Issue
2
2020
Southern SOIL
2
Contents 16 12
a growing food movement
08 912 FOOD FARMACY PAGE 08 \ SAVANNAH’S NEW PRODUCE PRESCRIPTION PROGRAM
18
IMMUNITY AS A PRACTICE
SMALL FARM SPOTLIGHT
24
30
PAGE 12 \ BUILDING UP YOUR BODY’S DEFENSE
PAGE 16 \ NORTHERN BELLE FARM
3
TILFORD VINEYARD
PAGE 18 \ RAISE A GLASS TO GOOD HEALTH
04....... EDITORIAL
COMMUNITY GARDEN PAGE 24 \ POTENTIAL PITFALLS, PROBLEMS - SOLVING AND POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS
36....... SOME KINDA GOOD
NATIVE PLANT HIGHLIGHT
PAGE 30 \ RED CHOKEBERRY
41....... THE BOOKWORM
Aboutthe Cover
I love being able to grow some of my own food in my yard. This year, a blueberry bush I planted seven years ago finally gave me a bountiful harvest. I was excitedly posting photos of my daily harvests on my personal social media accounts and it hit me that photos of blueberries in a basket day after day was not very exciting to see for anyone but myself! I decided to push my creativity and this photo was one of the results. A daily harvest of blueberries from my yard, it ISSUE ~ 2 ~ 2020 doesn’t get more beautiful than that! LeeAnna Tatum, editor/publisher
Southern SOIL
Editorial Well, I don’t know about you, but 2020 has not gone at all as I had planned! I have a feeling you may be able to relate. Despite the mayhem and upheaval that have followed in the wake of COVID-19’s trek around the world, there have been some heartening developments. For years, there has been this important debate between Big Ag and small farms - who is better equipped to feed the world? And in the wake of COVID, we began to see the answer. 4
It hasn’t been painless. It’s been hard to see the hits the restaurants have taken, some are struggling to recover, some never will. And while consumers may be taking up some of the slack from the loss of restaurant purchases, some small farms (especially those depending on outside incomes) have struggled financially.
When supply lines to grocery stores faltered, small farms stepped in to fill the need. And our communities noticed. Businesses sourcing local supply from small farms boomed. Farmers Markets finally got the attention and the business of local customers. Small farms pivoted their business plans from restaurants to direct-to-consumer sales. It’s been exciting to watch small farms across Southeast Georgia working in cooperation instead of competition with other small farms nearby joining forces to feed their community and to keep their businesses afloat. It’s also been good to see that more people are developing an interest in gardening and more families are rediscovering their kitchens and the communal benefits of cooking and eating together.
It’s not all sunshine and roses. But overall, our small localized food systems have shown themselves to be remarkably resilient. And that resiliency is vital to our food security.
a growing food movement
I think if there’s one lesson we can learn through this experience, it’s this: our local farmers, growers and producers are willing and able to feed, not the entire world, but their own local communities. And that, my friends, is how the world gets fed - one
person, one family, one neighborhood, one city, one community at a time.
LeeAnna Tatum
LEEANNA TATUM, Editor
5
ISSUE ~ 2 ~ 2020
Southern
SOIL a growing food
movement
FOL L OW US www.southernsoil.org
C ONTAC T US 6
For general inquiries, write to info@southernsoil.org
S UBM I S S I ONS If you’d like to contribute, email us at editor@southernsoil.org
S P ONS ORS To enquire about advertising or sponsorships, get in touch at info@southernsoil.org.
Novo
Graphic design services provided by
d
e
s
i
g
n
a practical approach to design
Kelly White | pixinovo@gmail.com
s
a growing food movement
7
ISSUE ~ 2 ~ 2020
08
Southern SOIL
8
a growing food movement
912 Food Farmacy:
Savannah’s new produce prescription program by LeeAnna Tatum The Forsyth Farmers’ Market has been a leader in the local food movement and a proponent for food justice and food access for the past ten years in Savannah. Once again, the market is broadening the scope of what a market can accomplish within the community! Breaking new ground with partners in the health field, FFM was given a grant by the United States Department of Agriculture to establish a produce prescription program. The $455,000 grant is to be paid out over the course of three years beginning in 2020. FFM was one of eight organizations chosen throughout the US for this grant and is the only farmers’ market represented. “This is the first year the USDA has designated money for prescription programs,” explained FFM Director Jeb Bush. “We’re one of eight cities in the nation who are operating this program ... I think we’re the only farmers market … which puts us in a unique place.” The produce prescription program has been named 912 Food Farmacy. It’s stated goal is to improve community health through nutrition education, increased access to fresh and local foods, and financial incentives for purchasing healthy food items. FFM is partnering with four local healthcare providers: Memorial Health Children’s Hospital, Chatham County Health Department, St. Joseph’s/Candler’s St. Mary’s Health Center and J.C. Lewis Primary Health Care Center. The 912 Food Farmacy seeks to reduce the prevalence and impact of obesity-related chronic disease by increasing healthy eating (con tinued on page 10)
ISSUE ~ 2 ~ 2020
9
Southern SOIL (con tinued f r om page 9)
habits among at-risk populations and to increase
treating food as medicine and looking at preventive
healthy mealtime habits among families by
care,” she explained. “I’ve seen culinary medicine
making healthy food options more accessible and
described as a ‘new evidence-based field blending
increasing knowledge of healthy eating.
