Hello Gardeners,
It has been a Spring of cooler weather so far, but hopefully June will bring some more sunlight into our thriving gardens.
Here are a few updates:
UNUSED BEDS
We are about to pass the deadline for planting / making use of your garden beds - June 3rd.
In May we made note of all seemingly empty and unused beds and began the process of alerting those gardners. We give two weeks notice to plant, or at least let us know of the intention to plant asap.
Emails were sent out on May 20th with a list of beds that were not being used - make sure to check if you were included in those emails.
After June 3rd, we will begin to offer out any beds that have been ignored or given up to the next people in line because the demand for growing space is so high right now, and we want to put each and every bed to use.
GET WATERING
Temperatures will slowly be climbing, and as we get deeper 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 to 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. Please 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 thing about community gardens and it tends to happen more so at the time of year when plants are beginning to mature and become ready for harvest.
A few tips and advice for reducing theft:
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.
Harvest fast: Once your veggies are ready to be eaten, pick them! The longer you wait the more likely someone could raid your yield.
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.
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 upcoming harvests!
