Pickens County Producers Praise Plastic Mulch and Drip Irrigation for Growing Vegetables

In the spring of 2006 when Bennie Carpenter, Willie Crowell, and Willie Tweedie, limited resource producers in Pickens County, were approved for assistance through the Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) to install plastic mulch and drip irrigation to grow vegetables, they had a goal—to have watermelons ready for public consumption by July 4, 2007.

These producers have reached that goal—fat, juicy watermelons for people to enjoy at their Fourth of July celebrations. Carpenter, Crowell, and Tweedie installed two acres each of plastic mulch and drip irrigation to grow fresh vegetables and melons. Carpenter says, “When I was approved for the practice, I knew it would be a lot of work.” That was theory. Now that he is mid way through a growing season, Carpenter would be the first to say—two acres of vegetables will work you to death! But, Carpenter also says, “It’s been a dry summer. With the drip irrigation and plastic mulch, I have vegetables when most people don’t. This system works!”

With the technical assistance of Pickens County District Conservationist Terry Williamson, the Pickens County producers installed six acres of plastic mulch and drip irrigation. Once the beds were ready, they planted an assortment of squash, peppers, peas, corn, beans, eggplant, okra, and melons. The plants flourished and they have an abundance of produce.

Like many farmers with small acreages, Carpenter has a fulltime job. He works at a local nursing home. Carpenter has learned that growing the produce is only one aspect of the money-making operation. A second component is marketing.

With his full-time job, Carpenter has a built-in market. The nursing home prepares three meals a day for the residents, and many of their vegetables come from Carpenter’s two-acre mini farm. Mark Wheat, administrator of the Aliceville Manor Nursing Home, says, “The produce we purchase from Bennie is great. We couldn’t get any better, and our residents really enjoy the fresh vegetables.” Carpenter, Crowell, and Tweedie all agree that the plastic mulch and drip irrigation system of growing produce is the only way to go. They say, “Without the water and the plastic, we could not grow vegetables. This system has worked for us. We appreciate the help of NRCS and the good job that Terry is doing for us.

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