Monstrous Zucchini

In case you missed the last post, we have produce!  I was excited about the zucchini last week, namely in that they existed.  Then when they were slightly neglected for a couple days I was even more excited to figure out that the ones I had been picking previously were just babies in comparison to how they can get!

The cilantro is going crazy, so despite harvesting it and some onion you can't even tell.  The learning lesson of the week was that basil needs to be harvested before it flowers (we're not too late, it's okay) and that you actually trim it down so there are only a couple leaves remaining.  Those leaves will then be the new growth.  So if you notice that the basil looks quite sad right now, take heart in those little green leaves starting to sprout out.  They will recover and there will be even more.

Happy veggie face

The unruly squash 

 Look at those tomatoes go, and this was a week ago

The rest of the garden.  The A-frame is where our little friend below was found

Meet our first baby pumpkin

As there is getting to be more produce there has also been more exploration into what to do with these things.  I mean, who can use an entire grocery bag full of basil.  Even with distributing it around town there is lots left over (which means you really ought to come on out and grab some yourself, and tell all of your friends).   So, for some fun storing and cooking ideas:

Basil cubes:

Basil
Olive oil
Water

Place basil in a food processor with a bit of olive oil (I just drizzled it on top).  Blend until pureed.  Add water as needed and continue to blend until it forms a paste.  Place this in an ice cube tray and put into the freezer.  When well frozen place the basil cubes in a plastic bag for storage.  These can then be used any time in sauces (spaghetti, whatever), soups, dips, etc.


Zucchini pasta
Diced zucchini
Spaghetti sauce
Green onion
Spinach
Basil cube (see above, or fresh if available)
Olive oil

Use all of the above to taste.

Place olive oil in large pan over high heat.  When hot add zucchini, green onion, spinach and basil.  Cook until softened, stirring nearly constantly.  Add spaghetti sauce and heat until warm.  Serve.


Veggie egg scramble
Any veggies you have including but not limited to:
tomato
zucchini
broccoli
cauliflower
onion
spinach
yellow, red, orange or green pepper
2-3 eggs
olive oil (or other cooking oil)
salt and pepper to taste

Put a dallop of oil in frying pan with high heat.  When hot add vegetables.  Cook until softened.  If somewhat watery (as from tomato juices) drain.  Add eggs and continue to cook over med-high heat stirring often until egg is cooked through.  Add salt and pepper to taste.


Okay okay, I admit the recipes are quite similar.  No actual amounts, essentially stir-frying the veggies and then adding something else.  What can I say, it's easy, delicious and healthy.  You can also try the standard stir-frying of your veggies of choice, then adding some hot peppers, salsa, and even some mexican spices for a more southern taste.


Alright, are you convinced to come check it out yet?  Or want to help?  Here's what you could do:

- Pull weeds or grass from around plants or edges of the cardboard
- Continue to guide the squashes and pumpkins up the trellises and away from other plants
- Tether up the tomato plants again
- Fertilize
- Gather produce!  Take it home, distribute it, eat healthy
- Bring your kids to show them everything growing.  Bring them again, and again to keep watching the process
- Keep an eye out for bulletin boards around town.  Let us know where you see them and we'll make sure a peds patch ad gets put up
- Help deliver produce to organizations around town including The Banquet and Lutheran Social Services
- If you know of other organizations that would accept produce and help distributing it let us know and we will make arrangements with them
- Tell your friends.  We are still working very hard to get the word out and spread interest.


As always feel free to come by any time.  If you want company just let us know and we'll do our best to meet you out there.  If you see some tasks you would like to take on, but have questions about or need equipment (twine, fertilizer, whatever) again just let us know of your interest and we'll hook you up and show you how.  If you have other ideas on how to make the garden a success please share, we are always looking to improve.

