Spartanburg Embraces Seasonal Gardening with Open Arms
Good morning Spartanburg! On this first day of October, we are again reminded of the beauty that lies in the natural world. It’s that time of year when the fog makes fleeting appearances in the mornings and the sky can’t seem to decide whether it wants to be overcast or partly cloudy. The temperature is a comfortable 79°F and it’s topped off with light and variable winds. For those of us who are garden lovers, this is the time to get our hands dirty and embrace the season of planting.
Spartanburg Community College Paces the Forefront of Sustainable Agriculture
Did you know that our very own Spartanburg Community College (SCC) is leading the way in sustainable gardening? Opened back in 2018, the Center for Sustainable Agriculture at SCC is a hive of activity. Our dear friend and esteemed horticulture instructor, Jay Moore, has been educating future gardeners and farmers through this program. Most of what we enjoy from their farm comes from a practice of small scale, sustainable farming. Flavorsome varieties of sweet potatoes and hot peppers, harvested and grown right here at SCC are enjoyed by many in the region. Suffice to say, the taste says it all!
Digging a little deeper into some of the programs they offer, Jay Moore told us a bit more. They take pride in not just teaching cultivation but also the marketing side of the farming business. By focusing on unique, specialty crops that are less mass-produced, farmers can earn a better income compared to regular harvest. Even through the pandemic, interest in home gardening has remained high, encouraging more local farmers to take it up.
More Harvesting Opportunities for Local Residents
With its elevated scenery and fertile lands, Spartanburg has also welcomed home budding agricultural vendors. These folks offer a diverse range of quality products from home-grown beef and pork to sassy baby chicks, all of which are embraced warmly by our community.
First Ever Farm-2-Fork Event Arriving this Fall
But, it doesn’t stop there. SCC is hosting its first-ever Farm-2-Fork event from 9 a.m. to noon on Oct. 19. You name it, they have it. More than 20 local agricultural vendors are set to display their prowess and pass on their wisdom. Apart from the general theme of fall crops, you will get to learn about a variety of subjects including food preservation, hydroponics and aquaponics, poultry production and cut flower production. You might even get to enjoy some cooking demonstrations!
Season’s Best Planting Tips from Jay Moore
Moore revealed his top tips for successful autumn gardening. For the uninitiated, autumn is a perfect season to plant radishes, carrots, beets, lettuces, salads, and some varieties of kale. Collards and turnips also do well in the fall. However, gardeners shouldn’t wait too long to plant while there are still some warm days ahead and the soil isn’t too cool. Moore mentioned that it’s fundamental to plant cover crops during the fall to nourish the microbes in the soil. Red clover, turnip greens, or oats are great candidates.
Moore also recommends against heavy tree pruning as the trees won’t have enough time to seal itself off from the pruned area before the temperatures go down. He also outlined the benefits of maintaining a compost pile which can be reintegrated back into your garden when the weather turns warmer.
Supporting the Community
The importance of local farmers markets can’t be overstated. Aside from bringing the community together, they offer fresh food to smaller communities and contribute significantly to the economy. Jay Moore and the entire community encourages everyone to come and support these markets.
