HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY — As the value of groceries continues to climb, households are in search of alternate options. So this summer time, Hillsborough County Extension began a brand new pilot program that teaches residents all they want to find out about rising their own.
From chickens to eggplants, “Grow Your Groceries” exhibits the neighborhood how to be self-sustainable.
Lynn Barber is on vegetable obligation, whereas Allie Williams teaches the methods of the hen. Then there’s Kimberly Bragg-Armatrout, who’s diving into the canning course of.
“Our goal is just to have people understand where their food comes from and how it’s grown,” Williams stated.
The program helps individuals like Darlene Goodfellow take a leap in the direction of a brisker lifestyle.
“It’s actually superior,” Goodfellow said. “You don’t have to be an skilled, you simply have to be barely knowledgeable to get one of the best outcomes.”
Barber said once residents know they have viable soil, then it’s all about what to grow and when to grow it.
“You can go to feed stores or big box stores, and you can purchase vegetables, plants or seeds, but that does not mean it’s a variety that’s necessarily going to be successful in Florida,” Barber said.
When it comes to raising your own chickens, Williams said it’s not always so simple.
“People just don’t understand how the eggs are laid and why there is maybe some troubleshooting issues with the eggs,” she stated. “So a lot of that can be taught through extension classes.”
Bragg-Armatrout demonstrated one of the best methods to transport your veggies from the backyard to the pantry.
“After you grow these fantastic greens and you’ve got an abundance of them, what are you supposed to do with them?” she said. “And this can be a good concept, studying how to can.”
Residents are already walking away feeling confident, knowing that they can be their own grocery store.
“It tastes better when it comes from your own garden too; that’s a big reason that we do it,” Goodfellow stated.
These lecturers additionally acknowledge you might not essentially lower your expenses along with your own groceries, however you may get wealthy with a brand new passion.
“Gardening isn’t only for the produce; it additionally will get you outdoors,” Barber said. “You can backyard with your loved ones and your mates, you may even get a gardening group collectively and have extra enjoyable.”
For extra information on this system, head to their website.