Contact us any time you need by commenting here or e-mail at sfneighborhoodgarden@gmail.com

Herbs and onion, ready for the taking

The first bits and pieces are ready to be harvested.  There is basil coming in steadily, as well as cilantro and onions.  There are some lemon-y herbs, chamomile and some sugar-substitute (apparently the leaves are really sweet) which only need a week or so to get themselves better established, but then leaves can be plucked from them as well.  The squash plants are coming along nicely and some are actually getting big but I haven't seen any actual squash yet.  The cucumbers (by the trellis in the northeast corner) are still needing some babying but I think they'll come back.

Things to do:
- Weed.  This will be the big task for the immediate time being.  Anything that looks like grass can go, and anything that looks like it shouldn't be there.  If you have questions, ask.  I'd be happy to go over it with you, meet you out there, whatever.
- Water.  Every now and then when we start to have less rain this will be a bigger task.  There are drip hoses set up, but some spots still need to be sprayed with the hose.
- Weedwack.  We even have a weedwacker, just need someone willing to operate it.  We really just need to get around the perimeter to keep the grass under control and the place looking nice.
 - Harvest herbs. As mentioned above, some of these are ready.  They will continue to get big, so we need to be careful not to take too much, but some can certainly be taken.  If you have suggestions of what to do with them please share!  I'm thinking pesto and drying them, but don't really know what else.

As always, feel free to comment on the website or e-mail if you have questions or want to set up a time to meet with others.  Tell your friends, neighbors, or anyone else who may be interested about the garden and just stop by some time to check it out.  I'll be there Saturday at 11 as well.

 Basil

Cilantro

 Chives

 French Tarragon

Sage

The sweet plant.  :)  I think you eat the leaves like sugar. 

German chamomile 

 Lemon!  It smells amazing.

 Unidentifiable squash.  It's a mystery....

 Onion.  Yum.  Come and get it.

How the garden grows

 This year's layout.  Row 1 is the one on the left of the picture, and row 6 on the right.

Unknown squash.  It is fungus-y, but as you can see it is still growing.

 Basil!  Pesto, here we come.

 The tomatoes are getting so big.  There is even a blossom on one.

 A row of peppers.  I think they are red, or orange or some other color.

Another type of squash.  We may need to wait a while to figure out what kind.  Butternut, summer squash, or zucchini. . . . .

There's just a couple of eggplants.

 Lots of onions.

Baby pumpkins.  Hard to believe how big they will be in a few weeks.

Let the 2014 Season Begin

Welcome back!

So lot's has happened, without updates.  For those who may be wondering, the very quick synopsis of last year would be that the garden made a ton of produce with the majority donated to Lutheran Social Services and the Ronald McDonald House.  This year our goal is to get greater community involvement and establish relationships with The Banquet and other organizations that can distribute the excess to families who may not otherwise have much access to fresh veggies, and to try to get some kids involved.

 To fill in the most important and exciting things, the garden is getting started for the year.  Most everything is planted and things are coming up.  It is fairly different design from last year with rows the length of the garden.  There are 6 rows, and I will refer to them by number with 1 being the northern-most and 6 the southern (closest to the house).  We are using a weed fabric and cardboard boxes to help keep down on the invasive grass and weeds.  I am happy to say that it has all stayed organic.  Don't be surprised, however, when you get there and there are cardboard boxes along all of the aisles.  This is to keep that darn grass under control.  They may get a bit fragile when wet, but are fairly hardy when dry.  The rocks are there to keep them from blowing around, but should you notice some escapees please feel free to put them back and weigh them down again.

With all the rain this season we have had a return of the squash-y fungus.  It has infected all of the various squashes, pumpkin and cucumber thus far.  We treated it once, and will again shortly and are happy to announce that it is still growing well and seems to be improving so I am optimistic we can get a hold on it.  All of this rain is great to keep down on the watering that needs to be done, but those darn squash are not happy about it, as I suspect that is why this fungus has started.

The tomatoes are thriving, they are happy to have been out there for several days now.  The peppers too are getting themselves established.  There are lots of both!  There are some herbs coming up on the southern-most row, with a bunch of basil, cilantro and some that are as of yet unidentified.