the art of cooking with the science of medicine’. This will enhance the efficacy of our patients in
“We’re really excited about the program,” said
being able to choose healthful foods and recreate
Brittany Lightsey, Children’s Wellness Coordinator
recipes at home.”
at Memorial Health, “we know that our families are in need of fresh fruits and vegetables. And we’re
Each of the participating healthcare facilities
excited to be able to bring that access right to them
will “prescribe” the Farmacy program to eligible
at the hospital.”
patients. Participants must be low-income and have or be at risk of having a dietary-related chronic
10
“As a registered dietician,” Lightsey continued, “I
disease. As part of the program, participants
think food insecurity and access to healthy foods
will attend monthly classes presented by FFM.
has been one of the biggest barriers that I see with
These classes will cover healthy living, nutrition
my patients.”
information and cooking.
“Another thing the hospital has been supportive of
“When you come to St. Mary’s Health Center, we
and excited about is culinary medicine - the idea of
take care of the whole of you, and fresh local
a growing food movement
produce will help many families we serve get good
and the financial means with which to purchase
nourishment to make their diets whole,” said Sr.
them. For many, this opportunity could be truly life
Pat Baber, Director of the St. Joseph’s/Candler’s
changing.
St. Mary’s Health Center. “The 912 Food Farmacy will be a key partner to give those we serve an
912 Food Farmacy will also be directing
advantage to reach greater health outcomes!”
approximately $90k per year back to local farmers in the form of produce purchases which will have
At the end of each session, participants will receive
a significant impact on the local food system.
vouchers which can be used right there at the 912
This program has the potential to build healthier
Farm Truck to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables
communities through better nutrition and a
grown by local farmers.
stronger local food economy.
Through this program, patients - and by extension, their families - will not only learn about local, fresh produce and how to incorporate it into their daily diets, but they will also have access to those foods
11
ISSUE ~ 2 ~ 2020
Southern SOIL
Jovan Sage:
with Food in Mind
J
OVAN SAGE IS A FRIEND AND CONTRIBUTOR TO SOUTHERN SOIL. SHE IS AN HERBALIST AND WELLNESS COACH WITH HER OWN LINE OF
PRODUCTS AVAILABLE THROUGH HER BUSINESS SAGE’S LARDER. FOR A FULL LIST OF PRODUCTS, VISIT WWW.SAGESLARDER.COM
Immunity as a practice:
building up your body’s defense
12
by Jovan Sage
Immunity is a daily practice and what you eat
Eating For Immunity
can have a huge impact on your immune system.
When thinking about vitamins, minerals and
That daily practice encompasses: staying connected to our bodies, our spirit, our family and chosen community; staying hydrated, rested and incorporating nutrient-dense, immune boosting ingredients. As I work with clients to help them manage their overall wellness goals these are the things that should rise to the top of your daily practices. Hydration
antioxidants that support the immune system you will want to include: vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc and selenium. The South is well prepared as beans and dark leafy greens are essential to building a healthy body and immune system. Greens are very high in calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, phosphorous, zinc, and vitamins A, C, E, and K. They’re also packed with fiber, folic acid, chlorophyll, and many other micronutrients and phytochemicals. Black beans, black eyed peas,
Water, water everywhere… Drink it. On average,
chickpeas and kidney beans - these are loaded
men should drink about 3.7 liters (15.5 cups) and
with iron, magnesium, potassium, B vitamins, and
women about 2.7 liters (11.5 cups) of water each
soluble fiber.
day. This total is from all beverages and foods consumed in a day. For women, that number
As a firm believer in kitchen table medicine I
should increase when pregnant or breastfeeding.
encourage people to raid their cabinet and fridge
If you get exhausted with plain water you can add
for healing herbs and foods. For example: sage is
fresh mint, berries, lemon wedges or brew a cup of
an antimicrobial, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory
herbal tea.
herb that is great for sore throats; thyme is an
a growing food movement aromatic herb that helps release excess mucus;
Stress + Sleep
garlic is good for stimulating your immune system.
