The Potager

Accessibility to fresh fruits and vegetables is imperative to a healthy lifestyles. Here in Huntington, WV, in a state that is so mountainous with a population that is so spread out, access to healthy options at an affordable price is much easier said than done. As part of our studies of the issue, our group visited a Hurricane Farm called the Potager. Being one of five organic farms in West Virginia, the Potager is a small farm where veggies such as kale, okra, and peas are grown to be sold at local cafes and with community sustained agriculture (CSA) programs. The keeper of the farm, Julie, the only full time worker, is a lovely young lady dedicated to making an impact in the community while maintaining the integrity of the earth.

To help her out, our group prepared her field for a new harvest, patched up the greenhouse tarps before this weekends forecasted frost, helped her with soil management techniques by spreading lime, cleaned up the electric fence by pulling weeds, etc. We also played with the  goat, Dixie, and prepared the high tunnel for tilling. From our experience, we have a new found appreciation for the amount of work it takes to grow fresh foods and now see some of the challenges that farmers, like Julie, face in an industrialized market. Regardless of the hard-work, there was not a frowning face in sight from our group.

But the day didn't end there. For the first time, our group had the opportunity to visit a Holler- it was very exciting! After that, we cleaned up as best we could and enjoyed a lovely Southern meal at Margaret's house. Hard work for a good cause, great food, welcome company, and teamwork all made this day by far my favorite so far.

-Natalie A. and Enoch O.