There are some carrots popping up their little heads along the edge of rows 2 and 3 (next to the aisle) however it does seem as though some of those were washed away.

The to-do's for the week (and things that you are welcome to help with should you stop by):
- Pulling grass from in any of the rows, particularly near the carrots on the edges of rows 2 and 3
- Uncovering the herbs in row 6 should the mulch wash into the holes where plants are
- Pulling large weeds along the perimeter, both in and out of the fence, and putting them in the tupperware
- As tomato plants get taller we will be weaving twine between them for support

We will be making a point of having someone there Saturday morning around 11 should you prefer to work with others or under some direction.  Please feel free to contact us through comments here, our e-mail at sfneighborhoodgarden@gmail.com or via our facebook page under Sioux Falls Neighborhood Garden.

Really, start making fresh vegetables part of your daily diet

There are tons of things growing in the garden now, it is really quite exciting.  Thus, please come help yourself!  One of the tomato plants has new ripe little orange tomatoes almost daily, and the squash are coming to size quickly too.  There is lots of lettuce.  It is a bit bitter, however when put in a salad with tomatoes, chickpeas, and some curried squash it is amazing.  The radish greens are also great in the same salad.  There's radishes ready too, and the eggplants just came out this weekend. The eggplants are ready to be harvested when they shine in the sun rather than being dull.  The cucumbers are loving the trellis and there's lots of ones getting close to harvest, they will be ready in days.  Like the squash the eggplant and cucumbers should be cut off with garden shears or scissors.  Come on by and check it out, and enjoy.  There are baby watermelon and gourds too, and itty bitty pumpkins starting to grow too, if you want to see something kind of cute.

 Happy cucumbers on their trellis

 Baby watermelon

 The start of a pumpkin

Eggplants!

Come and get 'em!

We have vegetables!  Maybe not tons, but certainly some.  There are new summer squash every day, and the occasional cucumber too.  The summer squash are ready when they are 6-8 inches long and a few inches in diameter.  They ought to be cut off up at the top so that more can grow in their place.  The lettuce is also ready for harvest.  With that lettuce all you need to do is cut the leaves off at the base and then they will continue to regrow for the rest of summer.  If you want to help out around the place the biggest to-dos are pulling up weeds, especially tall ones.  The grass is growing along the pathways which is fine, but as it tries to creep into the beds it needs to be pulled.  As do any tall weeds as those are not so visually appealing, and the place needs to be kept somewhat pretty.  The same goes for tall weeds along the perimeter, both in and outside the fence.   These need to keep being pulled so that the place looks nice.

  Summer Squash

   Lettuce

  Cucumbers

  Tomatoes

There's vegetables!

Since the last update there has been tons of growth, all over the place.  I can't believe how much can change in a week or two, or even on a daily basis.  Today was an exciting one, as there are now itty bitty squash starting to grow on some of the plants.  We are also fortunate enough to As far as puttering around please feel welcome to whenever you want.  There are not a ton of weeds in the beds, however the grass keeps creeping up the sides and getting into them.  There's a weed pile on the side that you can just add them too, I'll take care of that as it gets bigger.  With these hot days feel free to turn on the hose and water it too, there's a sprinkler that works quite well for the middle and most of the perimeter beds have at least some soaker hose.  There's a handle for the hose too, usually just floating around on the paths or near the fence, that can be used to get those hard-to-reach places.  Just be careful dragging the hose around so it doesn't take out the plants, they're still pretty fragile.  Stop by to check it out, but until you do here is a little preview:

 Lettuce

 Baby squash

 Herbs (I'd almost given up on them, maybe the seeds didn't all get washed away)

 Broccoli - it really took off after a slow start

 Pumpkin (I think)

Those squash-bearing beauties from a distance

And there is one other exciting update.  We have a sign!  So in case you needed a formal invitation, here it is:

A bit hard to read in this picture, but it says "Welcome to the Peds Patch Neighborhood Garden"