This is definitely the time for deep breathing,
Add in some delicious broths packed with immune boosting onions, garlic, mushrooms, ginger, herbs and spices. For those who are interested in additional herbal support for immunity you can check that out here. Fermented foods play a great role in supporting your health and dressing up your dinner plate. So break out that jar of kimchi and sauerkraut, drink that bottle of kombucha or eat that bowl of yogurt with local honey and dark berries (also immune boosting).
for thoughtfulness and also compassion - with ourselves and with one another. Finding ways to reduce stress, center and ground ourselves is a big key to our full health. It’s important to take the time to reflect, meditate, or simply make quiet time for yourself. Exercise is a great way to blow off steam and keep your body healthy. Keeping a gratitude journal and writing down five things you’re grateful for each day can keep your spirit healthy. Find ways (6 feet apart or virtually) to stay connected to friends, family that keep you grounded, inspired or filled with laughter.
Unpopular but important note, alcohol and sugar can suppress your immune system.
13
ISSUE ~ 2 ~ 2020
Serve up your business to the right audience... Southern SOIL
To advertise, call 912-688-4168 or email us at info@southernsoil.org
14
...we’ll even help you design an ad for a one time fee of $50 and give you the file to use however you want! We believe that the more we help you succeed - the better for everyone.
a growing food movement
15
ISSUE ~ 2 ~ 2020
Southern SOIL
Small Farm
Spotlight
I n t h is series, g et t o kn o w mo re a b o u t t h e sma ll far m o p era t io n s t h a t a re u sin g su st a in a b le met h o d s t o help meet t h e lo ca l d ema n d f o r f resh f o o d . An d meet the f a rmers t h a t a re ma kin g it h a p p en !
Elizabeth (Liz) Giard farms the property around
Liz loves to grow beautiful flowers and vegetable
her home in Richmond Hill. Northern Belle Farm
varieties that you won’t find in the supermarket! Her
produces a wide range of products from cut
farmstand is full of color and interest and changes
flowers to duck eggs. According to the season,
with the seasons.
Giard has an array of plant starts, vegetables, herbs, flowers, duck and chicken eggs available for purchase.
16
The farm was started about one year ago, but has seen a rise in sales over the past few months as COVID-19 has brought about changes in how consumers shop for their food. “People hear from other people and it’s been booming lately,” Giard said, “I feel it’s good that people are now looking at
“My mom always
local food differently.”
had big, huge elaborate gardens.
Now that things have calmed down somewhat, Liz
She had a water
is back to serving her regular customers - around
garden section and
12 local families.
this maze garden
a growing food movement
in the store - like colorful carrots. That helps me want to come out here and do it on the hot days!” Northern Belle Farm offers an array of fresh produce in season, flower arrangements, plants, duck and chicken eggs. Follow her on Facebook to stay connected and get the latest information on what is available at the farmstand!
section. We lived on ten acres growing up, so there were massive gardens everywhere vegetable garden, we had a huge berry patch. So, everything I do here is reflective of that.” 17
“When I was a teenager and young adult, I started as a chef which only made me want higher quality food more, so I’m always searching for that. And being able to provide that for myself is a good thing. I also like growing things that I can’t find
ISSUE ~ 2 ~ 2020
18
18
Southern SOIL
a growing food movement
Tilford Vineyard:
raise a glass to good health!
by LeeAnna Tatum
An unassuming vintner, Robert Taylor is first and
Left with an abundance of fruit, Taylor decided to
foremost a man of the land. Seemingly unflappable,
try making the wine himself. And the rest, as they
he doesn’t see mistakes or misfortunes in farming
say, is history.
or wine-making, he sees only opportunities to learn and to adapt.
Taylor has been making wine with muscadine grapes for around 25 years - growing his own
In fact, Tilford Vineyard, the winery he named in
grapes and propagating his own vines - for a
honor of his father, got started because Taylor had
product that he personally oversees from farm to
grown grapes to be used by another winemaker
glass.
who was unable to take them when the time came.
