The Josephine’s Greens Love Story
If you’ve eaten a meal on St. John, chances are you have sampled produce from the island’s only organic farm, Coral Bay Garden Center, also known as Josephine’s Greens.
Until the mid-80s, fresh vegetables were imported from boats carrying provisions from more fertile islands. When Hugo Roller bought land on St. John with plans to grow produce, he went to Malaysia to learn organic farming techniques and returned with much more than knowledge – it was there he met and married Josephine. She had no gardening experience but she was an agricultural engineer who managed huge plantations in Malaysia.
Josephine and Hugo experimented with St. John’s challenging soil and pest management techniques, and now successfully harvests nearly 90 varieties of vegetables and herbs in a fertile valley on the East End. Crops on their 18-acre farm typically include mixed greens, spinach, collards, kale, bok choy, green beans, okra, sunflower sprouts and various herbs. Tropical fruits such as papaya, mango, starfruit, eggplant and Asian squash are plentiful as well.
How do they maintain a pesticide-free environment on a tropical island full of insects (not to mention the ever-present iguana)? They have discovered natural solutions by experimenting with different types and colors of mulch, soaking mulch in soapy water, using lady bugs to control destructive insects, planting basil next to tomatoes to deter white flies, and by adding nitrogen-rich compost to the soil.
Josephine’s Greens have become a staple in local markets and are in demand from top restaurant chefs who sometimes place their order months in advance. In addition to produce, they also supply much of the island’s landscaping needs with tropical plants, trees and flowers.
Now that you know how much love goes into every bite, you’ll want to plan a field trip to Coral Bay Garden Center next time you’re on island. They are located near the Love City Mini Mart on King’s Hill Road and open daily from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