Pumpkins popping up

If you've stopped by recently you will notice there are new changes every day.  I can't believe how fast some of these things grow.  Today it was pumpkins and more squash popping up, and some watermelon too I think.  Anyone know why the squash aren't so happy with us?  I'm thinking it might be watering from above, and now there are some soaker hoses around them so hopefully they will like that more.  At least, until I have a chance to figure out what else they may be needing.  Things are growing so well that there is now a new task to add to the contributions list:  thinning out the plants.  This will be particularly important for the beets, carrots, squash (on the southeast corner) and pumpkins as there are a whole bunch popping up in the same area and there will never be space for them all to grow there.  This seems like one of the harder jobs, because I am so excited to see the new plants that I don't want to pull any of them out, even if I know that it is in the best interest for the garden.  So, if you have less empathy for the plants please come on over and pull some out.  As always, if you have questions, suggestions, concerns or just want to say hi send an e-mail. I'd be happy to set up a time to meet people at the garden this weekend if you're looking for company to work in it.  Take care and enjoy the sun, looks like summer is finally here.

We're even MORE famous!

Did anyone read the Sunday paper this week?  If so, did you see the great article about the garden?  Or maybe you are looking at this page because you found out about the garden from the article.  In that case, welcome!  Has anyone stopped by lately?  Some of the things are growing like crazy, and there's literally new stuff popping up every day.  Just this weekend the beets, spinach, lettuce, pumpkins and wax beans starting peaking out.  It is so exciting.  If you want to help out, the rest of the tomato plants (the tallest ones along the north and east borders) need to be gently tied to supports.  So far sticks have done the trick, but if you want to use something else that's fine too.  Weeding is the ongoing task, mostly in the paths right now or along the base of the beds so they don't start creeping up and into them.  That's it, not much to do at the moment.  The biggest thing is to come on out and wander around frequently to see how things are changing by the day.

We're famous!

In case you didn't know, we're sort of famous in Sioux Falls.  Okay, famous might be the wrong word, but there was an article about the garden in one of the free magazines distributed in town (ETC for her) and we are going to be in the Argus Leader on Sunday.

The garden is doing great.  The tomato plants still look a tad wilted but they are getting stronger every day and I am much more hopeful about them.  The peppers too for that matter.  New things are popping up every day too.  I just noticed some baby beets and carrots and more broccoli.  The cucumber and squash are getting much bigger leaves too.  Stop on by and check it out.

Wondering what you can do to be involved?  If you want to get dirty come on by and weed.  The most important areas are the beds themselves, and the edges right around them so that the weeds don't creep on up.  There is some grass in the beds too that can get pulled out.  Another big one is going to be making trellises.  Anyone know how?  We could use a few.  The tomato plants also need to be supported, either tying them to a stake or big stick or getting some kind of cage around them.  As always, spread the word so that people know the garden exists and where it is (17th and Lake, just north of the Sanford Cancer Center and behind a little blue house, in case you forgot).  Oh, and if you want to plant something that isn't there give a holler and we'll see what we can do.  There is a place or two we may be able to squeeze something in, but would really like to discuss it first so we can ensure that all the plants will still have the proper amount of space and light when they get big.

Cucumbers

Broccoli

Peppers

Tomato

Squash

Milk cartons or coffee cans anyone?

Anybody have gallon milk (or other liquid) cartons or empty coffee cans?  We could sure use them to protect the tomatoes and peppers a bit.  This wind is taking a toll on them.  Despite having been kept outside for a while prior to being transplanted the seedlings are having a hard time transitioning to the more open garden and the elements.  So if you have any containers that you can get rid of we would love to use them around the plants.  They would need to have the bottom and top cut off and then can just be slipped over the seedlings.  Another big help would be if someone could water the garden earlier in the day.  There is a sprinkler, hose, and handheld sprayer in the garden.  If the wind cooperates the entire garden can be watered at once with the sprinkler in the middle, but if it is like today it might need to be done in a couple chunks.  Please be careful with the hose though, making sure it isn't running over areas where fragile little plants are coming up.  The fence is also pretty wimpy as it is only intended to keep out bunnies, so please run the hose through the bottom of it rather than over the top.  And always, if you want to weed come on out.  There are more broccoli and carrots by the day, and the squash and cucumber plants are noticeably bigger than they were even a few days ago.  Come on by and check out the changes.  As always, if you have any comments, questions or suggestions please feel free to leave them on the webpage.  Oh, and if you water the garden please leave a comment stating so as well so that others know it has been done.

