I'm trying to plan the rest of my planting and due to shading concerns there is a certain unavoidable logic to planting zucchini, cucumbers and probably tomatoes in the same place as last year (or very close). But I know this is supposed to be a bad idea. So my question is, in reality, is this really disastrous, or might it be ok?
Thanks for any help!
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Monday, April 26, 2010
Organizing volunteer efforts
Hello ... I'm in charge of coordinating our volunteer efforts -- that is, anything we do for the benefit of the entire garden, and not for our own individual plots.
It has been suggested that each of us should aim for a total of 4 to 5 hours of volunteer service over the course of the season. What I'm thinking is that there should be a couple of different ways you can participate. If you can come to a clean-up such as the one we had recently, great! If it suits you better to put in an hour here and there doing some of the more everyday maintenance, also great! That way, most or all of us should be able to meet the goal or come close to it, and contribute in a very real way.
I wonder if we could brainstorm some volunteer tasks? Off the top of my head, here are some of the everyday tasks:
1) Weeding in common/unclaimed areas, such as Tim's old strawberry patch and other plantings just before the front gate, the raised box with the tree in it (adjacent to Laura L.'s plot), and what other areas? Do I recall that Art and Julie will work in Tim's old perimeter plantings?
2) Trash pickup: Whether from the adjacent park or wherever, we get a fair amount of drifting litter. "Trash" could also include getting the big trash cans from the north side of the building, and putting them where they need to go (back to that same spot?) when full.
3) Retrieving any scattered tools, and straightening up the sheds.
4) Sweeping or other general cleanup in the brick areas.
5) Any others?
Bigger projects might include leading a workshop for all of us on a topic such as composting, vermiculture, organic gardening, etc. Perhaps also kids' workshops, so this doesn't all fall to Ilse to organize? Other ideas for "big bite" projects? And how often should we do a big clean-up like the last one?
A lot of the smaller things are stuff many of us do anyway. The difference is that you'd report it (in what, maybe half-hour increments?) -- not so we could be super strict about it, but just so we'd have some record. I'm not sure the exact mechanism, but I think you'd report your efforts to me -- and I would also be the one to put out the call when a larger group project is needed.
I think we should start the tracking once we have all of this settled. Would there be back credit for those who were at the clean-up, or should we start fresh, figuring 4-5 hours in the course of a few months isn't all that much?
Your thoughts on any of this, please?
Thanks!
It has been suggested that each of us should aim for a total of 4 to 5 hours of volunteer service over the course of the season. What I'm thinking is that there should be a couple of different ways you can participate. If you can come to a clean-up such as the one we had recently, great! If it suits you better to put in an hour here and there doing some of the more everyday maintenance, also great! That way, most or all of us should be able to meet the goal or come close to it, and contribute in a very real way.
I wonder if we could brainstorm some volunteer tasks? Off the top of my head, here are some of the everyday tasks:
1) Weeding in common/unclaimed areas, such as Tim's old strawberry patch and other plantings just before the front gate, the raised box with the tree in it (adjacent to Laura L.'s plot), and what other areas? Do I recall that Art and Julie will work in Tim's old perimeter plantings?
2) Trash pickup: Whether from the adjacent park or wherever, we get a fair amount of drifting litter. "Trash" could also include getting the big trash cans from the north side of the building, and putting them where they need to go (back to that same spot?) when full.
3) Retrieving any scattered tools, and straightening up the sheds.
4) Sweeping or other general cleanup in the brick areas.
5) Any others?
Bigger projects might include leading a workshop for all of us on a topic such as composting, vermiculture, organic gardening, etc. Perhaps also kids' workshops, so this doesn't all fall to Ilse to organize? Other ideas for "big bite" projects? And how often should we do a big clean-up like the last one?
A lot of the smaller things are stuff many of us do anyway. The difference is that you'd report it (in what, maybe half-hour increments?) -- not so we could be super strict about it, but just so we'd have some record. I'm not sure the exact mechanism, but I think you'd report your efforts to me -- and I would also be the one to put out the call when a larger group project is needed.
