Chris Jones: Greene Publishing, Inc.
Farmer's Co-Op, located at 748 SW Horry Ave., in Madison, wants locals to know that you don't need a large plot of land to grow plenty of fresh, healthy fruits and vegetables at home. In front of the Co-Op, employee Denise Watts has planted a 30 ft. by 15 ft. organic garden. The garden is only six weeks old, but the plant growth is impressive. Watts prepped the dirt by tilling in cow manure. She then
Farmer's Co-Op employee Denise Watts planted and maintains the organic garden to show off how much food can be grown in a small space.
planted a large variety of plants, including tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, squash, eggplant, green beans, several pepper varieties, strawberries, and peas. Other plants were incorporated into the garden to aid in pest control, such as lemongrass, marigolds, and sunflowers. She rounded out the garden with several herbs, such as basil, dill and oregano.
Watts fertilizes the garden with natural, organic compounds, and only uses botanical-based insecticides. Farmer's Co-Op sells everything that Watts used to plant and maintain the garden, including a full section of organic products, hoses, sprinklers, tools, and plants. Watts encourages locals to plant their own home gardens. “One squash plant, with the appropriate fertilizing and care can produce up to 30 individual squash,” she said.
Farmer's Co-Op is open Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and on Saturday, from 7:30 a.m. to noon. They can be contacted at (850) 973-2269.
The organic garden at Farmer's Co-Op displays how much food can be grown in a small space.