What were some of the farming techniques of the ancient Greeks?
   Eric, 12, Web post

Dr. dig responds:

The Greeks grew cereals to make bread and porridge; this involved preparing the ground, which might be hard and stony, ploughing, sowing seed, and then controlling pests (weeds and birds) until the crop was ready to harvest. Depending on location, it might be necessary to water or irrigate the crops. They also grew grapes to make wine and they cultivated olives, which were used for food and for olive oil. On a lesser scale, they grew fruit and vegetables. They husbanded animals, mainly sheep and goats that were well-suited to Greece's rocky countryside and that could be used both as a source of meat and cheese. Small farmers cultivated small plots of land with family labor, while big landowners used slave labor.