“Canning supplies are available for the time being.”
After really having to scrounge for canning supplies earlier this season, I can now say that all of my usual ‘haunts’ for supplies are very well stocked, again.
Two thoughts:
1. Those of us that knew these items to be precious have already stocked up, and...
2. Covil-panicked people who went hog-wild on growing a garden and canning LAST year found out what a PITA, time-consuming JOB it is, and won’t be doing THAT again, LOL!
Also, of note: My local Walmart Garden Center is still packed to the GILLS with veggie plants, herbs and flowers of all kinds. It’s nearly July! As a former Garden Center Manager, if I had THAT much PERISHABLE stock left on the floor and it was almost July, I’d be getting fired! I think less people started gardening and those newbies from last season gave it up. :(
Seeds are still available in good quantities, so plan on some fall crops if you haven’t done fall crops before (not you, Mom, just peeps in general) and seed companies are sending me e-mails that they are having SALES right now, so stock up for next year at bargain-basement prices.
I shopped a sale that Johnny’s was having. I find their prices ridiculously expensive, but they do have some varieties that I really like.
Part of prepping is being a savvy shopper, too, IMHO. ;)
Sure canning is labor intensive but when you’ve done it long enough to be able to do it without checking the Ball Blue book, it gets easier.
Plus, I enjoy the satisfaction of doing it and like to know what’s in my food and where it came from.