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The problem isn’t the idea of self-sufficiency. It’s the way we’ve been defining it.

~Huw Richards

Dear Reader,

​Huw Richards is a British thought leader who shares a healthy dose of food-growing philosophy on Substack. He has been relatively quiet the past few months, so when a new post hit my inbox, I was keen to read it. In it, Richards builds a case for a modern model of self-sufficiency worth sharing far and wide. His thoughts align closely with what I’ve come to believe and with the Astrological predictions of the Aquarian age we are moving towards.
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Within our family garden goals, we have already come to accept that doing it all, or growing everything on our own, is simply not achievable, and, equally important, it ignores the value in creating a supportive network of neighbors. Richard’s model recognizes that we need one another to build a strong future. In short, he sees sufficiency through three non-competing layers: self-sufficiency, shared-sufficiency, and systematic sufficiency. I think it's best that you discover the specifics of these directly from the source.

There are a number of synchronicities in the appearance of Huw Richard’s post, all of which have led me to hold it in contemplation throughout my week. The first is that we personally are streamlining what we grow, with the specific goal of achieving year-round self-sufficiency in a few key crops.

We’ve achieved this with onions and garlic, while recognizing there must always be room to expand our understanding, test new varieties, explore different propagation methods, and consider intercropping options. We are on our way to self-sufficiency with tomatoes, potatoes, and dried beans. With the addition of our high tunnel, we hope to reach nearly year-round supplies of greens, both for salad and cooking, this coming season.

That leads me to the next theme: shared sufficiency. What’s missing, and what can we exchange with others to broaden our coverage? That’s exactly what’s on the Hubele table, mind the pun, for discussion in the weeks ahead. Practicing shared sufficiency not only feels right on an energetic level but also makes logical sense; the food systems currently in place are at risk of shattering, and we need to plan now for what lies ahead.

What would you need to be willing to experiment with a bit of self-sufficiency in your garden? What about growing enough basil for your summer needs and then freezing the excess for the winter? I chop mine in the food processor with some olive oil and freeze in ice cube trays. Or consider experimenting with potatoes in a grow bag to get a feel for the process. Every attempt will be rewarded.

To quote Richards directly, choosing one simple garden experiment will build your​
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• confidence
• practical skills
• a sense of security
• a direct relationship with food

I’d love to know what ideas this sparks, so please share.

Huw’s letter also resonated because it arrived just days after I shared the idea of creating your own Gemmo Team. That team is a perfect example of shared-sufficency, strengthening one another’s capacity. His model of modern sufficiency applies directly to your healthcare. Important questions to ponder include: What are you able to tend to yourself, what would benefit from shared support, and what requires support from the systems in place? The exercise of examining those questions on paper can be quite powerful. Consider drawing the connecting circles as depicted in the article, creating your own diagram. It could serve as a starting point for identifying areas to expand and increase your capacity.

Although I often speak of reclaiming your power or sovereignty, the how-to may have been lacking. Here, in these simple layered circles, is the roadmap to get you started. And what better time to begin a new project? We have a gorgeous new moon eclipse headed our way on Tuesday, the 17th. Depending on your sun sign it will have different implications. Eclipse energy is powerful and extends well past the actual event, for months in fact, and steps taken can have a lasting impact. Thanks to astrologer Anastasiia Koryttseva, I have some very helpful short clips to inspire you. As a fixed sun sign, I’ll use this period to gather my shared sufficiency team, and who knows where that might lead.

Until next week,

Eclipse Season 2026

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Sun Transits February 17-23

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