Annual Spring Garden Cleanup

It is so wonderful to belong to a group of fellow gardeners who take such pride in the community garden.  Yesterday saw most of the gardeners gather at their plots to do annual spring cleanup.  New members were welcomed and introduced to the group, the watering and the compost systems.  One couple is brand new to vegetable gardening and enthusiastically prepped their plot for planting, asking for advise on what to plant when, and sharing their hopes for some fresh veggies for the table.

Help was also provided so that needed chores could be completed:  the solar-powered exhaust fan was installed in the greenhouse, the handpump's seal was replaced, and orders for wood for installing raised beds were placed.

We've had lots of rain this spring, and the slugs and snails are feasting on young sprouts.  Kale, parsley and marigolds planted a few weeks ago are stripped bare, and there was lots of discussion about how to naturally combat the invasion.  One gardener suggested a slurry of baking soda and water (1 tbs baking soda to 1 gal water) to be sprayed on the plants, noting that this worked for her last year not only on slugs and snails, but on squash beetles as well.  I'm going to give it a try as soon as we get a few days of sunny weather, as it would only wash off in the rain forecasted for the next few days.

The garden's walkways are lined with hardwood chips (we get lots of those here in Vermont!), and we were again fortunate to receive a truckload of them donated by a local tree service company.  Being at the garden at the time of delivery, a handful of fresh cut asparagus provided a small thanks to the driver for his time and assistance.

If you are looking for an opportunity to join your community, why not research your local community garden, or lacking one, get one started.  Both physical and mental health benefits will accrue!