I think we should start the tracking once we have all of this settled. Would there be back credit for those who were at the clean-up, or should we start fresh, figuring 4-5 hours in the course of a few months isn't all that much?
Your thoughts on any of this, please?
Thanks!
Save a raspberry's life!
Hi, all ... I have many, many raspberry plants in my plot. I don't want them -- do you? If so, you are welcome to dig them up and transplant them. Just try not to step on anything else, please. Any that are not out by May 15 (when I'll start the bulk of my planting), I'm sad to say will likely be discarded. They're fine plants -- they're just in my way.
I am in the northwest bed, just to the east of Milena's, and to the north of where Tim had that whole plot of raspberries. They've drifted over and are invading the south end of my plot. You should be able to see what I mean.
I am in the northwest bed, just to the east of Milena's, and to the north of where Tim had that whole plot of raspberries. They've drifted over and are invading the south end of my plot. You should be able to see what I mean.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Kids' Play Area -- Please respond!
For those of you who weren't at the last Sunday garden get-together, like me, the area folks picked for the kids' play area is the northernmost patch (but south of the sidewalk) on the west side of the garden -- the one just north of the large utility box, with a tree in the center of it. It's not in the hidden stretch where the composting bins are, which is great for those of us with kids little enough to need a constant watchful eye.
My guess is that the area is about 8x8. Joanna and her husband Matt have graciously offered to build a frame around the area, and Joanna estimated that the cost would be about $40 (to be shared by those of us whose kids use it). Other ideas that have been discussed are (1) to get separate containers for pebbles, sand, water, and/or dirt, (2) have gardeners with kids coordinate times to garden so their kids can play together, and (3) to have certain times when kids are not allowed in the garden, so that adults can enjoy a little bit more serene environment on occasion. I also wonder whether it's safe to have kids playing next to that utility box -- can someone tell me what's in it, whether there is a risk, and if so how to avoid it?
I invite all who have specific ideas, comments, or concerns to please either comment here on the blog or, if you want to make comments privately, send me an email at hydeparkfamily@gmail.com. Please only email your ideas to me, not to the list. My hope with the email option is that people will feel more free to share candid thoughts/concerns. I will review all the comments, put together a list of priorities, and Joanna and I will move forward on getting the play area set up as soon as possible! I also will keep all ideas anonymous when sharing them with other gardeners, so please feel free to be honest!
My guess is that the area is about 8x8. Joanna and her husband Matt have graciously offered to build a frame around the area, and Joanna estimated that the cost would be about $40 (to be shared by those of us whose kids use it). Other ideas that have been discussed are (1) to get separate containers for pebbles, sand, water, and/or dirt, (2) have gardeners with kids coordinate times to garden so their kids can play together, and (3) to have certain times when kids are not allowed in the garden, so that adults can enjoy a little bit more serene environment on occasion. I also wonder whether it's safe to have kids playing next to that utility box -- can someone tell me what's in it, whether there is a risk, and if so how to avoid it?
I invite all who have specific ideas, comments, or concerns to please either comment here on the blog or, if you want to make comments privately, send me an email at hydeparkfamily@gmail.com. Please only email your ideas to me, not to the list. My hope with the email option is that people will feel more free to share candid thoughts/concerns. I will review all the comments, put together a list of priorities, and Joanna and I will move forward on getting the play area set up as soon as possible! I also will keep all ideas anonymous when sharing them with other gardeners, so please feel free to be honest!
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Extra pea seeds
We have extra pea seeds that we won't be using, and although it's late for planting peas, if you'd like any seeds, let us know how many and we'll be happy to drop them off at your plot. They're (shelling) green peas (dwarf plants, 4" pods). Seed spacing, 2"; row spacing 18" and you don't thin them but you do need to soak them 24 hrs before planting. They're Botanical Interests (untreated, no GMOs).
