Going from a career in banking to full-time market farming with Jacqueline Jackson of Mattie's Garden in Birmingham, Alabama

Jacqueline Jackson, owner of Mattie's Garden, shares her journey from a successful banking career to establishing an urban farm in Birmingham, Alabama. She and host Katie Kulla discuss how Jacqueline started thinking about growing food instead of banking, and the careful planning that led to her leaving her job and starting her own farm. They also talk about the sustainable growing practices she uses, what a food desert is and how local farming can help reduce food insecurity.

They also discuss the joys and challenges of urban farming, the importance of community engagement, and Jacqueline’s approach to selecting crops based on market needs. The conversation highlights the evolution of her farming operation, soil and growing conditions in Alabama, and the lessons learned from her grandmother about food accessibility and generosity. Mattie’s Garden is named after Jacqueline’s grandmother, who had plenty of strategies for resilience to pass on after growing up as one of eleven children during the great depression.

 

Connect With Guest:
Instagram: @mattiesgarden
 

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