MILLS RIVER, N.C. — John Clark and Karen Hurtubise started out in berry production at their farm in Brasstown North Carolina, but after discovering ginger and turmeric, their farming changed dramatically. “We have been so surprised at how well these tropical plants grow here in Appalachia, right in the field, without the use of a greenhouse,” Hurtubise says. In addition to farming, Hurtubise is the gardener in residence at the John C. Campbell Folk School. “Ginger and Turmeric production in this region is a huge opportunity for people. My mission is to share what we’ve learned and let people run with the possibilities.”
Clark and Hurtubise grow many varieties of ginger and turmeric, and use the crops for culinary as well as medicinal purposes. On March 17th, the couple will lead a workshop at Living Web Farms about how to grow ginger and turmeric, and creative ideas for its use. “We make a ginger jam and a turmeric spice paste, and we will have some for folks to sample. We stir fry ginger sprouts and make our own pickles. We juice it, put it on snake bites and bee stings…we won’t run out of things to talk about!” Hurtubise says.
The duo will cover the culture of the crops in detail, including soil requirements, seedling care, watering needs, and disease management considerations. Another aspect of interest is the adaptability of tropical crops to our region as we face a warming climate.
“As the effects of climate change are unfolding on farms and in gardens, Living Web Farms is committed to sharing targeted information about all the particular management changes to consider,” says the farm’s Education Director, Meredith Leigh. “This class, as well as an upcoming class in April focused on perennial tubers of other kinds, present a wealth of opportunities for growers on any scale who are considering crop changes as a result of milder winter seasons.”
To register for Growing Ginger and Turmeric in WNC, visit
http://livingwebfarms.org/
Ginger and Turmeric are popular tropical food crops, with many culinary and medicinal uses. While most ginger and turmeric is usually imported, these crops can be grown in temperate regions successfully. On March 17th, 2020, Living Web Farms presents a workshop on organic production of ginger and turmeric in the mountains of Western North Carolina.
–Meredith Leigh, Living Web Farms