Joanna and Matt (joannacarlson@gmail.com)
Joanna and Matt (joannacarlson@gmail.com)
Thursday, April 22, 2010
tools, misc
Hi. Just to let everyone know, I put red tape on the tools today as a friendly reminder (*not* intended to be hostile in any way! Indeed, many of my tools are the same as the garden's and I've often had to stop and remember which I was using before leaving). I thought this might be helpful.
The kids' area is utterly spectacular. Thank you everyone for clearing it. It was so easy for me to get things done while the kids (even the little ones) played in the dirt. This makes a huge difference.
Lastly, 61st Street seems to still be going (I hadn't realized this). A friend of mine just took a plot there. It is apparently moving to somewhere on 62nd. Thought it might be of general HP gardening interest.
I think we'll be in the garden tomorrow afternoon and Sunday afternoon.
Oh, also, rainwater collection sounds great. It would also allow us to ease our financial impact on the Club.
The kids' area is utterly spectacular. Thank you everyone for clearing it. It was so easy for me to get things done while the kids (even the little ones) played in the dirt. This makes a huge difference.
Lastly, 61st Street seems to still be going (I hadn't realized this). A friend of mine just took a plot there. It is apparently moving to somewhere on 62nd. Thought it might be of general HP gardening interest.
I think we'll be in the garden tomorrow afternoon and Sunday afternoon.
Oh, also, rainwater collection sounds great. It would also allow us to ease our financial impact on the Club.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Cross-Post from Personal Blog
I just posted a reflection (with a few pictures) on my personal blog about our community garden this year. Take a look if you are interested by clicking here. My enthusiasm for our garden is hard to contain, but a juicy blog post always helps to capture some of that energy. Take care!
Organic Gardening and Pesticides
We've been talking about organic gardening over the past few weeks, both in email and face to face.
It sounds like most folks are in favor of restricting the garden to organic methods of pest control.
Here's a short list of organic pesticides and a little information on each.
insecticidal soap
Insecticial soap is soap, with basically all the safety concerns (i.e. very few) of soap. Insecticidal soap does not have any lasting insecticidal activity, especially if washed off as recommended by the linked site.
neem oil
Neem oil is an extract from a tree (the seed) indigenous to southern India. Neem oil has been used as an insecticide and ingested for hundreds of years. (I do not advocate eating your bottle of neem-based pesticide, no matter how enticing the packaging.) Neem oil also has anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties and can be found in many cosmetics.
Neem oil's insecticidal properties are fairly broad spectrum and also targets mites. Unlike many chemical pesticides, neem oil does not usually kill on contact. Instead, neem oil discourages feeding in the affected insects.
Neem oil does not seem to affect beneficial insects, including bees and ants, nor does it appear to affect earthworms detrimentally.
horticultural oil
Horticultural oil is a petroleum-based oil that coats insect pests, preventing them from feeding and breathing, similar to mineral oil.
baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) or potassium bicarbonate mixed with oil
Potassium bicarbonate mixed with oil and sprayed on leaves can serve as a fungicide.
capsaicin spray
Capsaicin is the heat-inducing component in chili peppers. As such, it's quite safe. Capsaicin sprays may repel small mammals, such as squirrels or rabbits. A friend of mine coats his pumpkins with the stuff to ward the squirrels off every year.
Bt dust (sometimes liquid)
Bt is a bacterium that disrupts insects' ability to digest food. Different varieties of Bt affect different insects, and Bt appears to have no toxicity in humans.
pyrethrins
Pyrethin based pesticides are derived from chrysanthemum flowers and have low toxicity in mammals. As such, they are extremely safe. However, they can kill beneficial insects quite effectively.
rotenone
Rotenone is a pesticide commonly used in organic gardening because it breaks down quickly when exposed to sunlight. Many formulations are of fairly low toxicity to mammals, but some are not. Rotenone is extremely toxic to fish and also kills beneficial insects indiscriminately.
sevin dust
Another pesticide that breaks down rapidly, sevin dust also can target beneficial insects.
This list is missing some (milky spore, diatomaceous earth, etc.) but this is a good start.
