Beth Massey – Grow Appalachia Alderson Coordinator
Hello from the mountain state.
There was still a bit of snow on the ground here in Alderson March 18 as the 14 families working with Grow Appalachia met at the USDA Plant Research Center to seed our vegetable transplants. Members learned to seed using plug trays, mixing media, setting misting timers and having a great time getting to know each other in the process.
When we added up the number of transplants we would need, plus some extras to sell to help fund our program, we were amazed at how many flats of seeds we planted. The group selected several different varieties of each vegetable to ensure they can meet their family and customer demands. Selections were also based on different harvest times from early to late season so participants have products to sell at the farmers market and our new non-profit grocery store.
Members want to thank the USDA Plant Research staff for hosting us and loaning us greenhouse space, and for helping plant some of our seeds. This facility is only 2 miles from Alderson so it’s a great space to use and we appreciate the partnering to help Grow Appalachia be successful.
We can’t wait to start seeing our plants come up and are biting at the bit to get outside in the garden. The group will meet for our next educational workshop on April 13 to discuss tillage, direct planting and extended season techniques to use in the spring.
Great time.
Thanks Beth and Grow Appalachia for your help. Doing a great job.
Roy Grimes
Thank you Roy. It was great to have you join the program for this year and talk with you about our shared memories of my Pop Keadle. He loved growing things, plants, animals and grandkids. His impact on my life can’t be overstated. I loved to go to the garden or the barn with him. I learned so much and gained a lifelong passion for agriculture.
See you soon Roy and call or email if you have any questions. Also, if you do the facebook thing, go to GrowAppalachiaAlderson and like it. This is the easiest way to keep up with what is happening with the program.