S3, June 22nd, 2024

Summer time is here in the Carolina Outdoors.  That means that summer time produce.  Host of the Carolina Outdoors, Bill Bartee speaks with Bush N Vine Farm‘s, Sam Hall about corn, peaches, watermelon, & okra, & more.  Plus the conversation edges towards the popularity of pick-your-own & how to best tackle perishables during the heat of the summer..Show Highlights:

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• Freestone Peaches fall away from the pit & are sweet eating
  
• Blackberries and Blueberries are now ripe & available for pick-your-own with the whole family
  
• Hall recommends freezing your picks to keep them ready to eat
  
• Cantelopes & Watermelons are also ready
  

The Carolina Outdoors features an ideal environment for growing a wide variety of fresh produce during the summer. Here are some popular summer crops grown in the South & much of it is grown at the Bush N Vine Farm.

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2. Tomatoes: A staple in Southern gardens, tomatoes thrive in the heat and can be used in salads, sauces, and sandwiches.
   
3. Peppers: Both sweet and hot peppers do well in the Southern summer heat.
   
4. Okra: A classic Southern vegetable, okra grows well in hot, humid conditions.
   
5. Squash: Both summer squash (like zucchini) and winter squash (like butternut) can be grown during the summer months.
   
6. Cucumbers: These are great for fresh eating, pickling, and adding to salads.
   
7. Eggplant: Another heat-loving plant, eggplants can produce abundantly in Southern gardens.
   
8. Beans: Green beans, pole beans, and lima beans are all suitable for summer planting.
   
9. Sweet Corn: This popular summer crop requires a bit of space but grows well in the warm Southern climate.
   
10. Melons: Watermelons, cantaloupes, and honeydews thrive in the summer heat.
    
11. Herbs: Basil, thyme, rosemary, and mint grow well during the summer and can add fresh flavors to dishes.
    
12. Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries can be harvested during the summer months in the South.
    

These fruits and vegetables benefit from the long growing season and ample sunshine in the Southern states, making them fresh and flavorful additions to any summer meal.

Things You’ll Learn by Listening:

-There is a desire for people to see where their food comes from & experience picking & harvesting their own.  However, don’t wait too long because fresh makes it a tight window.

–CSA is Community Supported Agriculture & BNV offers a subscription per season for produce from the farm.

-Pests are always managed on keeping the produce protected

-Different pick-up locations are available in York County, SC.

We want to keep everyone safe when picking your own.  Remember to check out sun protective clothing that is available.  Thank you to the sponsor of the Carolina Outdoors, the local Charlotte outfitter, Jesse Brown’s.

If you plan on getting outdoors remember to take comfortable footwear & wear sun protective clothing.