Community Garden News

It is said “that one of the healthiest ways to gamble is with a packet of seeds and a spade”, and this probably sums up winter gardening!

However, our broad beans, garlic, celery, leeks, kale and brussel sprouts are looking pretty good…not too sure about some of the other brassica’s, who have again been the feasting centre for some nasty chompers. This is where Neem oil has entered into our lives, and I would highly recommend it to gardeners having a problem with leave eating bugs .It is a natural product, so doesn’t compromise health or organic growth: it is effective against –aphids, thrips , whitefly mealybug, scale and mites, and sucking insects. Neem granules are reported to be good for the soil, as well as acting as a pesticide and discouraging pests such as nematodes, grass grubs, root mealybugs and carrot flies .It can even increase the weight of earthworms! A good ally for the garden.

The Survey

Thanks to those of you who managed to complete our survey at the Medical Centre. Responses indicate that we are planting the right stuff, which is good.

Perhaps we should clarify that we do not have capacity to grow fruit, and that we have found that while growing we have grown herbs well, they have not lasted well when sitting in the Larder…not sure how commercial growers manage the “eternally fresh” look , but if you have any thoughts we are open to planting more herbs.

We will certainly grow chillies and eggplant next summer, as requested, and turnips next winter. These are crops that we have wondered about, and are pleased that they have appeared on people’s wish list.

Just a wee comment on tomatoes, cucumber and zucchini…there were requests for more of these. We will plant more of this next summer as they are popular, however, they are summer crops and as our produce is seasonal and fresh from the garden, these crops are not available via the Community Garden through the winter months.

We have noted the desire for kumara, and have started to prepare our patch for spring planting. Likewise with pumpkins. Gardens can be fickle…last year we had a great pumpkin crop: this year just a couple of butter nuts….that’s the gamble of gardening.

Many thanks to the anonymous donor of the lettuce plants and coriander…will advise as soon as the coriander is harvested so you can leap down to the Larder! The lettuce is planted and cosy under cover to keep it warm!