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gardening
Off the GridOff the Grid Inventive farmer proves sustainable living easy to master
Standing in his small kitchen in tan overalls, a cap, and untied boat shoes, Joshua Garner talks about his family’s journey to sustainable living with the same ease he displays chopping the acorn squash he selected for a baked vegetable dish. He appears ordinary enough, but as he pushes up the sleeves of his thermal top to mix in extra virgin olive oil and seasonings with his bare hands — all the while speaking of organic nutrients, the science behind proper soil maintenance, and the streamlining capabilities of modern technology — it’s apparent that Garner is as multi-layered as the red candy apple onions that are sprouting in his backyard. Garner, owner of JW Squared Farm, makes
his living selling his organically grown food at market and, as a consultant, teaching others about organic farming and sustainable living. “I’m most passionate about teaching people organics,” he said. “Why organics matters. Where food comes from. The effects on the environment and on personal health.” Garner learned to garden during the summers he spent on his grandparents’ South Carolina farm. Raised by a single dad on a shoestring budget, he also learned to be resourceful. “Growing up economically challenged, I always had that ‘figure it out’ mentality,” he said. If he wanted something, he had to get creative or go without. For Garner, mistakes and failures had silver linings and became lessons
Written by MEGAN ALMON | Photographed by CHRIS HELTON
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