Edible gardening class gains popularity
While many people claim that pesticide companies are among those responsible for poisoning our food and global warming, there is no definitive proof such products causes cancer or sickness.
That is what Roy Beckford, Lee County Extension Director and agriculture and Natural Resource Agent, said during the monthly meeting of the Edible Gardening Exchange Thursday at the North Fort Myers Recreation Center.
Beckford came to the exchange to discuss herbicides such as Round-up and their impact on the environment as well as fire ants and how to control them.
More than 20 people came to the Edible Gardening Exchange, which meets at 6:30 p.m. every third Thursday of the month at the rec center. The classes moved here this spring after several years at Veterans Park in Lehigh.
Many arrive at 5:30 p.m. for an hour of open chat on everything edible. Karen Harty, who runs the class, brought in some fermented kohlrabi for people to try. Many said it tasted like a spicy dill pickle.
Harty said she comes up with topics because it’s usually something she would like to know for herself.
“I usually have a question for whatever it is, so if I a question, other gardeners have the same question,” Harty said. “That’s why I get the speakers I do. We can covet these subjects.”
Beckford said there is a great amount of debate regarding herbicides such as glyphosphate (Round-up) and whether it had adverse side effects for humans.
Beckford said that in spite of some questions of ethics, there is no tangible proof that such products cause cancer, though you should read the label and take precautions before usage.
“Would you put Round-up near something you would eat? Don’t use it there. I have a son named Round-up who kills weeds for me,” Beckford laughed. “Vitamin A has been genetically injected into rice and corn has been engineered so it’s immune to pesticides. Who is right?”
Beckford spoke of the two types of fire ants here in Florida, the natives, which are black in color, and the South American and Caribbean fire ant, which is red.
Of course, fire ants are a problem for those who plant edibles, and unless you figure out a way to kill the queen, which can live for up to six years, you’re not going to be successful eradicating them.
It’s been a problem at the state level, Beckford said, as the state has spent $250 million o the problem, with another $40 million from private agencies.
Ron Brendle, from Pine Island, found the class very informative.
“A lot of the pesticides they’ve used have created a lot of problems,” Brendle said, who attended his second class. “I like the class. I’ve known Karen for two years. We were in the same master gardening class.”
“It’s wonderful. Everyone has to learn. But people have to know what’s best for them. Be responsible,” said Nina Pizarro of Fort Myers. “I like to grow my own vegetables.”
For more information about the Edible Gardening Exchange, contact Harty at 610-530-8883.