Southern Exposure artist on art, life, & heirloom veg

You probably recognize some heirloom tomatoes when you see them – big, juicy looking, ribbed fruits with beautiful streaky coloring. But what is it exactly that makes a tomato special enough to be considered an heirloom? You’re about to find out. Also known as heritage tomatoes, there are hundreds of these time-tested cultivars available in all sorts of shapes, sizes, colors, and patterns. And while grocery store tomatoes are usually pretty much flavorless, the heirloom

People have been growing collard greens for centuries on every continent. They are known as a staple in the US south. Tour any kitchen garden in the south, and you’ll find collard greens growing there. They are delectable, just as much as their vegetable counterpart kale, which has gained popularity in the US in recent years.  It’s a wonder they’re so popular because they tend to attract a lot of pests. But the secret to growing these large green leaves is to grow them at the right time. Altho

Close up of leaves infected by Pecan phylloxera (Phylloxera devastatrix). Mark Arena ©2016 Specialty Crop Agent, Clemson Extension Warty-like bumps on pecan leaves can start popping up in May. Resembling chickenpox, these bumps are a result of a tiny aphid-like insect feeding on the foliage of the pecan leaves. Once the feeding damages the leaf tissue, the plant tries to compartmentalize the wound. Then a gnarly unattractive gall develops like a blister, in an effort to

Growing Open-Pollinated Heirloom Corn “One American farmer feeds 128 folks, plus you,” or so proclaims the adage found on roadside signs across the heartland. Yet ironically, most of those farmers actually produce commodities such as corn that get passed on up the line — and aren’t consumed directly or even indirectly by people. Thanks to steadfast seed savers and a growing interest in saving heirloom seeds, a number of nonhybrid, nonsweet eating corns are still readily