The McDowell County project will offer cold storage facilities, a wash station and a commercial kitchen for area growers.
Year in review: Noteworthy WNC farm and garden news
From hemp to herd shares, 2018 was a year of growth and change for WNC farmers and gardeners.
Seasonal greetings: Holiday shopping can be a gift to WNC farmers
Many area growers rely on holiday sales of their food products and handicrafts to help carry their businesses through the winter season.
From practical to crafty to offbeat, local retailers offer gift options in WNC
Give Amazon.com a rest — Western North Carolina is full of small, independent retailers, where the only thing cookie-cutter is the display of, well, cookie cutters.
Local garden supply stores keep Asheville growing
Grigg Sheffield, owner of L.O.T.U.S Urban Farm and Garden Supply, opened his shop 6 years ago and says that the biggest trend he sees is that the consumer base is more educated, curious and knowledgeable. “There’s a big move towards understanding what’s in your food and how it’s grown,” he says.
CBD business budding across WNC, nation
Are CBD businesses — which are exploding across WNC and elsewhere — laying down the tracks, preparing for an expansion into legal marijuana? The answer depends on whom you ask. Many local CBD entrepreneurs say they’ll continue their focus on the health benefits of CBD, regardless of whether medical or recreational marijuana are legalized in the state.
WNC farmers use AgOptions grants to expand and diversify
With amounts ranging from $3,000 to $6,000, the grants may seem small but can have a huge impact on growing farming operations.
Slow Food Asheville and Twin Leaf Brewery celebrate the candy roaster squash
The Oct. 25 event features a small-batch candy roaster grisette ale and a potluck gathering.
Are females the future of WNC farming?
Despite the unique set of challenges it presents, WNC women are increasingly looking to agriculture as a business option.
Planting edible perennials increases food system resilience in WNC
Cultivating low-maintenance perennial food producers like asparagus, rhubarb and artichokes has benefits for both the soil and the gardener.
Fallen leaves offer great garden benefits
Local city governments offer leaf collection and processing services, but residents can also put their own fallen leaves to good use.
Bullington Gardens highlights dahlia collection with tours, wine event
Dahlias take center stage with events at the Hendersonville botanical garden.
Eliada Corn Maze marks 10 years with a fresh outlook and revival of farming past
A renewed focus on farming aims to provide STEM education opportunities for students while ultimately making the organization self-sustaining.
WNC hemp farmers and processors collaborate to evolve the industry
An ever-increasing interest in hemp’s medicinal and culinary applications is giving rise to new partnerships.
West Asheville Garden Stroll marks 10 years of growing community
The self-guided tour will feature a wide range of garden designs established both at older homes and newly constructed residences.
Invading Appalachia: Non-native plants introduced by gardeners threaten WNC ecosystems
Some commonly used gardening and landscaping plants cause big problems for WNC’s ecosystem.
A love of farming keeps WNC’s small dairy producers going
Although Western North Carolina’s small dairy farms face numerous challenges, the industry continues to be a robust contributor to the area’s economy.
Workshop explores benefits, practicalities of gardening with native plants
Bill Jones and Shelby Singleton Jackson of Carolina Native Nursery will speak about how to use native Western North Carolina plants to create environmentally friendly landscapes that conserve water, require minimal pesticides and fertilizer treatments and can withstand cold and drought conditions.
Tomato Festival features new varieties, growing tips
The 14th annual event offers educational opportunities along with taste-testing, free tomato sandwiches and more.
WNC seed companies work with local growers
Local farmers find another revenue stream in cultivating plants for seed.
Growing in small spaces with container gardens
Using repurposed containers and DIY soil amendments can make it easy and affordable to grow vegetables, herbs and fruit without a large garden plot.