Harvest time at Community Garden

You could be forgiven for thinking that not a lot is happening in the Community Garden at the moment.  However, some of our planter boxes are simply having a well-earned rest after a summer of abundance, and the winter plantings are setting in for their rather lengthier growing times. Compost, lime and other soil rejuvenators are at work, including some rather delicious pomace (grape pulp) thanks to Alexander Vineyard. 

We are till harvesting plenty of silver beet, kale and spinach, and the brussel sprouts continue to produce. We delivered a good harvest of pumpkins and butternuts to the Larder, and plan to plant a greater variety next growing season; with the addition of kumara…a hard patch is being developed to ensure we have a good planting base.

Work has begun to attempt to produce “Soup Bags” as the winter sets in. A few pesky beasts have thwarted initial efforts, but rapid re-sowings are looking more positive. Keep an eye on their arrival at the Larder.

Many thanks to the couple who donated the wire mesh planter covers; they have been put to good use protecting the carrot, parsnip and beetroot seedlings. The smaller covers have been successfully put to use as protection for the next generation of beans, potted up by keen young gardeners who are excited to see the fruits of their work…you can never start too young!

Huge thanks also to Chris Cassels and her partner Graeme who have donated and erected two large netted “rooms”. These will provide perfect protection for blueberries and raspberries, and for next summer’s tomatoes…there is talk of gooseberries and other goodies that require protection. If you have any favourites, why not come along and share your ideas.

As growth and planting slows the gardening hours have been reduced to 10am -12 noon Wednesdays and every third Sunday. 

Weather permitting, we generally boil the billy for a cup of tea following a gardening session, and as we have now acquired a couple of benches we can actually sit, reflect on our work and plan ahead after a busy gardening session. Feel free to join us we are keen to have new ideas and provide assistance to beginners.

Perhaps, our success of the month is the story of one of our regular gardeners who came to the garden as a complete novice. She arrived at the garden couple of weeks ago, really excited as she had eaten her first home grown spinach for dinner the previous evening. So, just as it never too early to start…it never too late either!!

On that note… we have planned some events for the winter months, to keep you inspired, and to bring you to the Community Garden to learn, participate and to share your knowledge…save these dates. (Details on our Facebook page and around town nearer the dates.)

June 17 – Garlic planting and midwinter get together

July 15 – Strawberry Planting and children’s day

August 19 – Compost Day

September 16 – New Season Kick Off

October 14 – Scarecrow Making

Remember… gardening is cheaper than therapy ….and you get tomatoes!

Debbie Yates