It's planted!

The exciting news of the day is that the entire garden is planted.  The tomatoes were getting antsy to have more space, though admittedly I'm still a bit nervous about how they're going to do on their own.  The peppers looked pretty fragile too, but I suspect they are more hardy than I give them credit for.  Of note, the garden has been carefully planned so that there is enough space for each of the plants as they grow up, so please do not plant anything else.  Pictures will be coming, but while you wait think of this as an incentive to stop by and check out the changes.  Thanks to everyone who has inquired as to how they can help out.  Since everything is in we are now essentially waiting for weeds to pop up and pulling them out when they do so.  Feel free to partake!  If there are others at the garden when you stop by take the chance to introduce yourself.  As we are starting to see plants, and getting excited about the garden actually coming to fruition, I want to emphasize that there is no individual ownership of anything in it, rather that the entire garden is to be maintained and cared for by everyone and that the produce will be first come first serve to whomever wants it, whether or not they have worked in the garden.  One of the major goals of the project is to involve the community in urban agriculture and the process of growing food.  It is about the journey as much as the destination, maybe even more so.  If you have kids or grandkids or nieces or nephews or neighbor kids or know of any other kids who might be interested please bring them by to check out the garden and see everything popping up and growing.

Cucumber, squash and broccoli, oh my!

So it's official, the plants are growing!  The compost is completely spread too, which is another HUGE step.  It's now time to wait and see how the plot withstands these thunderstorms we're supposed to get the next day or two.  The beds have been holding up relatively well with the rain we've been getting, but now with another layer of loose soil on top there could be some more runoff again.  Which is why we're waiting to put the rest of the seeds in, lest they get washed away too.  The tomato and pepper plants have been getting used to the outdoors though, and seem to be doing great.  They are getting pretty big and I can't wait to move them to the garden.  Pictures to come, but until then stop by and come check out the little plants, they're kind of cute.  There isn't a whole lot to be done right now, but as always if you notice some weeds (or grass as the case may be) popping up in the beds feel free to pull them out.  The plants we want are growing nicely in rows or small groups as indicated by the markers.  As always, if you have any questions, suggestions, or concerns feel free to comment on the blog or e-mail at sfneighborhoodgarden@gmail.com

It's planted. . . partially

Well, the compost did come today.  Lots of it.  Lots and lots.  As did the advice from several people that things need to get planted soon, since it does look like warm weather may be here to stay.  Ah!  That means lots of work.  Thank goodness there have also been lots of e-mails with interest in helping.

Did I mention we have a lot of compost?  Thanks a ton to the people who helped spread it out tonight.  We made it through about half of the pile and have covered all the areas of the garden that we need to.  There is still a ton left though so the plan is to add more to the areas that are not yet planted.

The areas that are planted are the west side and the southwest triangle, so those need to be left alone.  Unless you notice weeds and feel like pulling them out, in which case, please do!  The rows that are planted will have a marker at each end.

Current ways to contribute: Bring your own shovel (and wheelbarrow) or share with others.

Add compost to the following areas to a total depth of 6-10 inches:

• North side (the perimeter rectangle, away from the hospital) - this area already seems built up, but that isn't all from compost, so expect it to be a good 6 inches higher than the rest of the garden
• South side
• East side
• All the 1/4 circles in the middle
• Northwest, northeast and southeast triangles

Rake it even, being careful to keep a path in between areas.

Feel free to take off the mesh green fence to get wheelbarrows and such in, but please put it back when you are done so that bunnies can't get in (hopefully).

