Recognizing the importance of crop diversity in a changing climate, local farmers are working to develop new crops for Western North Carolina.
Asheville’s Tractor Supply Co. hosts backyard poultry event
The drop-in event will offer information on everything from basic poultry care to homegrown food sources and keeping chickens for pest control.
Get Off the Grid Fest workshops explore sustainable gardening and farming
More than 30 bands on three stages plus classes covering everything from aquaponics to regenerative agriculture practices are on the schedule for the three-day festival.
Bountiful Cities plans Buncombe County’s first food hub
The proposed two-story pavilion would provide cold storage, processing space, a value-added kitchen and more for local community gardens.
Asheville residents turn to wildlife-friendly yards
Last year, Asheville joined only seven other cities in North Carolina to earn recognition from the National Wildlife Federation as a certified Community Wildlife Habitat. Area gardeners from Bee City USA and Mountain Wild! share their tips for creating habitat at home.
Carolina Flowers and Josh Copus Pottery host joint open house
The two-day event will offer guided, educational tours of the flower fields, pottery studio and wood-fired kiln along with other activities.
Diversification grants help a new generation of farmers maintain family land
WNC’s family farms are broadening their horizons to explore new avenues for income.
WNC Farmers Market offers fresh produce year-round
The market, which is open daily, comprises 14 buildings spread over 36 acres.
Budding hemp industry holds its breath over potential flower ban
In late May, the N.C. State Bureau of Investigation proposed banning all smokable hemp flower, in addition to more stringent regulation of hemp processing and a host of other precautions. Those changes are now under consideration in the General Assembly, where they could be enacted as part of the N.C. Farm Act of 2019.
Western Carolina University hosts annual Cullowhee Native Plant Conference
The conference’s five days of field trips, lectures, workshops and networking opportunities has made it “a model for similar native plant gatherings around the country,” says organizer Bobby Hensley.
ASAP hosts its 11th annual Farm Tour
Drinking water, sunscreen, hat, closed-toe walking shoes, cash and a camera: These items are all on the “items to bring” checklist provided by Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project to people embarking on the 11th annual ASAP Farm Tour on Saturday and Sunday, June 22-23. But the real key to a successful tour, according to tour coordinator Robin […]
WNC farmers crack into the local market for pastured eggs
There’s high demand in Asheville’s restaurant scene for local, pasture-raised eggs, but for small farms, scaling an egg operation to wholesale presents many challenges.
Pollination Celebration events promote pollinator gardening and more
“It’s absolutely not too late to plant,” says Ruth Gonzalez of Reems Creek Nursery in Weaverville.
Buncombe Master Gardeners invite public beyond the garden gate
A few local master gardeners invite the public to view their private gardens during the June 1 tour.
Asheville-Blue Ridge Rose Society hosts its annual exhibition
Up to 200 roses of many varieties will be on display this weekend at the N.C. Arboretum.
Black Mountain Beautification Committee hosts 14th annual Garden Show and Sale
Proceeds from the sale support the all-volunteer nonprofit group’s annual garden grant awards and other programs.
Out on a limb
ASHEVILLE, N.C.
WNC tailgate market managers talk about planning and vendor selection
While each tailgate market serves its own area and demographic, they all adhere to roughly the same model, policies and procedures, the logistics of which begin well before opening day and continue through the season.
Wildcat Ridge Farm hosts annual Festival of Peonies in Bloom
Peonies are unfussy perennials with beautiful, colorful blooms. And many varieties will be on full display this month at Wildcat Ridge Farm in Clyde.
Ambrose Landscapes saves water with Latin American stonework
“Rain barrels don’t catch much, but you can do an open-ground dry stream with stone and a creek bed,” explains Steve Ambrose about the craft introduced to him by friend and business partner Rafael Moreno-Baron. “It will last forever, and you can build it with stuff you found onsite.”
Mother Earth News Fair goes hands-on
Along with more than 150 traditional workshops and seminars, six keynote speakers and hundreds of exhibitors, this year’s fair now features hands-on and extended workshops that dig deeper into an array of topics selected by the magazine’s editorial team.