June @ The Little Mountain Garden!

Hello ​Little Mountain Gardeners,

We certainly had higher temperatures in May and thankfully some recent rain.

​Heres to hoping we survive 'June-uary' aka The June Gloom :)

Here are a few updates:

UNUSED BEDS

​Remember, all we ask of our gardeners is that they use their garden beds!

Last week we made note of all seemingly empty and unused beds and​ we already ​alerted those gardeners by email.

We give two weeks' notice to plant, or at least to let us know of the intention to plant asap. 
After those two weeks, if we do not hear back - we will begin offering any unused or surrendered beds to the next people in line. 
The demand for growing space is so high right now, and we want to utilize every bed. 

GET WATERING

​As temperatures​ slowly ​c​limb, and we get into ​Summer​ - watering becomes a bigger priority.

Regular, thorough watering is your best defense against upcoming heat. 

If you can’t make it to the garden every 2-3 days, consider asking a neighbour to help out or create a 'WATER ME' sign and leave it on your bed. 

Please note: Not everyone in the garden is completely able bodied or super strong. ​Remember to put the hoses away neatly, so people do not have to pull the hose nozzles out of a mess.

VEGGIE THEFT

Plant theft is something that happens every season throughout all community gardens across the city. This is an unfortunate ​r​isk ​f​or community garden​ers and it tends to happen more when plants are beginning to mature and​ are ready for harvest.  

A few tips and advice for reducing theft:

  1. Plant less desirable "shiny" crops:  e.g. Leafy greens and root vegetables are the most recommended for a strong harvest. Things like strawberries, tomatoes, peppers or fruiting veggies tend to be first targets.

  2. Harvest fast: Once your veggies are ready to be eaten, pick them! The longer you wait the more likely someone could raid your yield.

  3. Grow more than you need: Consider growing more than you'll expect to eat, so if/when a thief swoops in you will still have a harvest.

  4. Talk with other gardeners: Get to know your neighbors. If we all keep an eye on each other's beds and know who's meant to be gardening where, the more likely we'll be able to call out a thief in the act or at least give them the eyes of disapproval.

Enjoy ​your June!