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