(con tinued on page 20)
19
ISSUE ~ 2 ~ 2020
Southern SOIL (con tinued f r om page 19)
There’s no hurry to the process “time makes good
on the vines and speak words of encouragement.
wine” is the company motto afterall. “You have to come out and talk to each one of them,” Taylor said as he patted one of the thick mother vines. “They grow pretty fast. We don’t do any irrigation because we want them to go get their own water. If you don’t, the roots will stay up on top of the ground and they can get damaged. But if they’re going down and getting their own water, they know how much they need. They get some from early morning dew on the grass and the leaves. They’ll take in as much as they can.” Thoughtful consideration has even been given
20
Vines are allowed to grow with little intervention
to the posts that support the vines. Landscaping
other than some light pruning in the summer and a
lumber was originally chosen, but the wood was
heavy pruning in the fall. No irrigation is used. But
quick to rot. Taylor read about the durability of wood
the plants receive plenty of personal attention from
from the locust tree and he had a source for it in his
Taylor who walks the vineyard regularly to check in
home state of Mississippi.
a growing food movement
“This is the locust tree,” Taylor said, putting a hand on one of the posts, “even though the termites are eating the bark, they can’t get into the wood. Locust posts last 65 to 70 years. So, it’s a good investment.” Taylor doesn’t get too concerned about weeds. He’s no stranger to hard work, having grown up in rural Mississippi where he helped pick cotton in his younger days. He takes an active role in the market garden and the vineyard. Stopping to pull grass from around his young eggplants, he remarked that he spends a good bit of time on that particular activity. But he’s not interested in taking short cuts with herbicides. Growing a healthy food that he can eat straight from the garden is his main priority.
The garden at Tilford Winery is quite large and includes two hoop houses as well. It’s mostly through the garden that Taylor is able to reach out to his community. There, they host families or (con tinued on page 2 2)
21
ISSUE ~ 2 ~ 2020
Southern SOIL (con tinued f r om page 2 1)
The Jones family, currently living in Hinesville, visited Tilford Winery as I was wrapping up my interview. They were kind enough to share some of their experience with me.
organizations that want to introduce kids to gardening and farming activities.
Ashley explained that it was the couple’s anniversary weekend and she had specifically sought out the winery as a place she wanted to visit. “I was researching black-owned wineries and vineyards and found that this was the only one in Georgia. I was like… we’re too close not to see this. Because we’re military, I didn’t want to leave here and not have that experience, so it was definitely a must-do!” “We have some people who
22
bring their kids out to see what’s going on and we try to get them to do a little of everything to show them they’ll have to bend their back,” Taylor said as he reached down to pull some more weeds. They also host workshops to teach people how to grow their own small container gardens or start a backyard garden at home.
nd Carter a n a h t a n Ashley, Jo
Jones
The garden also provides a source of fresh produce to the local low-income
a growing food movement
community through the health department and
garden are started from seed, the vines and trees
the WIC program. Additionally, they are open to
are from cuttings there on the land and nature
the public for market days thereby providing their
is given the space and time it needs to create a
community access to fresh, naturally and locally
healthy product.
grown seasonal produce. Taylor always has an eye toward growing things that offer excellent health benefits. It’s the main reason that he is such a fan of the muscadine grape. Along those lines, he is currently propagating seedlings from his pomegranate trees with a plan of one day having about 30 trees to produce fruit for juicing. Nothing is hurried on the farm. All the plants in the
23
ISSUE ~ 2 ~ 2020
24
Southern SOIL
24
a growing food movement
Community Garden:
potential pitfalls, problems-solving and possible solutions
by Sheila Moon
Sheila is the Outreach Coordinator for Ladies Homestead Gathering of Effingham County a local chapter of National Ladies Homestead Gathering whose motto is Empowering Women Through Homesteading. Sheila has a Bachelor’s degree in Family Consumer Science. She is a breast cancer survivor and strives to eat healthy and gardening provides a great way to do that. Sheila resides with her husband, and daughter in Guyton. She is a member of Zion Lutheran Church and involved in the management of The Zion Community Garden. 25 When I wrote my previous article I would’ve never
History has shown us that in the time of need
thought that war gardens or victory gardens would
for food whether it be WWl or WWll or a world
have a place in the near future or that my need to
pandemic we can feed ourselves. (If you missed
feed people that couldn’t feed themselves would
it, check out my first article in this series where
come from the break down of the supply chain. I
I covered our country’s history with community
used to put off planting in the garden now I find
gardens)
myself trying to plant whenever the climate allows me to plant safely.
