TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — With the economic uncertainties from the coronavirus, we here at ABC 27 are shining a light on businesses that are doing their part to help out the community while keeping their business open.
During this time of social distancing, one hobby is growing in popularity, home gardening.
It's a hobby with long roots.
Esposito Garden Center in Tallahassee says, "We're open, Tallahassee!"
"I've probably been doing it for 60 years," said Joseph Plant, customer at Esposito Garden Center in Tallahassee.
Gardening seems to be a go-to, during this time of social distancing and quarantining at home.
"Very important because it gives me something to do and to be outside," said Rosemary Atkins, Esposito Garden Center customer. "Because I love the outside."
"It gives us a little extra to eat that we don't have to buy," Plant said.
Esposito Garden Center in Tallahassee, says many people are looking to grow their own vegetables right now, to provide fresh food for their families.
It's why Esposito Garden Center is growing it's online side of the business, to accommodate customer needs safely.
Florida Master Gardener Audrey Post, also known an "Ms. Grow-it-all" and a garden consultant at Esposito Garden Center says tomatoes, peppers and eggplant are easy to grow here.
While they've taken CDC-advised steps to keep customers and employees safe in the store, they've also expanded curbside pickup and reduced their delivery charge.
They're also offering free Facebook Live gardening lessons.
"We're providing the resources, both in plants and expertise to help do gardens," said Post. "At a time where people are looking for something safe, something that helps relief stress, and something that helps put groceries on the table."
Soon, they'll launch virtual Zoom workshops.
"We want to continue helping people learn how to garden," Post said. "A lot of people didn't grow up gardening the way I did and don't know the basics, so we're trying to help them learn."
Post says having a green thumb can save you some green in the long run.
"People ask, 'if I were to grow one vegetable, what would you recommend?' Red bell pepper," said Post. "That thing will pay for itself a dozen times over in bell peppers."
Customers also feel a budding sense of enjoyment.
"It's just fun and relaxing in this particular time of difficulty," said Frances Turnbull, Esposito customer. "It takes your mind off of it and you feel better."
Offering peace of mind, peppers and pansies to weed out the negativity and grow a more positive environment for all to enjoy.
If you're a business supporting our community, we want to hear from you.
ABC 27 has made it easy to submit your own business.
This is not just Tallahassee. South Georgia small businesses, we want to hear from you too!
Click on the We're Open, Tallahassee tab at the top of the ABC 27 website. Then, tell us your story by filling out the section to the right.
It's our way of letting people know you are open for business, and how they can support you.
