I don't have any of my canning equipment anymore either, so it would be quite an investment to start over.

I have never canned anything in my life. I do remember my mother doing it though when I was young, and it seemed like a LOT of work. Although I think it might be a good idea, I'm just not so sure I am organized enough to take on a big project like that. Plus, I think I would be afraid that since I never did it before and don't have any supplies that it could get quite costly for me, especially if I didn't do it right. Just curious too, exactly how long would something you canned last before it went bad? I've heard of people keeping canned goods for years, but that just seems so gross to me.

I have done tomato juice, but if my garden does good, I will do more this year. The prices are getting so out of hand, we almost have to.

I do, and have for years. I grew up on the farm and we raised a huge garden and had an orchard, and everything got canned or put in the freezer for winter. As kids, we would complain about having to help prepare the fruit or vegetables and you could count on my grandmother ALWAYS saying, "You'll be glad that we did this when the snow is blowing this winter!"

I preserve as much food as I possibly can, though my favourite method is drying as it requires the least energy to do and little space to store. I bottled loads of tomato sauces last year, plus figs, cherries, pickles, jams and chutneys. I'd really love a pressure canner, but they are very difficult to buy outside American.