Southern Soil Issue #5 2019  

There is a battle being waged today over the future of our planet and the battleground is our dinner plates. For some of us the choice is so simple it’s laughable. But this is no laughing matter. As it becomes more and more obvious that our current dependency on industrial agriculture is not sustainable over the long term, two divergent choices are emerging.

What started out as a homesteading guild for a group of individuals in the Waycross area has grown into a nonprofit organization making a regional impact promoting local food systems and access to fresh foods. Recently named as Georgia Organics’ newest food hub by Georgia Food Oasis, WayGreen is earning its reputation as a catalyst for the local, sustainable food movement.

Here’s the thing. I honestly don’t have many regrets when it comes to making the decision to farm for money. Sure. It’s taxing. Exhausting even. An occupation full of dizzying highs and terrifying lows. A real rush. I enjoy getting my hands dirty and growing food for profit. But, if I’m being completely honest, I’d have to say that growing food for cold, hard, cash definitely comes with a sacrifice.

Tara Ruby is a modern woman with a successful career, her own business and a husband who serves in the Army. Even with a busy life, she devotes a great deal of time and attention to sourcing and preparing food for herself and her family.

Are you looking for a low growing, fine textured, evergreen shrub, suitable for large or small garden landscapes? Shiny blueberry may be just the plant for you. Find a space with very good drainage and sun to part shade, and Vaccinium myrsinites will thrive: hedge trimmers are not wanted and not necessary.

When the weather starts to feel like fall in Savannah, it isn’t long before my husband Kurt starts requesting pot roast for dinner. When we were dating, I needed a tire changed on my car. When Kurt came to the rescue, I said, “What do I owe you?” With that sweet Southern boy charm, he smiled and said, “Three pot roast dinners will do it.” That was a challenge I could meet. He has always loved pot roast. On Friday, we celebrated six years together, and I’m still cooking him his favorite dish.

Billy Dugger is not a typical farmer and Billy’s Botanicals is not a typical farm. Located in Richmond Hill is a small farm without a tractor, no row crops, no cows, not a barn in sight. No tilling, no adding of fertilizers, herbicides or pesticides, but this greenhouse-enclosed ecosystem generates a steady supply of greens, herbs and vegetables. Oh … and an edible by-product to boot!