Tennessee Farming - Even If You Don't Know How

Farming is a term most Tennesseans recognize easily. Whether it be tobacco, corn, beans, potatoes, or any number of berries or melons, most rural citizens know at least a little about the process of growing. Starting in early spring, after the danger of frost has passed, you can see countless people in gardens and fields, plowing or hoeing, in earliest preparation for their summer's end harvest. Farming is a way of life in this laid-back country state.

There is not greater joy for the farmer than seeing his hard labor recognized in the crops that are produced by his own hand. Country farmers get together and "swap" tales and tips on how big they can grow their next pumpkin. In fact, in Allardt, TN in October of every year, there is a pumpkin festival. The county fair boasts a contest to see who can grow the largest and heaviest pumpkin every year. Some in excess of 1000 pounds have been the winner in past fairs. The winner for 2006 from Lawrenceburg, TN weighed in at 1051 pounds! I'll bet the Co-op itself couldn't hold enough fertilizer for that one.

If you don't normally farm, or grow a garden, maybe you should start out slowly. Plan to plant 2 or 3 different kinds of vegetables for the first year, until you get the hang of it. It's not easy, but it's well worth the effort. Squash is a good plant to start with if you don't have much farming experience. Squash will grow in almost any soil, and is very productive. One plant will yield up to 20 squash each year. They require little watering, usually rain will be sufficient, unless you're in a really dry area. Green onions are also easy to grow and would make a good first time crop. Of course, you'll want to plant something that you actually enjoy eating, otherwise you won't get the full benefit of your labor. Or maybe you want to grow a prize winning pumpkin, and bring it down to Tennessee for the Allardt Pumpkin Festival in October. We'd love to see you there.

Farming is a very lucrative business in Tennessee. Most consumers will pay top dollar for really good home grown vegetables and melons. Even if you don't plan to sell your crops, you can still save money through the winter by growing a good garden in the summer. If you know how to preserve or can your vegetables, you could eat fresh locally grown food all year long.