I would question using rotenone, sevin dust, or pyrethrin powder as they can kill beneficial insects.
It sounds like most folks are in favor of restricting the garden to organic methods of pest control.
Here's a short list of organic pesticides and a little information on each.
insecticidal soap
Insecticial soap is soap, with basically all the safety concerns (i.e. very few) of soap. Insecticidal soap does not have any lasting insecticidal activity, especially if washed off as recommended by the linked site.
neem oil
Neem oil is an extract from a tree (the seed) indigenous to southern India. Neem oil has been used as an insecticide and ingested for hundreds of years. (I do not advocate eating your bottle of neem-based pesticide, no matter how enticing the packaging.) Neem oil also has anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties and can be found in many cosmetics.
Neem oil's insecticidal properties are fairly broad spectrum and also targets mites. Unlike many chemical pesticides, neem oil does not usually kill on contact. Instead, neem oil discourages feeding in the affected insects.
Neem oil does not seem to affect beneficial insects, including bees and ants, nor does it appear to affect earthworms detrimentally.
horticultural oil
Horticultural oil is a petroleum-based oil that coats insect pests, preventing them from feeding and breathing, similar to mineral oil.
baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) or potassium bicarbonate mixed with oil
Potassium bicarbonate mixed with oil and sprayed on leaves can serve as a fungicide.
capsaicin spray
Capsaicin is the heat-inducing component in chili peppers. As such, it's quite safe. Capsaicin sprays may repel small mammals, such as squirrels or rabbits. A friend of mine coats his pumpkins with the stuff to ward the squirrels off every year.
Bt dust (sometimes liquid)
Bt is a bacterium that disrupts insects' ability to digest food. Different varieties of Bt affect different insects, and Bt appears to have no toxicity in humans.
pyrethrins
Pyrethin based pesticides are derived from chrysanthemum flowers and have low toxicity in mammals. As such, they are extremely safe. However, they can kill beneficial insects quite effectively.
rotenone
Rotenone is a pesticide commonly used in organic gardening because it breaks down quickly when exposed to sunlight. Many formulations are of fairly low toxicity to mammals, but some are not. Rotenone is extremely toxic to fish and also kills beneficial insects indiscriminately.
sevin dust
Another pesticide that breaks down rapidly, sevin dust also can target beneficial insects.
This list is missing some (milky spore, diatomaceous earth, etc.) but this is a good start.
I would question using rotenone, sevin dust, or pyrethrin powder as they can kill beneficial insects.
Rainwater Receptacle?
Building on Art's exciting announcement that the water in our garden area has been fixed, I'd like to share a link about another (potential) watering source.
At the garden this weekend, a few of us discussed how great it would be if we were to collect rainwater to help water our plants. Someone mentioned (Milena?) that the 61st Street community garden had something like this, where they would collect the water, then float watering cans on the top for people to scoop out water as needed. If anyone is in contact with some of the gardeners there (or former gardeners---I don't know if that space is still available for use), and could get more info, that would be terrific.
I found this site which shows how to create a watering receptacle from rainwater. It might not be a perfect fit, but if a few of us feel handy, I think that we have several of the supplies already, based on the inventory discovered during the garden clean-up.
Thoughts? Check out the link, and let's get a discussion started.
At the garden this weekend, a few of us discussed how great it would be if we were to collect rainwater to help water our plants. Someone mentioned (Milena?) that the 61st Street community garden had something like this, where they would collect the water, then float watering cans on the top for people to scoop out water as needed. If anyone is in contact with some of the gardeners there (or former gardeners---I don't know if that space is still available for use), and could get more info, that would be terrific.
I found this site which shows how to create a watering receptacle from rainwater. It might not be a perfect fit, but if a few of us feel handy, I think that we have several of the supplies already, based on the inventory discovered during the garden clean-up.
Thoughts? Check out the link, and let's get a discussion started.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Water in the Garden Works!!!