Whether you choose to garden in a community garden with social distancing placing each plot a
Now, with the Covid19 Pandemic, the problems
healthy distance a part, plant in your garden that
with transportation, and workers to process the
you’ve had for years on a homestead, a new garden
food; gardening isn’t just a need to grow food
in your backyard, one in your flower bed, a 4x6
because of the fresh garden taste we want, or the
handmade planters box in your front yard, a flower
convenience of going out to the garden versus
box in your windowsill or variety of containers on
having to drive to the grocery store. Now, growing
your porch or patio - one thing that history has
food ourselves becomes more important when we
shown us is that Americans know how to grow
cannot buy what we want when we want to buy it.
food. (con tinued on page 26)
ISSUE ~ 2 ~ 2020
Southern SOIL (con tinued f r om page 2 5)
It not only becomes patriotic to grow your own food
Target Fertilization for Tomatoes
but also to share your knowledge and about how to
Using a normal mix of organic fertilizer what is
grow it. Remember this, while sharing your newly picked harvest and the knowledge of how you grew it - you also share hope. Speaking of troubled times, “How does your garden grow?” Let’s go over common problems encountered when gardening.
referred to as a generic all around fertilizer for the garden to start with and then moved on to using potassium or potash after the blooms came on the plants this seemed to be the right mix for the dry sandy soil we currently garden in. We use mulch around the plants and sometimes newspaper and mulch to help keep the soil moist for optimal growth of the fruit once it comes on the tomato plant. We used what they
Troubles in the Garden from Problem Soil to Pests
call macro nutrients in the general mix of 10-1010 that have a number series and have letters of
If your soil has come back in need of important
N-P-K. N- is for Nitrogen, P- is for phosphorus
nutrients, it is what I call problem soil or soil with
and K is for Potassium. This is how commercial
great opportunity.
fertilizers explain what their mix is and how you determine what your soil needs is by what you
26
Apply a good basic organic fertilizer or use
are planting and by your initial soil report. Each
compost to feed your garden again if necessary.
one of these macronutrients contributes to
Then, decide which vegetables you want to
your plants growth and overall health. Nitrogen
concentrate on. I like to use a method called
stimulates continuous growth of foliage.
“target fertilization”. Each vegetable has different requirements for producing at its best. In this article, I will focus on my husband’s favorite vegetable - the tomato - and how we used target fertilization last year to achieve a bumper crop. I had our local University of Georgia Extension Office representative come out and help me decide what to buy to get a high yield of tomatoes. Target fertilization project was a success!! I hope I have piqued your interest as well on how to raise your
Phosphorus is for root and fruit development, and it also helps fight stress. Potassium or Potash helps with continuous growth and aids in photosynthesis and makes the plant less susceptible to some diseases. There are micronutrients that tomatoes need as well like calcium which is used for root and leaf growth and to help the plant produce firm tomatoes. Magnesium helps keep the plant green and it improves the flowering and fruit
yield on your favorite crops. If you have never used
quality.
this method I would start out with one favorite and
Last but truly not least boron and zinc aide in the
then add more each year.
flowering and the even ripening of the tomatoes.
Check out our Target Fertilization Method for Tomatoes.
This is a list of the most essential macro and micronutrients for growing tomato plants. This is just a basic list there are many more out there.
a growing food movement
healthy and free of pests. Fungi or pest infested compost, mulch or soil could result in infecting your entire garden. If your plants are not far enough apart for good airflow thinning them out is a good idea. Make sure that you have adequately fed your soil before and after planting to ensure your plants are strong. Strong plants are more resistant to diseases. There are many ways to tackle pesky pests in the Pests and Fungal Diseases
garden. I try very hard to use organic methods or some ideas my grandmother told me about that
First, make sure that you have done due diligence
worked “back in the olden days�.
to prevent fungal diseases. Prevention of garden pests and fungal diseases will keep many problems
Hand-picking pests can be effective if you only
at bay. One way of doing this is to make sure that
have a small number of plants, but is not a practical
your planting soil, mulch or your compost was
(con tinued on page 28)
27
ISSUE ~ 2 ~ 2020
Southern SOIL (con tinued f r om page 2 7)
method for me. My favorite product for pest-control
the foliage so make sure you water your plants well
in the garden is neem oil - it saved our entire potato
before use.
crop last year. Neem oil is also effective against many other fungal You can buy it already diluted or you can buy the
diseases that occur regularly in your garden and
concentrate and diluted it yourself. I don’t buy it
even in house plants.
