From the Windsor Farm:
Friends and farmers,
The rain might have slowed us down but we need for things to grow!
This Sunday, while it was raining, I met with a group that is sort of the steering committee for this project: Jay Smith, Margaret Mauganest, Peter Kellman and Oren Yaniv. Together we came up with some clear ideas of where we’re going and a schedule. We evaluated the soil test results, which show that we have the heavy metals problems that practically all Brooklyn soils have and confirmed our hunch that we would need to do some massive soil improvement.
So the first step is to make compost and turn it into the soil before planting. In my previous email about composting I sent out the schedule for people to drop off kitchen waste: EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY AT 6 PM, STARTING THIS SUNDAY. THIS WED. AT 6 OREN WILL GIVE AN ORIENTATION SESSION ON COMPOSTING METHODS. EVERYONE WHO WANTS TO DELIVER COMPOST SHOULD COME.
There’s lots more work to be done to ready the site for planting. We concluded that by the end of May we would be able to get things planted, a bit late in the season but not too late to have some fresh food this summer.
Mark your calendars:
SUNDAY, MAY 2, 2-6 PM — We need a group of adults to help cut down some trees, haul logs and burn some calories. RSVP if you plan to come. For safety’s sake, no kids.
SUNDAY, MAY 9, 2-6 PM — Everyone welcome to continue clearing and organizing.
SUNDAY, MAY 16, 2-6 PM — Invasive Species Elimination Day, especially for kids. Bring gloves. Learn how weed!
SUNDAY, MAY 23, 12-6 PM — LAND RECLAMATION DAY. We’ll sift soil, mix in new soil, lay out and prepare areas for planting.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED:
At least two trained, experienced composters to help with compost drop-off and care.
Someone to pick up and transport horse manure from the stables
Hearty adults for May 2 tree work (2-6 pm)
Let me know at tangotti@nyc.rr.com.
WE ALSO NEED:
A wood chipper
Sand
THANKS SO MUCH to Jay, Margaret, Peter and Oren for their great ideas and contributions. Thanks for Astri for working on the mailing list. Thanks to the many other folks I surely forgot to mention. Thanks to everyone for your enthusiasm and support.
Tom
Please note - the 4th st community garden is not collecting compost for a few weeks, but the Windsor Farm is - it would be great if people brought food scraps over to the farm Wed and Sun evenings.