The Mediterranean_climateis characterized by two seasons: the first dry and hot, from April to September (river beds tend to dry up); the second is humid, and is marked by often violent rain storms brought in by west winds, with mild, frost-free temperatures. As such in the mountains winters can be rigorous and snowy. Attica, Cyclades, the south of Peloponnese, and Creteare more dry than the rest of Greece.
During the early part of History_of_Greece, as shown in the Odyssey, Greek agriculture - and Diet_of_Ancient_Greece- was based on cereals (sitos, though usually translated as wheat, could in fact designate any type of cereal grain). In reality, 90% of cereal production was barley.[Wikipedia:Citation_needed] Even if the ancients were aware of the better nutritional value of wheat, the growing of barley was less demanding and more productive. Attempts have been made to calculate Attican grain production in the period, but results have not been conclusive. It did not take long for demand to outpace production capabilities, as arable land was limited. The "tightness" of the land (στενοχωρία / stenokhôría) also explains Colonies_in_antiquity, and the importance AnatoliaCleruchywould have for the Athenian empire in controlling grain provision.
On the other hand, the Greek land was well suited for Olivetrees, which provided Olive_oil. The growing of olive trees dates back to early Greek history. Olive plantations are a long-term investment: it takes more than twenty years for the tree to provide fruit, and it only fruits every other year. Grapealso do well in the rocky soil, but demand a lot of care. Grapes have been grown since the Bronze_age.
These core crops were augmented by vegetable gardens (Cabbage, Onion, Garlic, Lentils, Chick_pea, Beans) and herb gardens (Salvia_officinalis, Mentha, Thyme, Savory, Oregano). Orchards included those of Ficus, Almond, apple, and pear trees. Oilseedplants such as Linseed, Sesame, and Poppy_seedwere also grown.
Animal_husbandry, seen as a sign of power and wealth in the works of Homer, was in fact not well developed in ancient Greece. While the Mycenean_civilisationwas familiar with the rearing of cattle, the practice was restricted as a result of geographic expansion into less suitable terrain. Goatand Sheepquickly became the most common livestock; less difficult to raise and providers of meat, Wool, and Milk(usually in the form of Chevre). Porkand Poultry(Chickenand Geese) were also raised. Oxen were rare and normally used as a work animal, though they were occasionally used as sacrificial animals (see Hecatomb). Donkeys, Muleand their mixes were raised as pack or draught animals.
Horsewere raised on the plains of Thessalyand Argolis; it was a luxury animal, signifying aristocracy. The_Clouds, Ancient_Greek_comedyby Aristophanes, illustrates the equestrian snobbery of Athenian_democracyaristocrats: Pheidippides, the son of the hero is addicted to race-horses and so ruins his father Strepsiades.
It is likely that most farms practiced some limited animal husbandry; poultry or small animals grazing on waste land or fed kitchen scraps. Combined farm/livestock operations also existed, as well as those specializing in livestock. An inscription Answers.comalso mentions a certain Eubolos of Elateia, in Phocis, the owner of 220 head of cattle and horses and at least 1000 sheep and goats. Flocks of sheep were Transhumancebetween the valley in winter and the mountains in summer. Taxes existed for the transit or stopover of flocks in cities.