premixed as It is more expensive and I like to use warm soapy water to dilute it. I dilute it by mixing
A few things to remember when using neem oil is a
one teaspoon of neem oil and a ½ tsp. of liquid dish
little dab will do. Make sure you use a regime. Test a
soap to one quart of water. Shake well, neem oil
small area on your plants before spraying the entire
mixes better with warm water.
plant. Be careful using it by ponds and streams run off from your garden mixed with neem oil has led to
You should only mix what you will use in a four to
problems with aquatic wildlife.
six hour period. It is safe to use on both ornamental and edible crops and can be sprayed on herbs and
The verdict is out on whether or not neem oil hurts
vegetables up to the day of harvest.
beneficial insects like ladybugs.
However, do not apply to plants that are in
Homemade remedies for pests and fungi
desperate need of water. The neem oil can burn 28
1. Powdery Mildew - Mix four teaspoons of baking soda with one teaspoon of mild soap with one gallon gallon of warm water. Use in a spray bottle and spray on the entire plant NOT just the leaves. 2. Tomato fungicide- Use one bulb of garlic, two tablespoons of canola oil and four hot peppers and juice from one lemon. Mix ingredients together and steep overnight in a deep bucket, strain the solution with cheesecloth or a strainer. I would put it in a glass container mason jar or a glass bottle with a lid of some kind. You will only use four tablespoons to a gallon of water so you may want to split this up between friends when you mix this if you don’t have more than a few plants. You spray the tops and the bottom of the leaves at the first signs of fungi.
a growing food movement
3. Potato Bugs/Tomato Worms- I have used this
I have found too that what works in different
on both of these plants. This is a very old one
regions doesn’t necessarily work here in Southeast
and it works pretty well up north. I have NOT
Georgia. Trial and error is a big part of winning
tried this here, Dust flour over dry Potato and
against pests and fungal diseases. Make sure to
Tomato Leaves. You have to do this for a few
always (like I mentioned earlier) to test a small
days and if it rains make sure you have let the
amount on a few leaves before treating an entire
sun dry the leaves before reapplying to the
plant or the whole crop.
leaves of the plants. Plan, Plan, Plan on what to do with your harvest. 4. Apple Cider Vinegar- Although this takes
If you don’t have a plan and you pick all of your
multiple applications every few days since it is
harvest without knowing what to do with it, you
a one ingredient treatment it makes it easier
could unintentionally waste much of what you’ve
than other fungicides. I would definitely use
grown.
the one with the mother included. You simply add four tablespoons to a gallon of warm
The most popular ways of preserving food are
water. The one drawback to this is that it must
freezing, canning, and dehydrating.
be used early in the day so the acid mixed with the sunshine doesn’t burn the leaves. This solution may be used as a preventative every
Please look for tips on popular preserving
few weeks.
methods in our next issue! 29
ISSUE ~ 2 ~ 2020
30
Southern SOIL
30
Photos by Heather Brasell
Photo by Heather Brasell.
a growing food movement
Native Plant Highlight: Red Chokeberry Aronia arbutifolia
By Karan Rawlins Photo credit Heather Brasell
This article is courtesy of the Coastal Plain Chapter of the Georgia Native Plant Society. The GNPS is dedicated to promoting the stewardship and conservation of Georgia’s native plants and their habitats. The Coastal Plain Chapter serves the people in the Coastal Plain ecoregion of Georgia. This includes all areas south of the Fall Line in middle Georgia, from the Alabama and Florida borders to the Atlantic ocean. To learn more, please visit their website.
Description
Considerations for Your Garden
This amazing native shrub, along with the entire
Red chokeberry has ornamental interest
genus Aronia has one of the highest antioxidant
throughout the year. Beginning with clusters of
contents of any other plant genera measured. You
white flowers in spring with bright green leaves.
can grow your own superfruit while helping our
The glossy dark green leaves in the summer
wildlife by planting native!
give way to a beautiful show of colors in the fall,
Although red chokeberry is the focus for this article, some information on Aronia as a genus will be included. Red chokeberry is a small, deciduous, multi-stemmed shrub which can grow from 6-12 feet tall with a spread of 3-6 feet. It forms clonal colonies from root sprouts. Its flat-topped clusters
with leaves ranging from orange to red in color. The clusters of bright shiny red berries become sweeter in the winter, brighten up the landscape, and provide late winter forage for birds and other wildlife. (con tinued on page 32)
of small white flowers bloom in spring. The fruits are glossy red when ripe, looking like tiny apples. Unless eaten by wildlife or people fruits will persist on the plant through the winter. The fruits have an astringent quality when eaten raw. The leaves are light glossy green when new, turning dark glossy green as they age. The underside of the leaves is pubescent (hairy), which gives the underside a grayish green color.
