Community Garden News 

Well summer is now here and with it comes zucchinis growing into marrows, heaps of tomatoes, finally turning red, cucumbers, peppers and delicious beans. As requested in our survey, we have planted chillies, which are just forming and aubergine…also forming, so not too far away. The corn is about to be harvested and at last our kumaras are looking hopeful. 

We have had a good supply of lettuce, but unfortunately with gardeners on holiday etc. we lost a few of our last rotation…they really do need frequent and deep watering, and somehow we just slipped up at the crucial moment. However, fear not…we have another planter full going in this week! We have had good secondary growth from our broccoli: not large heads, but nice little bunches, ideal for salalds.

Wind and heat are certainly the great hazards of summer and in most cases deep watering is the answer. However, it is also important to ensure that plants have “breathing space”, and this may including trimming back some foliage to allow airflow and to prevent the spread of fungal disease. It is far better to water the roots of the plant, than the leaves. 

Unfortunately, at the Community Garden we do not really have the facility to drip feed/water the roots that time, daily attention, and water control may give to the home gardener. However, that said we do a pretty good job and have some great “watering volunteers” to ensure we have one or two good harvests every week.

We would be keen to apply some form of mulch, which would mitigate the dryness issue to some degree, so if anyone has access to good mulching material, we would be interested to know if they are prepared to donate some to the Garden. We await the day when luscious pea straw is once again an option!

Since writing this we have had a total outdoor water ban imposed, so although all of the above applies and is relevant, those without bores or tanks need to be mindful. Suggest a bowl in the sink to collect incidental water and a bucket in the shower…then a safe and slow trip to the neediest plants!

We are working through watering options for the Community Garden, including some generous options of donated bore water…will report on results next month!