Being in the Deep South, I always thought the determined Scarlet planted cotton——which she traded for food.
LOL
Yes she raised cotton, even picked it during hard times.
The planted vegetables found in the kitchen garden. That scene, even though it might not be remembered exactly, was the final scene before intermission. Her, holding her hand up, bowed over, retching what was just eaten, making that pledge.
That life, forever Gone With The Wind.
The scene truly had its effects on me as a teenager,
Life as we know it can be altered in a heartbeat.