A number of small farmers are reporting good watermelon yields – thanks to the recent rains which have ensured a bumper crop of the vegetable.
One of the farmers is Rhonda Hodge of Stoney Ground. She boasts an impressive patch of watermelon plants at “Grow Ground Bottom”, a stretch of red soil land nestled between Welches and Island Harbour. The plants are in full bloom with various sizes of watermelons reaching maturity stage (as can be seen by the accompanying photograph).
Besides watermelons, Rhonda has produced a quantity of red and white sorrel – just in time for the traditional delicious Christmas drink. Actually, it may be the first time that a sorrel plantation of the size of hers has been seen in Anguilla.
Okras and other vegetables also abound on her farmland.
Meanwhile, a number of greenhouses are under construction on the rockbound northern perimeter of the said land. These thoughtful facilities will provide an opportunity to grow vegetables in shelter away from the open red land which, in times of drought, can be a scorching experience for vulnerable plant crops.
