Prison-grown plants?

Most people imagine their tomatoes being grown by caring hands, in a quaint farm environment. They probably don't envision prison inmates gently plucking heirloom tomatoes in a greenhouse.

But that's exactly what's happening at the Guilford Prison Farm.

Opened in 1935, the prison farm has a capacity of 134 inmates and consists of 806 acres. The farm came under the command of Sheriff BJ Barnes in 1997. During Barne's tenure he instituted a number of programs designed to increase inmates' viable work skill, and help them land positions after their release.

The farm is currently growing a variety of crops. Visitors can purchase tomatoes that sport names like Hillbilly, Box Car Willie, and Fourth of July. Other vegetables for sale include broccoli, cabbage, cucumbers, eggplants, and okra. Other plants include begonias, impatiens, marigolds, and snapdragons.

For more information on the Farm click here.