For much of its history, most West Virginians were farmers, even as many later worked in mines, factories, and shops. Families often kept kitchen gardens to help during hard times. Even into the 1950s, many people continued gardening, raising animals, and staying connected to the land.

Gardening was a key part of the culture, with families growing and canning a variety of vegetables, picking wild berries, and using apples for pies and apple butter. As supermarkets became common, gardens got smaller. However, white-tailed deer became a new challenge, often damaging crops. People built fences or used dogs to protect their gardens. As more residents moved to urban areas, fewer grew their own food, turning instead to farmers' markets and roadside stands for fresh produce.