(North is up on this picture)

Please leave a comment after you have worked in the garden letting people know what you did so that others don't go back and do the same thing.  Of note, if you need compost please feel free to take some, it looks like we've got a fair amount leftover.  Getting rid of that pile is also on the list of to-dos. 

Lastly, it is highly encouraged that people leave comments regarding when they are going to be at the garden and what equipment they might be able to bring so that others can coordinate to join you and possibly share tools.  There is currently no storage at the site so no gardening tools can be provided.  If you have questions please e-mail sfneighborhoodgarden@gmail.com

It's starting to look like a garden

Things continue to fall into place.  The garden did get tilled last weekend.  The city of Sioux Falls has offered to deliver free compost to the garden site which is scheduled to happen tomorrow.  So if you stop by, be prepared to see a massive mound in front.  Ah, but I'm getting ahead of myself.  Upon visiting the site the first difference, as mentioned above, is that it is tilled.  Secondly, there is now a critter fence up around it, and once the last little portion is in place (which will happen after the compost is spread out) it should be sufficiently bunny-proof.  Sanford has been gracious enough to let us borrow some soaker hoses, so we might actually be good on supplies for watering.  They've also given permission to use some basic gardening equipment, which is also appreciated.  Finally, there may be more people around the site, as the word is getting out.  There have been responses both from a flier sent out at Sanford and those around the community, as well as people contacting us after hearing from a friend.  Thanks everyone, keep talking.  Each day the plot is looking more and more like a garden.

If you want to help out feel free to stop by or contact us at sfneighborhoodgarden@gmail.com.  The next major task is going to be spreading out the compost over the entire garden.  There are already some bitty weeds peaking up on the paths so those will need to be taken care of.  Expect it to be another week or two before things get planted, it's still getting chilly at night even if that is hard to forget on a day like today.  Any thoughts and suggestions on what, when and how to plant veggies would also be appreciated.

What an exciting day!

Big news today.  We have a tiller!  This may seem basic but it's thrilling. Renting one, and getting it there and back, were becoming quite problematic, and that is without considering that I've no experience with one and am not exactly what you would call mechanically inclined.  So, while spreading the word today I was ecstatic  to find someone who not only has one, and knows how to use it, but is willing to bring it right to the plot for us to borrow (and may even till it herself with her kiddo, which is great - that's what this garden is about).  So this weekend, or the beginning of next week, it will be tilled and stuff will be ready to go in.  The broccoli is getting so antsy that it can't come soon enough.  Everything else is still in the making.  It's exciting to know that the city will also deliver compost, so that is another huge hassle eliminated.    It is so exciting to see things fall into place.  What was just an expanse of dirt last week will be a garden by next.  Granted the plants need some time to come up, but you get the idea.  It's also fun to see others get excited about it too, and jumping at the bit to do what they can to help out.  I can't wait to see where this is going to go.  It's like standing at the top of a hill getting ready to roll a snowball down, knowing the gist of what will happen but not really sure how big it will be or what it will look like when it gets to the bottom  This is picking up momentum and it's exhilarating.

And it's laid out

The big accomplishment of the day has been to rope off all the sections of the garden.  It is no longer just a thought in my head but plotted out!  And there is now at least a small pile of compost that can be worked into the soil, hopefully tomorrow if it is dry enough.  We'll see how much can get done in one day before the rains come.  Alright, so here it is.  You can't get a good view of it in the picture, so feel free to stop on by and see the real thing.  If we're there working say hi, or join in if you'd like.

Plotting (pun intended) and testing

The perimeter is staked out, and finally a more formal plan of what is going where is almost in place.  I've still got a few questions to ask some more experienced gardeners over the weekend to decide for sure how much of what to plan for, but the outline is at least created.  The perimeter has been marked too, which makes it much more easy to visualize.  Tomorrow when it's light I'll have a chance to actually diagram it out in the dirt.  Speaking of dirt, that got tested today too.  It's a bit alkaline, and fertilizer will need to be added to get the nutrients up where they need to be.  It was kind of fun to feel like I was back in chemistry with the mixing and waiting and checking against a color scale.