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WATSON
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counties' climates and soils are similar, the
alternate growing areas provide insurance.
" Because of insects, we try to spread
out, " said Jerrold " Jerry " Watson Jr., coowner.
" We try to plant a little of each
crop in each county. When hail comes,
it won't wipe out the whole crop of one
commodity. It doesn't always work that
way, as every year and every week is
different, anytime you're dealing with
the elements. "
Cooperating with Extension scientists
at Clemson University, the University
of Georgia and North Carolina State,
the Watsons host field trips and plant
experimental blocks. The universities
help growers monitor insect activity by
placing traps in fields, and suggesting
beneficial insects as well as positioning
weather stations on the farm.
Extension insights
One project places mulch on top of
molasses under plastic. The method is
designed to help counter nematodes,
improve plant structure and help
control weeds. In a previous season, the
Watsons cooperated with a Clemson
trial using bagging to grow peaches and
apples. The experiment was so labor
intensive, however, it was too costly to
be a feasible production method.
The Watsons irrigate through wells
and ponds on plastic with drip holes.
Pump filters include sanitizing devices
that maintain water quality.
" Conservation of water is very
critical to us, " Watson said. " We try to
minimize our use. We only use what
we have to as other states are really
suffering with water shortages. "
Cover crops are rotated and planted
between rows.
" Most all the vegetables we grow love
sand land, " Watson said.
He said universities, which keep
growers informed about research, are
lifesavers.
" A lot of times, the experiments
don't pay off, but we are always open to
new ideas and innovations, to try new
things, " Watson said. It's like throwing
darts. If one thing doesn't work, you
must try something else. "
It's also important for growers to
maintain good relationships with seed
companies, which can update growers on
varieties. Watson said there's less private
research on yellow squash vs. zucchini
squash. He said he isn't sure why, but said
zucchini squash is more grower-friendly
and yellow squash is more tender. The
Watsons grow both because of demand.
The Watsons also grow butternut and
kabocha hard squash.
Organic plunge
Growing organically since 2005, the
Watsons faced a myriad of challenges
and a learning curve.
" Nothing has any staying power, "
Watson said. " We must spray (Organic
Materials Review Institute) OMRIapproved
fungicides when we get fog,
dew, mist or rain. It's a never-ending
Following tough deals and low markets, Jerrold A. Watson & Sons slashed its peach acreage from 1,800 acres to 380 acres. The
Watsons are growing more nectarines and plums.
saga. We never thought it would be like
this when we first got into it. "
There's also more competition in the
organic sector.
In the past, the Watsons grew 1,800
acres of peaches. Because of tough
seasons and disappointing markets, it
now grows about 380 acres. They have
added nectarine and plum acreage.
An escalation of farm inputs is also
pressing. Watson noted that some friends
in Georgia recently quit farming because
" they couldn't fight the fight anymore.
" We have gotten to the critical stage, "
he said. " Everything we do, irrigation
equipment, labor, plastic and fertilizers,
it's all going up. The numbers have to be
there or you don't exist. "
100-plus years
In 1918, Joseph H. Watson Sr. planted
the first asparagus in South Carolina
and founded and managed the Monetta
Asparagus Association. Soon after, the
region became known as the asparagus
capital of the world.
In 1925, asparagus production had
shifted from South Carolina to New
Jersey. Watson met with area growers
and encouraged each to plant 60 acres
of peaches each. He did the same,
sparking South Carolina's commercial
peach industry.
Mary Watson, Joseph's wife, ran the
farm after her husband died. Her son,
Jerrold A. Watson Sr., returned from
World War II in 1945, and he worked
the farm until his sons, Jerrold " Jerry "
Watson Jr. and Joseph " Joe " Watson
returned after finishing college.
The family's fourth generation of
Watsons, Jed (Jerry's son), and Jeph,
(Joe's son), returned to the farm after
college. Jed does sales and food safety
while Jeph handles the packinghouse.
Jerry Watson said he often thinks
about the truth in something his father
once told an acquaintance who said he'd
like to be a farmer because " everyone
has to eat. " Watson advised the man to
" grab a life jacket and jump in, because
the water's deep. "
Despite the challenges, Watson
maintains an optimistic outlook.
" We are always looking up, " he said.
" We don't look down. Always look up
and be thankful. And keep going ...
That's the only thing one can do. " FGN
FGN | JULY 2022 | 5
Jerrold A. Watson & Sons grows bell peppers as well as many other fruits and
vegetables.

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