Growing Small Farms is the program of Debbie Roos, Agriculture Agent for the Chatham County Center of North Carolina Cooperative Extension.
From Bear Creek to Bynum, Silk Hope to Moncure, the Chatham County landscape is dotted with small farms. Farmers throughout the county are known for growing a great diversity of agricultural products, including vegetables, fruits, cut flowers, herbs, poultry, beef, pork, dairy products, and other goods. As one of the few counties in the state to actually experience an increase in the number of farms in the past decade, Chatham is also “growing small farms.”
Many of Chatham’s newer farms are owned by first-generation farmers attracted to the challenges and rewards of making a living from the land. Chatham has a large concentration of farms practicing organic and sustainable agriculture that strive to be environmentally responsible, economically viable, and socially just. In a time when the trend in conventional agriculture is towards fewer and larger farms and many of North Carolina’s “conventional” farmers are struggling, the sustainable and diverse agriculture practiced by Chatham’s small farms provides the best hope for keeping agriculture a viable part of the community.
Chatham’s proximity to upscale Triangle-area markets ensures a steady demand for the organic and sustainably-grown crops produced by area farmers. Fourfarmers’ markets in the county provide residents with ample opportunities to shop and interact with local growers throughout the long growing season. Many area farms offer opportunities for on-farm visits where visitors get the chance to make the connection between food and agriculture.
Small farms also provide many indirect benefits. They help maintain open space valued by people and wildlife.Visitors flock to Chathamfor the beauty of its rural landscape. The challenge is to preserve this rural landscape in the face of development pressures from Raleigh and Chapel Hill. One way to preserve the rural landscape is to help keep farms in the county.
The Chatham County Centerof North Carolina Cooperative Extension has long recognized the value and importance of the sustainable agriculture practiced by small farms in the area. In 1994, the Chatham County Center created a new county agent position to support the unique needs of these small farmers. Today, this position is fully funded by theChatham County government, which recognizes the value of sustainable agriculture to the county. Chatham County Agricultural Extension AgentDebbie Roosworks with farmers to promote increased awareness, understanding, and practice of sustainable agriculture through monthlyeducational workshops, awebsite, on-farm visits, and other consultation.
Roos developed the Growing Small Farms website in 2002 after a survey revealed that approximately 95% of local farmers regularly used the Internet. The site has since grown to over 500 pages and receives over 25,000 visitors each month. Growing Small Farms is also on Twitter and Facebook.
Farms don’t exist without consumers, so please take the time to get to know the farmers in your community and support their efforts to keep Chatham County green! Visit ourfarmers’ marketsto purchase the freshest vegetables, fruits, meats, baked goods, and other products, all grown or made locally by the person selling it to you. The Buy Local Guide lists community supported agriculture farms, on-farm stands, pick-your-own farms, wineries, and more. Check out thelocal farm profilesandfarm photoson this website for a glimpse of the diversity that allows Chatham’s farms to prosper.
Learn more about Extension Agent Debbie Roos.
FAQs
Bok choy needs fairly moist but never soggy soil conditions. Drought can cause it to bolt to seed too early. Your plants will need consistent watering, especially in the drier fall months. The best rule of thumb is to give bok choy 1 inch of water a week so the soil remains moist between waterings.
What is the disadvantage of bok choy? ›
Raw bok choy, like all cruciferous vegetables, contains an enzyme called myrosinase. Myrosinase can hinder thyroid function by preventing the body from absorbing iodine. Cooking deactivates it. Eating raw bok choy in moderate amounts does not pose a hazard.
Is it okay to eat bok choy every day? ›
A meta-analysis and review of research in the journal Food Chemistry found that eating 100 grams of cruciferous vegetables, such as bok choy, every day was associated with a 10% reduction in the risk of death from any cause. (100 grams of cooked bok choy is a little more than a half-cup.)
What is the disease in bok choy? ›
Disease and Pest Control
The main pests and diseases occurring on bok choy include leaf blight, downy mildew, aphids, and cabbage caterpillars. Leaf blight and downy mildew usually occur in summer with high temperatures and rain.
Does baby bok choy grow back after cutting? ›
Can you regrow bok choy? Yes, you sure can, and it's super simple. If you're a thrifty person, regrowing bok choy is a nice alternative to throwing the leftovers in the compost bin or garbage can.
Is bok choy okay for kidneys? ›
Calcium: A person with kidney disease should not have more than 2,000mg of calcium a day. Balancing levels of calcium is important. Foods high in Calcium: Dairy products, fortified cereals, enriched breads, dark leafy greens (kale, spinach, bok choy) and almonds.
Is bok choy a laxative? ›
Bok choy also contains a fair bit of fiber, which accounts for about two-thirds of the carbs in the veggie. We all know fiber can help you poop more easily (and that's reason enough to make sure you're getting plenty), but it's got đź’©-loads of other benefits too.
Is bok choy good for high blood pressure? ›
The vegetable is also high in potassium, magnesium, and calcium, all of which help to reduce your blood pressure naturally. Some studies show that eating sufficient potassium can help to lower sodium-induced high blood pressure.
Is bok choy anti-inflammatory? ›
It's low in calories but contains a significant amount of vitamins C and K, making it a welcomed addition to many healthy diets. Bok choy offers many health benefits through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Is it better to eat raw or cooked bok choy? ›
It packs potassium, lutein, folate and 70 antioxidants, which makes it a candidate for cancer prevention, according to research. Bok choy loses a smidge of its nutrients when it's cooked, but it's also easier to eat more cooked than raw, so you'll probably come out about even.
Dr. Janine recommends adding three nutrient-dense foods to your diet - endive lettuce, Bok choy, and grass-fed meat - as these are known to help support liver function and reduce fat in the organ. Try out these delicious options to improve your overall liver health!
Is bok choy bad for your thyroid? ›
One case study suggests that eating bok choy raw in very large amounts may interfere with thyroid function, but this is probably not a concern with typical serving sizes. If you take blood thinning medication, you may want to watch your intake.
What part of bok choy do you not eat? ›
All of Bok Choy is edible, so once you get to that point, you can chop up the stem and the bulb. If you want to keep the whole bok choy intact, we recommend using your fingers and opening the stalks so the water can reach it.
Why do Chinese eat bok choy? ›
Bok choy is similar to other cabbages: It is rich in vitamin C and contains significant amounts of nitrogen compounds known as indoles, as well as fiber -- both of which appear to lower the risk of various forms of cancer. Bok choy also is a good source of folate (folic acid) and potassium.
How long does it take for bok choy to grow? ›
Bok choy only takes 45 days to reach maturity, so you can enjoy your leafy greens relatively quickly after planting them. Harvest the bok choy before the hot weather sets in, because the hot weather will make the bok choy go to seed very fast. Bok choy is ready to harvest when it reaches 12 to 18 inches tall.
Is bok choy a cut and come again crop? ›
Harvest bok choy as the plant forms a good size with thick stems usually 7- 10 weeks after planting. As bok choy can regrow, it is possible to harvest up to half the plant, which encourages new leaf growth.
Does bok choy grow well in pots? ›
This lesser-known Asian green is perfectly suited for life in a pot. A four-pack of pak choi (also called bok choy) transplants have turned out to be a delicious addition to my spring container garden.
Does bok choy grow well in heat? ›
Bok Choy thrives in a cooler environment, ideally between 60-70°F. Exposure to warmer temperatures may result in the plant becoming bitter and initiating premature bolting.
