Health & Fitness
Community Garden Update
Even though the Kentucky Derby is weeks away, we are off to the races at the Maplewood-Richmond Heights Community Garden
We are off to the races at the Maplewood-Richmond Heights Community Garden.
Some gardeners are obviously hoping to have the first ripe tomato---an annual contest sponsored by Richmond Heights Garden Club. About half (10 out of 21) of the plots in the Community Garden have been prepared and planted.
The photos show the progress. Plot #4 has not been started yet. It is still overgrown with winter weeds like hen bit. Too bad the weeds are not edible!Plot #18 has had all of its crabby grasses and winter weeds pulled. The soil has been "turned" and a thick layer of mulch (supplied to the gardeners from a site nearby) put down. This plot is ready for some soil amendments like cow manure and peat moss. Many gardeners are substituting coconut husks as the peat moss is a non-renewable resource. Plot #14 is an example of "square foot gardening".
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The plot is divided by string into one square foot sections. Seeds or plants will be spaced accordingly, e.g., 4 cucumber plants or one tomato plant per section. For more information go to squarefootgardening.org.
Plot #13 has been planted. It includes marigolds (to repel some insects and nematodes), broccoli, cauliflower, green pepper, and tomatoes. The tomato varieties are "Lemon Boy", "Big Boy", "Better Boy", "Early Girl", "Pink Girl", "Red Beefsteak", and "Heinz Classic Heirloom Catchup Tomato".
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Plot #15 includes radishes, kale, lettuces, and sugar snap peas, all direct sown. The peas were planted on St Patrick's Day and are barely out of the ground. The eggplant, Asian squash, rosemary, oregano, sage, and garlic chives are container grown.
The last plot mentioned is near the "tractor gate" to the community garden and is not covered by wire mesh at the bottom. A rabbit crept into the community garden already and has eaten some of the seedlings.
This may be the "Year of the Rabbit" as our generally mild winter did not deplete their numbers---expect a population explosion this Spring. If you have a rabbit story to share, post it in the comments section and Happy Gardening!