The Colgate Community Garden is up and running for the 2016 season! Over the past two weeks, we’ve been getting busy at the Garden to make sure that it is in tip-top shape for the huge plans we have for the summer months ahead. We are so excited to share with you all that is happening here!
As the last frost date passed last week, we are busy planting away our tender and very tender veggies! In the ground so far we have potatoes, radishes, lettuce, peas, turnips, carrots, beets, beans, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, cucumber, zucchini, squash, and tomatoes, oh my! We have Sam Stradling of the Hamilton Food Cupboard to thank for starting to grow so many of our plants. In the next few weeks we should start seeing some produce and by the end of June we hope to be selling that produce at our Farm Stand! Until then we will be passing our time weeding away…
Many of our Community Plot Members have started planting in their raised beds and we are seeing some promising results! Pictured is one member's’ beautiful grid design with some sprouting lettuce and arugula. Also pictured are our potato towers. Layered with dirt and potatoes and lined with hay, these vertical gardens are easy to set-up, maintain, and harvest!
Additionally, we are eagerly anticipating the groundbreaking for Good Nature Brewery’s new brewery and hops farm next door! To make way for their building and operations we have relocated our shed and are creating a new entrance on what is now the back-end of the Garden. Construction should begin within the next few weeks and we are excited to see the progress!
As we pull weed after weed in the Garden, we can’t help but think how wonderful it would be to have some more hands! We would love for volunteers to come help with planting, prepping, watering, and harvesting (or just for a tour!) during our Open Hours, every Tuesday from 12-2pm and Thursdays from 4:30-6:30pm. Our first work party is also coming up on June 7th from 5-7pm; food and drinks will be provided for helping hands. We cannot wait to see you all, whether it be gardening, or munching on veggies at the Farm Stand. Happy planting!