Goals and Challenges

At our first garden meetings (Fall and Winter 2007-2008), we identified three major goals: learning, community, and if we were very lucky, we’d also end up with some food. We have actually achieved all of these goals … and it’s only August! We have had some challenges along the way and the following summary is the result of a recent meeting to discuss and come up with some workable solutions:

Watering

Schedule: twice daily for 30 minutes per watering, preferably between 7-9 am and 7-9 pm.

Method: turn on the drip system – work in the garden for the 30 minute watering cycle – monitor the drip system for leaks and report leaks to Rick or Joan - hand water plants that are clearly in need of extra water -

Volunteers: the following individuals have volunteered - we are seeking more volunteers to even out the workload as well as to fill the vacant slots – let Joan know which days/times you can cover:

Monday mornings: Jane (Aug 4, 11, 18); Allison (Aug 25)
Monday evenings: Julie M.

Tuesday mornings: Allison
Tuesday evenings: Joan

Wednesday mornings: Joan
Wednesday evenings: Melanie (Aug 6); Joan (Aug 13, 20, 27)

Thursday mornings: Allison
Thursday evenings: Melanie (Aug 7); Joan (Aug 14); _______ (Aug 21); Joan (Aug 28)

Friday mornings: Allison
Friday evenings: Melanie (Aug 8); Joan (Aug 15); ________ (Aug 22, 29)

Saturday mornings: Jane (Aug 9, 16); Becky (Aug 23, 30)
Saturday evenings: Melanie (Aug 9); Rick (Aug 16); ______ (Aug 23, 30)

Sunday mornings: Jane (Aug 10); Joan (Aug 17, 24, 31)
Sunday evenings: Rick & Joan (Aug 10); Julie M (Aug 17, 24, 31)

Vegetables, Trees, and Water Bill
Not all of our vegetables and trees were thriving. Having enough water has been a major factor. The challenge has been that we have also had a huge increase in the water bill. Our goal is to divert water to the vegetables and trees that are doing well – therefore increasing the chances of their producing food. Here is what we decided:

For those who are able: please increase your pledge or send a donation to help with the cost of watering the garden – any amount would be helpful – checks should be sent to the church and made out to “First Unitarian Church” – please indicate in the note that your donation is to help with the costs of “watering the garden”.

Decisions on what to continue watering:
Pumpkins; Beans; Peppers; All Herbs; Zucchini; Carrots;
Cucumbers; Flowers; Tomatoes (all); Plum tree; Onions; Plant in the planter; Sunflowers; Pear tree; Apricot trees; Compost; Chard; Broccoli Rabe (raised bed)

Decisions on what to STOP watering (Allison has removed):
Broccoli; Radishes; Cantaloupe; Cabbage; Beets; Honey Dew

Additional Actions have also been taken:

• Disconnect drip system to the "STOP watering" vegetables – Rick and Allison
• Divert this water to the trees and the thriving vegetables – Rick and Allison
• Trellis the cucumbers using the tomato baskets – Allison
• Thin the carrots – Julie

With more actions in the works:

• Plant a new crop of peas in the fall – Andie
• Plant lavender between the trees - Andie

Harvesting Expectations:
Some of us had expected that if we worked in the garden, we would be rewarded with the food from the garden. Some saw the garden as becoming self-sufficient – selling our produce and herbs at church or perhaps at The People’s Market to cover garden expenses. Still others envisioned sharing our harvest with those either inside or outside our church who are hungry. However, what we have found is that the amount of food that our garden is producing is not (at least, not yet) sufficient to be worth driving it across town to the food distribution services. Here is the alternative approach we decided on – at least until/unless the bounty increases.

Harvesting Plan - what we decided:
If you work in the garden, you should be rewarded with the food from the garden. Harvest only what you can use or share with someone you know who needs help with meeting their food needs. For each item you harvest, set aside a can of food for donation to the food distribution service of your choice. Increase your donation to the food distribution service over and above the food donations you have made in previous years.