Part I
High Tunnel Preparation | August 1, 2024
The Winston County Self Help Cooperative (WCSHC) begins preparing the high tunnel and field plots for fall planting around this time every year. Allen McReynolds and Alonzo Miller spearheaded this task with elbow grease and enormous determination. Allen initiated the process at the break of daylight on Monday, August 1, 2024, at the Co-op’s demonstration farm at 2948 Highpoint-Weir Rd, Louisville, MS. This task involved using a bush hog and a weed eater to clear the tough weeds and grasses. Sharonne Cooper and other WCSHC team members took care of mowing the lawn at the Co-op’s monthly meeting.
Allen McReynolds resumed tilling the soil in the high tunnel at the demonstration farm on Monday, August 5, 2024. The next day, Rickey Stone removed the plastic tubing and large clumps of dirt. During the preparation, the Co-op received an order from renowned vegetable farmer Warner Hall, who requested our 2024 strawberry transplants.
On August 21, 2024, Allen McReynolds and John L. Hawthorne worked on tilling the soil inside the high tunnel. Allen indicated that more work was required before transplanting strawberries and tomatoes. “We should expect to receive the strawberry plants in mid-October. Andrew Williams will be shipping 1,000 collard plants by mid-October.” Allen stressed the importance of rain in replenishing the soil with moisture. We will till the soil again before transplanting.
Read on for Part II.
Part II
In-ground Preparation | September 5, 2024
WCSHC’s fall crop is coming to fruition under the stewardship leaders Allen McReynolds and Alonzo Miller. This duo continued to prep the soil with a second tilling on Thursday, September 5, 2024. Allen said, “We are preparing to plant mustard, turnip greens, and transplant collards after September 17, 2024. We need sixty days for the collards to be ready for harvest. Also, we are prepping the high tunnel here at the demonstration farm to transplant strawberries in late October.” Alonzo recapped today’s process as another step forward to feed families and eliminate food insecurity in rural Mississippi.
Read on for Part III.
Part III
Turnip & Mustard Greens Sprout | September 17, 2024
After being submerged under the earth’s subsurface for five days, the purple-top turnip and mustard greens punctured the topsoil. “We received over an inch of rain last week, which has propelled growth,” according to Allen McReynolds. “Weather conditions are perfect for growing turnips and mustard greens. Night time’s chemistry with temperatures in the mid-sixties will produce a hefty amount of greens. We are on target for our first harvest at the end of next week.”
As you know, this is a demonstration farm. We planted greens in two formats (rows and flatbeds). We will delve into each format and report on the analysis through production. Stay tuned for more information.
Read on for Part IV.
Part IV
Transplanting Collard Greens | September 23, 2024
Winston County Self Help Cooperative transplanted Georgia Blue Collard Greens on September 23, 2024. John Hawthorne, Cordale Ellis, and Allen McReynolds landed at the WCSHC ‘s Demonstration Farm before 8 AM. This trio fired on all cylinders with the intent of eliminating food insecurity within a 30-mile radius of Winston County. You are probably clearly confused to hear Winston County, MS, suffers from food insecurity. Yes, the families and individuals we serve in rural communities encounter poor-quality food. We can highlight a multitude of reasons why this could be true, from the lack of knowledge, skills, and access.
“The Winston County Self Help Cooperative is working feverishly to enhance the quality of life for families who are in this quagmire,” according to John Hawthorne. “We will transplant a minimum of 1200 plants in two plots. If weather conditions are moderate over the next sixty-five days, we should have our first harvest before Thanksgiving. The Georgia Blue Collards are the favor to be consumed by families in central Mississippi.”
Part V
Transplanting Strawberry Crop | October 24, 2024
WCSHC iniciated its second strawberry crop. On Thursday, October 24, 2024, a dedicated team of novelty producers consisting of Alonzo Miller, Allen McReynolds, John Hawthorne, and Cordale Ellis undertook the careful transplantation of strawberry plants. By utilizing a double spacing system, the team established nine rows, which will foster optimal growth and enhance access to sunlight.
To ensure the healthy development of the plants, the team will employ an intermittent irrigation process. This approach is designed to maintain adequate moisture levels, supporting both the health and productivity of the crop throughout the growing season.
The thoughtful application of these innovative farming practices demonstrates a commitment to maximizing yields while being mindful of environmental considerations. In this way, WCSHC continues to uphold its responsibility to sustainable agriculture and community well-being.
