Tobacco - Learn How to Grow Your Own

Tobacco was once considered a crop grown in large fields, cultivated by farmers and sold to large processors, is now being grown on urban lots and rural acres all around the country. When President Obama recently signed the expansion of the State Children's Health Insurance Program or SCHIP as it is known, he unknowing started a small rebellion. To fund SCHIP various taxes have been levied on those who enjoy tobacco products. Those included an average tax increase of up to 62 cents per cigarette or up to $1.01 per pack. Cigar fans are now paying up to 40 cents more per cigar. Various other tobacco products such as chewing tobacco were also additionally taxed to fund the program’s expansion.

These higher prices and increased taxes have had an impact on all who enjoy the pleasures of tobacco. But according to recent news articles there is a growing population who are rebelling against these high tax increases. Many enthusiasts are now turning to growing their own tobacco and hoping to beat the system. These tobacco fans are circumventing the commercial products and investing their time, labor and farming skills to their own homegrown crop.

Many seed growers have reported huge increases in the demand for tobacco seeds. According to one urban tobacco farmer, a home grower can cultivate enough tobacco to offset their costs tenfold. But beware of starting this farming adventure. Growing and processing tobacco is a challenge and only those with the greenest of thumbs should attempt it. Tobacco leaves are very susceptible to pests and need the utmost in proper soil balance. For those who are adventurous enough to try, there are many websites and publications that offer various tips to growing tobacco at home.

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