It’s a far cry from her former home in the mountains of Northern Nevada, but Juliette “Jules” Roberson has found a new purpose in the peaceful community of Millen, Georgia. She made the move about a year ago, after a 21-year career in law enforcement, to a 100-year-old farm that belonged to her boyfriend’s grandfather.
Necessity is the mother of invention and often the birth of new business. While shopping for herbs, Roberson couldn’t find what she wanted, so she put up a greenhouse and started growing her own under the Rooty Branch Farms banner.
“My grandmother always had a green thumb for gardening, which was passed down to my mother and then to me. My 92-year-old grandma is thrilled that I turned those skills into a business,” explained Roberson.
In mid-March, she began selling her tomatoes, peppers, herbs, and a variety of flowers on Saturdays at the Augusta Market.
“I love Millen. People have been so welcoming, and the response to my booth at the Augusta Market has been incredible. Being able to supplement my retirement income with my passion for gardening has been a blessing.”
Rooty Branch Farms offers 14 varieties of peppers, from hot to mild, and 26 varieties of tomatoes, including Better Boys, Romas, and Cherokee Purples, along with a wide selection of herbs. You can also buy Gerbera daisies, nasturtiums, zinnias, and marigolds. Roberson also offers worm tea, but DON’T DRINK IT!
“It’s very popular, but it’s for plants only. It’s a probiotic made from worm castings that can be used as a soil amendment to help plants get the nutrients they need. The shelf life is only 72 hours, so it’s made to order.”
Roberson will soon be alternating Saturday market locations between Augusta and Statesboro. Demand for her farm-grown offerings has led her to request quotes for commercial greenhouses to expand her business.
At this time, Rooty Branch Farms in Millen is not open to the public, but Roberson is already looking forward to next spring.
“I want to grow and be successful but stay local to the area.”
If you are stressed out in the workplace, gardening is a great hobby. It’s relaxing, or as Roberson says, “It’s the great escape from the hustle and bustle.”
You can follow Rooty Branch Farms on Facebook for their next Market day appearance.
Editor’s Note:
Mitzi Oxford is a veteran broadcaster and features writer who also worked at the same television station in Columbus, Georgia as Augusta’s Brad Means! If you have a South Carolina story idea for Mitzi, please email her at mitzioxfordcreative@gmail.com.