ISSUE ~ 2 ~ 2020
31
Southern SOIL (con tinued f r om page 3 1)
Red chokeberry can tolerate a wide range of
arbutifolia is often designated as Photinia
soils, moisture, and sun conditions. Full sun will
arbutifolia, but genetic testing places this group
also give you the best fruits and leaf color in the
in its own genus, Aronia. Both red and black
fall. Red chokeberry is considered very hardy
chokeberry (Aronia melanocaroa) are native to
from zones 4-9. The native range reaches across
Georgia and are available in many nurseries. If the
eastern North America from Canada to Florida.
nursery you use does not have chokeberry, ask
Chokeberry has very few pests or diseases. It does occasionally get rust, but this does not usually affect the quality of the fruit. Chokeberries naturally have a vase-like shape, but you can achieve a fuller bushier shape by pruning. Chokeberry is often confused with chokecherry, Prunus virginiana, which is a native cherry. Both are in the Rose family. Red chokeberry, Aronia
them if they can get it for you. Be sure to ask for it by the scientific name as well as the common name to be sure you are getting the correct plant. Cultivars are available for both red and black chokeberry. The best cultivar for red chokeberry, Aronia arbutifolia, according to the University of Connecticut, College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources, is ‘Brilliantissima.’ “It blooms and fruits heavily, has larger fruit than the species, produces very glossy,
32
dark green foliage and dependable, intense red fall color. It may serve as a fine native substitute for the invasive, exotic Euonymus alata (burning bush).” University of Maine Extension recommends three cultivars of black chokeberry, ‘Autumn Magic’ has a compact growth form and has brilliant red/purple fall color. ‘McKenzie’ grows
a growing food movement
from 6-12’ high. ‘Viking’ is shorter, with a 3-6 ft.
berries is 14% of your dietary fiber, vitamins A, C,
height but has vigorous growth.
E and K, as well as folate. Minerals in a serving of fresh Aronia berries are calcium, potassium, iron, magnesium, manganese and zinc. Nutritional
Benefits Potawatomi Native Americans used the fruits of A. melanocarpa to cure colds. Since early in the 20th century, cultivars of black chokeberry have been grown as a crop in Europe. Fruits are still being used in the food industry for juice, jam, and wine production. On the internet you can buy Aronia as dried berries, as a powder to mix into drinks, and as a supplement in capsule form. Research has shown that Aronia has many health benefits and more research is ongoing. The nutritional value of about 3.5-ounces of fresh
values can vary depending on where it is grown and how it is prepared. Aronia has been shown to have positive effects on insulin and immune response. It has been shown to reduce blood pressure, have protective effects on the liver and reduce the symptoms and damage associated with stomach disorders. Aronia has been shown to combat the growth of some cancers and to reduce the damage to the body from cancer. Fruits high in antioxidants have been shown to reduce inflammation and slow the aging process. None of the studies has shown any type of health problems associated with eating Aronia berries. (con tinued on page 3 4)
33
ISSUE ~ 2 ~ 2020
Southern SOIL (con tinued f r om page 33)
Aronia Plants: A Review of Traditional Use, Biological Activities, and Perspectives for Modern Medicine. Adam Kokotkiewicz, Zbigniew Jaremicz, and Maria Luczkiewicz. 22 Apr 2010. https://doi. org/10.1089/jmf.2009.0062 Aronia: Native Shrubs With Untapped Potential. Mark Brand. http://arnoldia.arboretum.harvard. edu/pdf/articles/2010-67-3-aronia-native-shrubswith-untapped-potential.pdf University of Maine, Cooperative Extension References Comparison of Antioxident Capacity of Berries. ORAC Values from USDA published data and Nutrient database. Values based on 100 G of raw berries. What are the health benefits of aronia berries? Medical News Today. Medically reviewed by Debra 34
Rose Wilson, PhD, MSN, RN, IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT on January 13, 2018 —Dan Wessels. USDA Plants Database https://plants.sc.egov. usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=ARONI2
Agriculture. https://extension.umaine.edu/ agriculture/aronia/plant-description-and-habitat/ University of Connecticut, College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources http://hort.uconn.edu/detail.php?pid=55
a growing food movement
35
Farmer Fridays brought to you by Halyards Restaurant Group. Come sample the best of what our local farms have to offer. Follow us on Facebook for details on vendors and future market dates.