Hi all,
On Monday 4/19, I successfully completed the fix on the water pipes. Altogether, there were three major leaks due to the fact the water was not turned off correctly last Fall...You can now use the water from the copper water facuets inside the garden. Julie and I will be back in NYS for a couple of weeks. See you all in early May. Take care. Art Holmberg
Great Gardening Day Yesterday
It was so nice to see folks yesterday at the garden clean up event. Things are looking much cleaner and tidier, and I think through this we all "reclaimed" the garden for ourselves, our families and our community. Great to see the kids running around, having fun, and digging a bit in the dirt (and helping to pull weeds!).
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Op Shop has plants, compost, etc.
I went to the Op Shop today, in the old Hollywood Video store at 53rd and Lake Park. They have compost, leaf mulch, seeds, seedlings (both seeds and seedlings looked to be all vegetables and herbs), and some really unusual and beautiful flowers for gardening. Also some gardening books. Prices were decent, and they also allow trades, like if you have extra seeds, plants, pots, etc. I don't know vegetables at all, but it looked like they had many types of heirloom tomato seeds. I did buy several flowering plants that I'm looking forward to putting in tomorrow. If you've been wanting to try a flower but don't know what you're doing, the people in the garden section there are very knowledgeable.
I told a woman there about our garden, and she said to think of them if we have extra plants, seeds, etc., and want to trade for anything they have.
I believe it's open 10-6 Wednesdays through Sundays. There's a lot of other stuff there, too, like used books and clothes, and various art exhibits and activities. They don't know how long they'll be open, but they'll likely close a couple of weeks from now, or maybe as long as a month.
I told a woman there about our garden, and she said to think of them if we have extra plants, seeds, etc., and want to trade for anything they have.
I believe it's open 10-6 Wednesdays through Sundays. There's a lot of other stuff there, too, like used books and clothes, and various art exhibits and activities. They don't know how long they'll be open, but they'll likely close a couple of weeks from now, or maybe as long as a month.
open invitation to pick my flowers
Hello, gardeners! There's nothing growing yet, but I wanted to let you know from the very beginning that everyone is always welcome to pick a few flowers for bouquets. As long as you a) pick just a few here and there rather than stripping something bare, and b) are careful not to step on anything, I really don't mind. It's actually good for many flowers to be "harvested" in this way -- it makes them bloom more. From time to time, I might post something saying to please not pick a particular flower (like sunflowers -- please, please don't cut off my sunflower heads to eat the seeds ... I want those for birds and also to reseed ... thanks!), but other than that, you're more than welcome. My plot is the one that's usually all flowers -- in the northwest section, just to the east of Milena's.
chive flowers are tasty!
Hello, gardeners! Since many of us have chives, I thought I'd share this tip. A friend of mine once made a lovely bean salad that she garnished with whole chive flowers. They were in with everything else and had the dressing on them, so I figured I was supposed to eat them. They're fantastic! They taste like chives, but milder, and they are crispy/crunchy. Ever since then, I always pick a few for salads and stuff.
Here are some other edible flowers that are better known: violets, pansies, and nasturtiums. I have not eaten pansies, but violets and nasturtiums taste to me like arugula or other salad greens. Not thrilling, tastewise -- but they are pretty. I know you can sugar violets or even make a syrup out of them. I think the taste is then more sweet/sour. Just be careful where you pick -- you don't want ones that have been chemically treated.
Do you know of other unusual edibles we might find in our garden?
Here are some other edible flowers that are better known: violets, pansies, and nasturtiums. I have not eaten pansies, but violets and nasturtiums taste to me like arugula or other salad greens. Not thrilling, tastewise -- but they are pretty. I know you can sugar violets or even make a syrup out of them. I think the taste is then more sweet/sour. Just be careful where you pick -- you don't want ones that have been chemically treated.
Do you know of other unusual edibles we might find in our garden?
Welcome!
Hello, gardeners! Welcome to our community garden blog. Here you can post updates, pictures, requests, stories---it is our space to fill, just like the garden.
I hope to see you all here soon.
I hope to see you all here soon.
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