Growing Local

It’s time to pick out seeds for spring, but which ones are right for your garden? Learn about regionally adapted seeds from the folks at Sow True Seed in Asheville, and check out other seed companies like Southern Exposure Seed Exchange.

Greenville County Schools and other local districts are on a mission to reinvent school lunches. Farmer Steve Whitmire and Joe Urban, the district’s food and nutrition services director, talk about adding local Brasstown Beef to the school’s cafeteria trays.

Come along to a winter farmers market with Graham House, executive chef at Sovereign Remedies in Asheville, North Carolina. Go inside the mind of a chef as he picks out local produce and creates a menu back at the restaurant.

Imagine growing and harvesting hundreds of acres of grain. Would you have time to run a vegetable CSA and a farmers market at local preschools? Brian Chatham balances both at High Mountain Farms in Ashe County, North Carolina.

Apple orchards been part of the culture of Henderson County, North Carolina for hundreds of years. Yet something new is on the horizon. Hear how Alan Ward, owner of Appalachian Ridge Artisan Hard Cider, is combining tradition with innovation as he expands into apple-based spirits similar to calvados and pommeau.

Take an audio trip to Asheville City Market to find out what’s fresh this winter.

Appalachian families have harvested ginseng for generations. Find out why this “green gold” is so valuable, and learn about recent efforts to connect ginseng growers with local markets.

Stephanie Poetter of Locally Good Farm in Burnsville started making apple cider vinegar for her family and friends about four years ago. Hear how she turned her hobby into a thriving business with the help of the local community.

Find Locally Good Farm apple cider vinegar: www.locallygoodfarm.com

Find local farmers markets: www.appalachiangrown.org

Sleight Family Farm near Old Fort, North Carolina is growing a farm business by growing microgreens. Hear how local farmers markets have helped sustain their family business.

Interested in growing your own farm business? Check out ASAP’s Business of Farming conference on February 24, 2018. www.asapconnections.org

It’s time for New Year’s resolutions and eating more fruits and vegetables is at the top of many people’s lists. It’s a goal that Biltmore chef Kirk Fiore shared with children at North Buncombe Elementary school as they taste tested local kale.