ISSUE ~ 2 ~ 2020
36
Southern SOIL
36
Photo courtesy of Rebekah Faulk Lingenfelser
a growing food movement
Some Kinda Good in the Neighborhood by Rebekah Faulk Lingenfelser Rebekah Faulk Lingenfelser is the author of the best-selling memoir “Some Kinda Good.” Featured in Forbes, on Food Network and ABC, she writes about Southern, coastal cuisine, locally sourced and in-season. Connect with her on social media by liking Some Kinda Good on Facebook, or follow @SKGFoodBlog on Instagram and Twitter. To learn more, visit RebekahLingenfelser.com.
Five Ways to Use Fresh Homegrown Tomatoes I can’t think of too many things that say summertime in the South more than a delicious homegrown tomato. My kitchen countertop sits full of juicy, red vineripened tomatoes fresh from my garden, and though 2020 has been a rollercoaster of a year, there are some things in life that remain constant and true, like the first bite of a sweet Georgia peach, juice running down your chin, or the taste of a savory tomato sandwich in the heat of July. I’ve been so pleased with how my garden has produced already this year---fresh basil, thyme, rosemary, parsley and mint have blossomed abundantly. Along with these fresh herbs, I also grow Better Bush and cherry tomatoes, bell and jalapeno
peppers. I had so many red cherry tomatoes the other day, I decided to place them in a bowl and drizzle them with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper. I skewered them and grilled them until they were charred on my indoor grill pan. They were delicious by themselves as a snack, but I tossed them in a bowtie pasta salad with chicken for a scrumptious lunch. Whether you grow your own tomatoes or pick up a basketful at the farmers’ market or a roadside stand, I’ll share five Some Kinda Good ways you can use them up, and I hope you’ll visit SomeKindaGood. com for these complete recipes. Be sure to send me a note on social media to let me know your favorite. (con tinued on page 38)
ISSUE ~ 2 ~ 2020
37
Southern SOIL (con tinued f r om page 3 7)
1) Charred Garden Salsa Charring the vegetables adds an earthy depth of flavor and lime juice, plus zest, wakes everything up.
2) Homemade Spaghetti Sauce Fresh garlic and onion are the flavor foundations here, but tomatoes are the star ingredient. Finish with fresh basil and toss with cooked spaghetti or spread on store bought pizza dough for homemade flavor you just can’t get from a jar.
1
3) Farmers’ Market Bruschetta 38
This is one of the best recipes from my best selling memoir, Some Kinda Good, and my go-to appetizer for friends and family.
3
4) Tomato Sandwich with Herb Butter Toasted bread, softened herb butter and seasoned tomatoes make for a homegrown tomato sandwich like no other.
4 5) Panzanella Panzanella is an Italian bread and tomato salad made with day old bread. Add cucumbers, red onion or peppers, and drizzle with olive oil and a splash of balsamic vinegar.
a growing food movement
39
5
ISSUE ~ 2 ~ 2020
Southern SOIL
40
Southern Soil Swag Show your support for the local sustainable food movement southern style! https://teespring.com/stores/southern-soil-merchandise
Th
or w m k oo B e
a growing food movement
reading the best and weeding the rest
A
REVIEW BY LEEANNA TATUM OF THE WHOLE OKRA BY CHRIS SMITH
The Whole Okra: A Seed to Stem Celebration written by Chris Smith is a wonderfully fun and informative ode to okra. Okay, so technically, it’s not an actual ode. There are no rhymes and it’s not meant to be sung, but it certainly sings the praises of this often overlooked and underestimated plant.
recipes from the South’s renowned chefs. Whether you dislike okra or are already a fan, you’ll enjoy getting introduced to it again through Smith’s unique perspective. 41
Smith’s celebration of okra covers everything from its history and migration around the world to its many uses beyond the culinary. You’ll surely learn something about this remarkable plant that you didn’t already know. With humor and unabashed enthusiasm, Smith confronts okra’s poor reputation head on with an entire chapter “Embracing the S-Word” devoted to okra’s most reviled trait - slime! But more than simply a defense of an underappreciated vegetable, this book explores uses for every part of the okra plant including the stem, seed, flower, pods, and - yes - the slime. An entertaining read, it’s also full of practical information on growing and using okra and includes
ISSUE ~ 2 ~ 2020
Southern SOIL
42
Help us spread the word! Pull up a chair and join the conversation. Follow us on social media.
