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Harvest Update

I apologize for the absence of summer updates, but we’ve been busy in the garden… We’ve been through pounds of peas, a ridiculous volume of lettuce and now we’re onto the ceaseless amount squash and beans… So far in 2015 the three garden locations have donated over 1,500 lbs to the Port Townsend Food Bank, as well as a few loads to neighboring food banks and some salad to other community organizations. As always, we thank all of the volunteers for making this happen, and also invite anyone in the community that is interested in our mission to reach out and see how you can get involved! We can use help planting winter crops, harvesting, planning and promoting – we welcome whatever talents you have! Email [email protected] for more information.

Progress at the High School Garden!

What a difference a couple months can make! Back in April the asphalt was torn up in front of the entrance to the garden and we were just beginning to turn under the cover crops. Fast forward to June and the asphalt is gone – thanks to Moving Earth – and the rows are flourishing!

The high school food bank garden is unique in that during the school year students are able to volunteer and learn about growing their own food – and some of the produce ends up in the school cafeteria. During the summer when there are no students, all of the produce is donated to the food bank. This garden is managed by Food Bank Farm and Gardens (FBFG) President, Lys Burden, and brand new FBFG garden coordinator, Joanne Pontrello.

Before and After rowsTurning cover crop, April 2015 (L) and Peas, Broccoli, Chard and Kale growing in those same rows, June 2015 (R)

Before and After asphaltBroken asphalt, April 2015 (L) and New Garden Space with asphalt removed, June 2015 (R)

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April 2015 (Above) June 2015 (Below)

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Many thanks to all of the volunteers that have helped develop this garden! If you would like to find out more about this project or get involved, contact garden coordinators Lys – [email protected] or Joanne – [email protected].

We have a New Hoop House!

Thanks to many volunteers, the Grange Food Bank Garden location now has a hoop house! The addition of the hoop house means that we will be able to start plants on site, extend our growing season and grow plants that need warmer temperatures to flourish.

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Work still needs to be done to complete the project including building doors and extending the fence around the hoop house. As always, let us know you’re interested in volunteering by emailing [email protected]!

PTHS Garden Party

Our first “all hands on deck” work party was an excellent day for turning cover crops and planting starts. Despite the threat of inclement weather, nine volunteers gathered to help get the Port Townsend High School Food Bank Garden ready for spring planting. Thank you to everyone that made it!

Cover crops planted in the fall are turned into the soil in order to replenish much needed soil nutrients. Soil amendments may also be added throughout the season to keep the soil quality high.

You may also notice the large amounts of broken concrete – our expansion has begun! Once the concrete has been cleared this garden will encompass almost 10,000 square feet.

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Mark your calendars for our next Garden Party Saturday, May 9th at the Quimper Grange Food Bank Garden location! Everyone is welcome even if you haven’t volunteers before. Contact [email protected] for more information.

All Hands on Deck

Happy Spring!

Thank you all for turning out for our volunteer meeting.  Our first ‘all hands on deck’ work party is coming up.  Mark your Calendars!

 

Location: PTHS Garden (down behind the Gael Stuart Building across from HS)
Date:       Saturday, April 11, 2015
Time:        9 – Noon & Lunch to follow

 

Our goal is to turn under the cover crop to ready the beds for this year’s crops. There will be fun, work, good food, drink & friendship(s) on hand. There is no time commitment required.  If you can come for one hour, GREAT! If you can come for 3 hours, FABULOUS! If you just want to join us for lunch, you’re welcome! If you can’t come at all, that’s O.K. too.  There will be plenty of other opportunities.