State of the Garden, March, 2011

Garden Plot Assignments: Just to keep things interesting, I have renumbered the plots in the garden. When we expanded the garden last year the numbering of the new plots didn't mesh with the old ones. If you are a gardener returning to your same plot, you are still there. Only the number has changed. If you are a new gardener or have changed plots, be sure to check the list and plot map to see where you are. The plot map is not entirely to scale, but you should be able to figure things out. I have also hung a plot map and list of gardeners in the garden on the shed bulletin board for people to check.

Blog: The garden now has a blog. I will be posting the State of the Garden emails there. All gardeners are invited to comment, discuss, join, and add their own posts. Those who are more tech savvy than me may find other interesting ways to use it. Check it out. The address is easy: winonacommunitygarden.blogspot.com 

New Gardeners: Sunday, April 17, 1:30, I will be holding a new gardener orientation. Bring your questions! Find out specifically where your plot is! Learn the combination to the shed lock! And more! Everyone is invited, but people new to the community garden and their mentors are especially encouraged to come.

Opening Work Day Sunday, May 1, 1:00: Mark your calendars. Preliminary agenda includes spreading newspapers and wood chips on the shed/table area and improving the compost situation. More details later. This date is later than in past years, but the spring is so cool, and we don't have major construction to accomplish (yay!), that I think it will be fine. If your fingers are itching to get in the dirt earlier than May 1, go for it.

Vole Update: Wayne has been hard at work trying to disinvite them. Besides trapping several bucketloads of them, he has lined the bottom of the compost bins, both above and below ground, with hail cloth. Research that he has done suggests that cultivating the soil discourages them, raised beds encourage them. Encouraging predators (hawks, owls, snakes, etc.) may help some. But I fear the voles are winning at this point. I will post other suggestions as I learn of them.

Wish list: Early in the season I hope to have straw available for mulching all the plots. If you have access to a truck, trailer or other hauling-type vehicle, let me know. We can get straw fairly cheaply from a farm in Money Creek but we have to pick it up.

Plots available: There are a few half plots and flower strips available for adoption. If you have a friend who is interested, have them contact me, 454-5587 or mnherbster@ gmail.com

AND: If you have not registered and paid for 2011, please do so ASAP, before the garden gnome comes to haunt you.