BYLINE: Devon Johnson
Fibermaxxing is trending on social media, and more people than ever are looking to boost the amount of healthy fiber in their diets.
According to the American Heart Association, only 5 percent of Americans get enough daily fiber. The good news is that fiber-rich produce can be surprisingly easy to grow in home gardens across Virginia — and now is the time to plant them.
“For gardeners who are used to starting plants from seed, sweet potatoes are a fun and interesting crop to try, and they are well-adapted to our hot, dry climate,” said Stephanie Romelczyk, Virginia Cooperative Extension agriculture and natural resources Extension agent in Westmoreland County.
Sweet potatoes are high in fiber and particularly exciting and rewarding for gardeners. In the warmest parts of Virginia, sweet potatoes can be planted beginning in late April. Virginians in the coolest parts of the state should wait until May.
“You start by planting a slip, which is a small cutting of the plant,” Romelczyk said. “With some water, it will begin to produce roots and vines that trail along the ground. At the end of the summer, you have the great surprise of digging up your sweet potatoes to see your harvest.”
Cole crops such as cauliflower, kale, and broccoli are another popular choice for those on high-fiber diets, and they are easy to grow at home. Beginners and the space-confined may find crops like collards and kale especially economical to grow because you can harvest from a single plant multiple times.
“These are cold-weather crops, so they can be planted in early spring for a harvest by summer, and then again in the late summer for a fall harvest,” said Romelczyk, who added that brussels sprouts are an exception and should only be planted for fall harvest. “Leafy cole crops like kale and collards can be harvested multiple times throughout their growing season by simply cutting a few leaves, which makes them a good choice for beginners or for those with limited space.”
High-fiber raspberries and blackberries can also be grown throughout Virginia, though Romelczyk said selecting the proper variety for your region is key.
“Blackberries come in thornless versus thorny varieties and with sprawling versus more upright growing habits,” she said. “It’s most important to find a variety that will do well for your climate. People in warm, humid areas have different considerations than those in dry, cooler areas. The best way to know what variety is best for your situation is to call your local Extension office.”
Home gardeners interested in trying these high-fiber crops should consult Virginia’s Home Garden Vegetable Planting Guide to learn appropriate techniques and timing for starting their vegetables. For additional assistance and guidance, including a home soil test kit, gardeners are encouraged to reach out to their local Extension office.
About Romelczyk
Stephanie Romelczyk is an agriculture and natural resources Extension agent in Westmoreland County, Virginia. She received her bachelor’s degree in plant science from Rutgers University and her master’s degree in horticultural sciences from North Carolina State University. She has experience with commercial and consumer horticulture, and has previously worked in soil science, at public gardens, and in the commercial greenhouse industry.
Interview
To schedule an interview, contact the Media Relations office at mediarelations@vt.edu.
Comments are closed.